Community

Elder abuse is a global problem.  International studies report that 3% – 10% of older people experience abuse or neglect each year.  It happens to men and women of every religious, cultural, ethnic and income group. However, much abuse goes unreported.  It has been estimated that only 16% of all abuse …

There has been some publicity recently about neglect and abuse of older people in residential care facilities. These cases have prompted some serious inquires into the level of care provided. Institutional abuse, although much less common, can occur in places such as residential care homes, rehabilitation and continuing care wards, as …

Financial abuse, along with, and often combined with, psychological abuse is probably the most common form of elder abuse. In New Zealand it is estimated that approximately half of all elder abuse cases involved financial abuse. What is it and why does it matter? The World Health Organisation defines financial …

“Elder Abuse and Neglect is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. Definition adopted from WHO Toronto Declaration on the Global Prevention of Elder Abuse, 2002 Up …

Many people plan to do some form of volunteering after they retire. As we learnt in What is a silver economy? it’s estimated older people contributed a total of $8.5 billion to their communities through unpaid and voluntary work in New Zealand. Over 65s have spent hours visiting older people, delivering meals, …

Older adults are increasingly shaping economies all over the world. Tapping into the “silver market”, engaging the over 65s as consumers, offers great opportunities. Property developers, car makers, technology companies, financial services firms and the pharmaceutical industry are all cashing in on the silver dollar and are tailoring their offerings accordingly. …

A recent study conducted by Victoria University aimed to gain better understanding why older people decide to study later in life. People aged 60 plus represented a very small proportion of students at Victoria University who came into their study – only one in every 300; 21 were interviewed in …

Nearly one in two (46%) New Zealanders want to keep working past 65 68% of retirees want to keep working for the ability to use their skills and talents, 31% say it’s to pay the bills Growing numbers of people are reaching retirement and realising there’s one thing they can’t …

Wellington social justice advocate and public servant, Kim Workman is the recipient of the 2018 Metlifecare Senior New Zealander of the Year Award. The winners of the 2018 New Zealander of the Year Awards were announced last night at the annual Gala in Auckland. Extraordinary Kiwis were celebrated and commended …

Withdrawing from society isn’t a natural part of ageing unless you choose it. We are social creatures. We like to spend time together, talking, laughing and sometimes crying. But there are times in life where interaction becomes minimal. Everyone experiences loneliness at one time or another, and these feelings usually …