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Why do we mark International Days? International days are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the …

It is estimated that there are 30,000 individuals in New Zealand affected by blindness or low vision (low vision refers to people who have limited useful sight, even with their best pair of glasses). 64% are people aged 65 and above. Most Common Eye Conditions in New Zealand The most …

The 20th century brought about major social changes with respect to civil and human rights. Medical advances during this period meant that the likelihood of surviving an injury or illness was far greater. People began to live longer and the average life expectancy of people with severe impairments increased. Driven …

Elderhood is said to be one of the 3 main developmental stages of human life. Childhood is the first stage. Adulthood is the second major stage of human life. Elderhood is the third. Dr. Bill Thomas in his book, Second Wind, explores this stage. He states this stage is when accomplishments and …

Reframing our words and concepts is important, especially in the fight against ageism. Ageism is particularly apparent and pervasive in the language we use in western society and it seems to be one of the remaining ‘isms’ people don’t feel embarrassed to express in public. It’s everywhere. We even hear …

Elder abuse is a global problem. It is difficult to know exactly how common elder abuse is, as most goes unreported.  An analysis of data from the New Zealand Longitudinal Study of Ageing concluded that 10% of the population aged over 65 years who are living in the community experience …

Did you know that approximately half of what Auckland households send to landfill is compostable material? 10% is from the garden and whopping 40% is from the kitchen. This food waste alone weighs in at about 90,000 tonnes each year! There is something easy you can do to help fix this …

Another way to help the planet out is to say “no”, especially to single use items. This is arguably the easiest thing you could do to help the environment! You can refuse to buy products that create unnecessary waste, or any waste at all! Opt for fruits and vegetables that …

Do you have a job that needs doing around the house that you need one specific tool for? Once you have finished that job are you likely to need that tool again? Or, are you going to an event where you want a new frock or suit for, but are …

Advertisement has done a wonderful job of selling us on the attractiveness and benefits of buying “new”, “improved”, “special”, etc. products. Coupled with social media’s power of making you think you ‘need’ a product and setting the trends from food, drink, furniture, clothing, make-up etc. How much of that stuff …