Health & wellbeing

What are compression garments? Compression garments are specialised types of clothing that fit tightly and provide gentle, consistent pressure to specific areas of the body. They are made from stretchy materials and are worn snugly against the skin. There are different styles for different parts of the body, including sleeves,...

As we age, our bodies undergo various changes that can affect our nutritional needs. One key nutrient that older adults need more of is protein. In New Zealand, many older adults may not be getting enough protein in their diets, which can lead to a variety of health problems. Protein...

Many of us will have heard the saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." It's fortunate then, that science tells a different story. It's true that our brains do change as we age. But they do not lose the ability to learn, they just learn differently. One study...

We would refer you to the following New Zealand websites: Healthify Ministry of Health - Diseases and conditions (Information about the Ministry’s work in relation to diseases and conditions.) Medsafe (Information about medication and medical devices.) Just a thought (New Zealand developed and operated FREE cognitive behavioural therapy online. Cognitive...

Gardening is one of the most rewarding ways to stay active as you get older. For many people it doesn't feel like exercise at all, but it does a lot of good for both body and mind. Gardening can: be an enjoyable way to exercise, rather than a chore increase...

Eating well becomes even more important as we get older. A nutritious diet can help you maintain your strength and energy, helping you remain in your own home for longer. Good food also supports bone and muscle health, helps your immune system work well, and reduces the risk of conditions...

When the long, sunny days of summer roll in, it’s important to stay mindful of your health. While the season is filled with opportunities for enjoying the warm weather, it’s worth being aware that the heat can present certain risks, particularly for older adults. Read on to discover some practical...

Socialising improves our mood, our mental health, and indirectly our physical health. On those counts alone it’s worth it. Perhaps you’ve lost a partner, or friend who used to accompany you or who you used to meet up with. Just getting out gives you yet unknown opportunities that you wouldn’t...

There are many schools of thought on this subject. We offer two for your consideration. For the majority of us we experience some cognitive decline as we get older and surprisingly this often starts in our 20s. A smaller number of people appear to have some protective features that prevent...

Many people assume that a leaky bladder is just part of getting older. But is it an inevitable part of ageing? No, is the short answer. While incontinence does become more common with age, it is not guaranteed, and there are many ways to improve your bladder or bowel health...

Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in New Zealand and the second most common cause of cancer death. It is estimated that around 3,300 new cases of bowel cancer are diagnosed each year in New Zealand, and more than 1,200 people die from the disease. The risk of...

There are many reasons why older people's appetite decrease; cooking for one, ill-fitting dentures, difficulty shopping, finances, and some medications are all factors that could leave them without much of an appetite. However, usually losing your appetite is a symptom of something else. If you are worried about yourself, or...

Maintaining your mental fitness is as important as staying physically fit, and often the two go hand in hand. Factors such as having regular physical exercise; staying well; seeing your doctor when you are unwell and having a good diet all contribute to good mental health. We can also exercise...

The following are commonly identified as important elements of a healthy lifestyle. Exercising, Getting enough sleep, Staying connected with other people, Keeping your brain active, Eating a healthy diet, Stopping smoking and reducing alcohol, Managing your health conditions and regularly reviewing your medication with your doctor. Living a healthy lifestyle...

A car that runs well, is looked after. So too with us; how we function depends on the maintenance of the vehicle that carries us along. While our genetic makeup and our past lifestyle plays a part, there is a lot that can be done to not only maintain our...

Mindfulness is a mental state of awareness that involves being fully present and engaged in the present moment, without judgement or distraction. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, and cultivating a sense of calm and focus. For older New Zealanders, mindfulness can be an effective...

It’s important to take care of your teeth , but navigating dental care costs can be a challenge, especially when you’re unsure about the financial options available to help. In this article, we’ll tell you about who typically pays for dental care in New Zealand, the average costs of common...

Good bone density means that your bones are less brittle and more resistant to breaking. This matters more as you get older. A broken bone, particularly a hip, can mean a long recovery and can affect your ability to live independently. Retaining bone density is particularly important for women, who...

We expect that our diet and appetite will change as we age, and to a certain point eating less as you get older is normal. Mobility issues may cause older people to reduce the amount of physical activity they do, and their metabolism may slow down which results in less...

As you age , it becomes even more important to take good care of y our teeth. T aking care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about avoiding tooth loss - it's also a key part of maintaining good overall health. R esearch has suggested that the different parts...

Our eyes and ears can be indicators of our health and may be more implicated in wider health issues that was previously thought. Hearing Good hearing has a far greater impact on our health than has previously been understood. Research suggests a link between hearing loss and mental decline and...