Health & Wellbeing

Elder abuse can be psychological, financial, physical or sexual. It affects both men and women. It occurs regardless of a person’s race, religion, class or sexual orientation. It takes many forms, such as verbal abuse or humiliation, physical harm, prevention of decision-making, denial of contact or social isolation. Age Concern …

Professor Miriam Lips and Dr Elizabeth Eppel Effective use of the internet, or digital inclusion, is critical for us all in these unprecedented times. However, seniors belong to the groups in our society more likely to not be digitally included. In a study among 158 people of 65 years and …

Monday, June 15, marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the first day of a week-long awareness campaign. Here are some tips from Simon Templeton of Age Concern Canterbury on avoiding financial abuse. One in 10 people aged 65+ will experience some form of elder abuse. The abuse occurs in many …

Financial stress can be the result of rising debt, a job loss, insufficient earnings, high living costs or even money troubles in your relationship. Whatever the circumstances, being worried about money takes a mental and physical toll, plus it can strain relations with your significant other, family, workmates and friends. …

The Commerce Commission wants feedback on proposed rules that require home phone providers to support customers on new technologies in the event of a power cut. This is called the 111 contact code. The commission, whose duties include being New Zealand’s telecommunications regulator, is particularly interested to hear from those …

Fundamental change is coming for the health sector. Combine the critique of the current model from the Health and Disability System Review panel with the huge sums of money in the Budget for Vote: Health and that much is clear. That there already was a Health and Disability System Review …

Now that we’re in Level 2 and breaking our bubbles, aged care expert Miranda Smith of private homecare agency Miranda Smith Homecare is urging all Kiwis with a vulnerable older person in their family or whanau to take a close look at their hygiene practices. Building an infection prevention plan …

With retail still subject to COVID-19 restrictions, you may find you are eating more processed and refined foods and less fibre. Fibre helps prevent constipation, gives you the best chance of having a regular, comfortable bowel habit and is a great ‘food’ for the microorganisms in our gut, keeping the …

1. Keep your weight down Obesity is linked with osteoarthritis (loss of cartilage in the joints), which commonly affects knees and hips. Carrying too much weight can also lead to varicose veins. Varicose veins are not life-threatening but they look unsightly and can be painful. 2. Walk Exercise is very …

Older people, particularly those with underlying health conditions, were initially thought to be more susceptible to COVID-19, but in many ways older people and retirees may be better equipped psychologically to cope with this very strange time we find ourselves in. Older people have the experience of retirement to draw …