Health & Wellbeing

Melting moments are so versatile. They can be rolled into balls, piped through a piping bag, served plain or dipped in chocolate, or baked with jam as in jam drops. Chef Terence Austin has taken the Kiwi favourite and come up with a gluten-free version so everyone can enjoy them. …

Retirement villages have expanded rapidly, now housing one in eight people aged 75 and over. Little is known though about residents, including their health status and needs. To remedy this, Dr Joanna Broad of the University of Auckland led a study of the residents of 33 villages in Auckland. The …

Chef Terence Austin is committed to ensuring older people get great food and the variety they deserve. His recipes are also sure to delight all ages – what grandchild can turn down a classic Kiwi afghan biscuit? This version of the home-baking staple has the added advantage of being gluten-free. …

Since 2003, Age Concern NZ has set up over 230 Steady As You Go© groups, and over 4,400 people take part weekly in the classes across Aotearoa. However, during the COVID-19 restrictions, the classes had to be paused due to lockdowns, limits on events and the risks associated with social …

New Zealand has switched from one dementia screening test to another, from the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA©) to the Mini-Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (Mini-ACE). The new cognitive screening test evaluates four main areas – orientation, memory, language and visuospatial function. It is now the recommended screening tool for use by primary …

A new patient hoist that enables a single helper to pick up and move someone with mobility issues has won the Best Aged Care Solution category at the inaugural HealthTech Supernode Challenge, sponsored by Ryman Healthcare. Christchurch company HT Systems developed the Kera Transfer Aid, as the device is called. …

Vicky Graham and her dogs Hunter and Piers are part of Canine Friends, an organisation that has been arranging for dogs to visit rest homes for 30 years. She tells Eldernet why she finds the visits so rewarding, and what makes a good therapy dog. How did you come to …

Most people are aware of the dangers of drinking too much, but alcohol’s ability to wreak havoc on the body is the subject of a new set of discussion videos called ‘tipple + topple’. The series of 10 videos, funded through a Ryman Healthcare grant of $20,000, are being used …

The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry is investigating the historical abuse of children, young people and vulnerable adults in State and faith-based care in Aotearoa New Zealand. They are looking into why people were taken into care, what abuse they suffered, and the effects of the abuse on …

Has a health problem compromised your wellbeing or ability to live as independently as possible? An interRAI assessment identifies what might bring an improvement and whether support services would help. Sheryl’s father, Alan, was assessed as part of his transition to a retirement village. Here, Sheryl describes what the process …