Kia ora and welcome to this edition of The Old Times. It ceases to amaze me, that with the aid of technology, we are now, more than ever, privileged spectators of planet Earth. With e Papatūānuku being given time to heal, we are witnessing nature flourish and our skies become more luminous. As life begins to return to 'normal', I hope that you are feeling energised and invigorated to view all that we have, with fresh and grateful eyes. Best wishes
Lucy Willard Membership and Events Coordinator
Insulation and an efficient heater have become even more affordable following the Government announcement that grants will increase to 90% of the cost (heater grants capped at $3,000, including GST). Generous contributions from community funders mean there is no cost to homeowners for insulation in some regions. The grants are aimed at homeowners with a Community Services Card, as well as homeowners living in lower-income areas. A warm, dry home does not prevent Cov-19 but it does reduce the risk of respiratory issues and decreases doctor’s visits and hospitalisations. You can find out whether you are eligible for a grant at www.warmerkiwihomes.govt.nz or free call 0800 749 782. Social Media Government grants covering 90% of the cost of insulation and/or an efficient heater (heater grants capped) are now available if you have a Community Services Card or live in a lower-income area. Find out more www.warmerkiwihomes.govt.nz
SuperGold cardholders will get a free annual health and eye check-up as part of health spending that mostly goes to DHBs that are tackling huge treatment backlogs caused by the Covid-19 lockdown.
New funding has been earmarked to roll-out a promised free annual health check-up for the country's more than 750,000 SuperGold cardholders, including an eye check (policy that was included in the New Zealand First-Labour Coalition agreement).
That will cost nearly $13m in 2020/21, rising to an estimated $61.6m a year from 2021/22. No start date has been determined, and the checks may not be available until next year. Read more
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us are spending more time than ever at home. This means more hours sitting at the desk, in front of the TV, or on the couch.
It's important to set aside time to get up and move, of course, but it's also important to maintain good posture while sitting. Today you'll learn easy ways to ensure proper posture while sitting, its amazing benefits, and we share exercises that will help you achieve it.
Poor posture affects more than just how you look. Your mind has the incredible ability to maintain awareness of the position of your body, even when you can't see yourself. This ability, called proprioception is key to understanding the power of posture to change your mood.
Researchers in New Zealand had 74 participants complete a series of tasks to assess the relationship between posture and several physical and psychological metrics, including heart rate, blood pressure, mood, self-esteem, and stress levels. Read more
Protect yourself, your whānau, and your community The quicker we can contact people who might have come into contact with COVID-19, the quicker we can stop the spread of the virus.
Don't have a smartphone?
You can still register online to share your latest contact information.
“By signing up to this app, you're helping keep yourself and your family safer and supporting New Zealand to stop the spread of COVID-19. This will ensure we can all return to doing the things we enjoy as soon as possible.” Ngā mihi nui,
Dr Ashley Bloomfield Director-General of Health
Contact Age Concern Hamilton
Phone: 07 838 2266
Open Mon - Fri 8:30am - 3:00pm P. 07 838 2266 F. 07 838 2268
email: enquiries@ageconcern.gen.nz
Celebrating Age Centre 30 Victoria Street Hamilton 3204