Kia ora and welcome to this edition of The Old Times. As we prepare to celebrate the ‘Knights of Gallipoli’ (as the Anzacs were referred to by the London newspapers), let us remember the sacrifices that were made by our brave soldiers so many years ago. In the words of Laurence Binyon's poem, For the Fallen, They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them. Enjoy the long weekend and take a moment to reflect on all our blessings, past and present. Warmest regards
Lucy Willard Leader Volunteer Services
When Peter Williams and Dennis King signed up for Age Concern’s accredited visitor service, they got exactly what they were looking for.
The pair met six months ago – Mr King as a client and Mr Williams as a volunteer.
Mr King had recently moved to Oamaru from Australia to be closer to family – he has a daughter in Christchurch and a son in Weston.
He was signed up for the programme by his daughter, Julie, and soon looked forward to his weekly visits from Mr Williams.
“We get on pretty well,” Mr King said.
“We are on the same wavelength.”
He really valued having someone to talk to, especially after moving countries.
“We are a social animal.” Read more
Students from Western Heights High School were excited to see their names published in a book where they have shared the interesting, unique stories of some of Rotorua's elderly.
Age Concern Rotorua organised the intergenerational book project and the book - titled "A Purpose in Life" - is now finished and published.
Some of the students who took part received copies at school on Monday.
Age Concern Rotorua manager Rory O'Rourke says the project was about getting students to interview some of the older citizens around Rotorua who have at some stage given back, and who are still giving back, to the community, and then write their stories. Read more
71-year-old Margaret Ereckson​ is effortlessly peforming abdominal exercises in her hallway to get the perfect photo.
When she was in her mid-60s, the Invercargill woman shed 40 kilograms and began racking up body-building trophies.Since then, the lean fitness machine's detailed daily notes show her regiment and commitment to fitness. Her Fitbit rarely registers less than 20,000 steps a day.
“I record every kilometre I do. I firmly believe if you keep fit it helps as you get old,” she said. “There’s a lot of years behind you and not a lot ahead.”
As a population, we're ageing well. Research shows most older New Zealanders enjoy good physical, mental and social health, but there's no secret to good ageing – academics say growing old well comes down to a lifetime of health impacts. Read more
Collective housing, which includes co-housing, has come of age.
Not to be confused with old-style communes, modern collective housing developments can include purpose-built, sustainably designed multi-unit projects with shared amenities, such as outdoor living areas and laundries, and spaces that can be booked for large gatherings.
They are designed to be intergenerational, which is a large part of their appeal – residents enjoy belonging to a community. Older people appreciate having the opportunity to help out young families, who in turn value their experience. And all residents benefit from reduced living costs. Read more
What would ‘A Better Waikato for Everyone, Forever’ actually look like?
That was a question we asked in our Waikato Vital Signs survey last year, drawing responses from across the region.
In Hamilton, the dreams were of things like better long distance and city public transport, neighbourhoods safe from crime and traffic, and greater cultural inclusion.
In the Waikato’s towns, locals hope their identity and connection as a community can survive and be strengthened, ideally by their youngsters returning home or not having to leave in the first place.
Across the board, the Waikato Vital Signs submissions characterised a better future as a healthier environment and a sustainably prosperous economy, where the latter supports rather than compromises the former. Read more
You'll get the Winter Energy Payment automatically along with your other regular payments from Work and Income (either weekly or fortnightly).
The Winter Energy Payment:
A lovely creamy smooth soup. Perfect for kumara lovers! Recipe
Read the latest issues of Senior Watch for articles on topics including: Lime scooter rider found guilty of careless vehicle use after badly injuring woman - read more Fears euthanasia training will just be online course - Read more Dementia patient leaves secure unit undetected after 'wind gust' blows door open - Read more
Contact Age Concern Hamilton
Phone: 07 838 226
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