By Bryan Wall
Product Test Journalist | Kaipūrongo Whakamātautau Hautaonga
This article appeared in the spring 2026 issue of Consumer magazine.
Want to stay independent for longer? These affordable products could make a big difference to your day-to-day life.
Key turner
A cheaper alternative to the keyless entry pad is a key turner, a plastic attachment that gives you extra grip on your keys.
Jar opener
Food jars can be a real struggle to open, due to the vacuum suction created in manufacturing. Jar openers lever up the edge of the lid with minimal effort, releasing the suction and allowing the lid to be opened easily by hand.
Food slicer
Easy Slicer makes slicing easy! If you’ve ever slipped while trying to cut pumpkin or melon, you know the damage that can be done. This simple combined knife and board ($65, Easie Living) not only grips the food with the board spikes but also makes cutting easier with the fixed pivoting blade – ideal for those with reduced dexterity.
Pick-up tool
Have one of these handy to pick up your jar lids from the floor or to grab stuff from high shelves.
Read our complete room-by-room guide
Ready to make some bigger upgrades to your home so you can stay in it for longer? Consumer members can check out our full guide to future-proofing your favourite spaces.
Tipping kettle
Drinking a cuppa ain’t much fun with scalded hands, so if lifting and pouring a heavy kettle is problematic, you could consider a tipping kettle. This one from Uccello ($164, Mobility Centre) is an all-in-one solution – the base stays stable, while the kettle pivots for easy pouring.
Chair tips
These stick-on felt pads make it easier for you to slide your chair in and out from the dining table, without sending it tipping.
Non-slip underlay
You’ve made your chairs safe, but a rug sliding on the floor could still be your downfall. A simple non-slip underlay will avoid this calamity.
Cable manager
Keep your cables and cords streamlined and organised – and reduce tripping hazards – by using a cable manager. You can buy them relatively cheaply from shops like Kmart and Bunnings.
Walking stick
Many mobility devices value function at the expense of form. Not the Ooak walking stick ($198, Ooak.co), which has the perfect balance of the two and comes in two different woods, a variety of lengths and multiple handle colours. Oh, and it’s designed here in New Zealand, too.
Shower stool
Shower stools are all the rage – even IKEA has one that makes sitting down in the shower look stylish. They give you something to perch on while showering and make it easier if you need help washing.
