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Skype, email and messaging apps can be a great way to connect with loved ones. More and more older people are getting the benefits from using social media. According to a report published by Pew Research Centre in 2015, 35% of all American adults aged 65 and older said they were …

For a number of reasons, Christmas may not be the joyful holiday for older people it is made out to be in film and TV. Loneliness, mobility restrictions and disability may impact on an older persons’ ability to join in with on the Christmas celebrations. Here are a few ideas …

Chronic loneliness is not only horrible to experience day in, day out, it can also have a devastating impact on an older person’s mental and physical health. Studies show that about 10% of those over the age of 65 who live alone experience chronic loneliness. Living in isolation and loneliness …

At a time when we are living longer and healthier lives it is also the case that the glue that formerly kept families together and in communication with one another has been stretched to breaking point. The Care of the Children Act 2004 recognised this evolving family dynamic and the …

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 …