Health & Wellbeing

You often read about ‘low carb’ diets and how we should be cutting back on carbohydrates. But hold on a minute, not all carbohydrates are created equal. Highly processed carbohydrates such as white bread, cakes, biscuits and sugary drinks are often referred to as having empty calories. They provide calories …

The skin is the largest organ of the body. It is important to protect it and keep it healthy. Pressure injuries, sometimes known as pressure ulcers or bed sores, can be caused by pressure, friction and/or shear of the skin. A person is more at risk if they are sick, …

Graduating from university, getting an apprenticeship or taking an OE used to be a rite of passage not just for young adults but also for their parents. It marked a glorious time when the young left the nest and the parents’ job was done. The child had been raised to …

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 …