Community

For many, our pets are an integral part of our family. Owning pets provides many benefits to our health and well-being, one of the major benefits being companionship.  Owning pets can help reduce stress, encourage regular physical activity and gives owners a reason to get out of bed.  Pets provide …

When we think of the benefits of volunteering, the first thing that comes to mind is the impact of the volunteer activities on the health of the community and those being served. However, more and more research is demonstrating that we can get as much out of volunteering as the …

There has been an update to our story : What are your ID options with Hospitality New Zealand revamping and re-branding their 18+ Card to the “Kiwi Access Card”. The Kiwi Access Card was developed after consultation with agencies such as the Department of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Social Development, Office …

With Christmas fast approaching, and most of our tendencies to do a bit of over-spend I thought it was a good time to highlight the growing power of the “Silver Dollar”, and why retailers should be thinking of ways to make the shopping experience easier for older people. In 2011, …

Christmas is a time when many family and friends will get together to celebrate and socialize. It is important then to take a moment and think about and to reach out to those in our communities who may not have this experience this year. As we age people will experience …

There has been a number of changes to banking practices in New Zealand in the last few years. This article aims to highlight two in particular, the closure of local bank branches and changes in the code of banking practices, and examine the affect these changes have on older people. …

Another group who has championed the rights of older people is Grey Power. Grey Power is a voluntary organization founded in February 1986 by a group of angry Superannuitants protesting against the imposition of a surcharge on New Zealand Superannuation.  First started as the Auckland Superannuitants Association, the founders were very vocal …

Age Concern has advocated for older people’s rights and welfare in some regions for over 60 years and nationally for over 40 years. In February 1972, the National Old People’s Welfare Council was incorporated, officially becoming Age Concern New Zealand in 1991. Over this time Age Concern has done some …

With our society ageing and becoming more diverse, having prominent New Zealanders advocating for older people has never been more important. SuperSeniors is run by the Office for Seniors. It is a gateway to information on government services for anyone aged 65+. They have complied a list of what they call …

Hamilton is the 600th city to join the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities. It is a big achievement for the city, with Hamilton the first New Zealand city to be accepted. Hamilton has had a long term interest in the voice of older people …