I feel down quite a lot. Is this a normal part of ageing?
No, it’s not a normal part of ageing but it’s a common experience of ageing. Let us explain some more. Western tradition has tended to see our physical health as being separate to anything else in our lives. Increasingly though, we are all becoming aware that our physical, mental, emotional,...
Carer stress is real - carers need time out too
A caring role is often stressful and no matter how strong and capable you think your carer is, they will need regular time out to recharge their physical and mental batteries. So, who is a carer? While in this instance it’s Sally, a person may be considered a carer even...
Care home or more home support? Considerations & scenarios.
These decisions can be complex so, after you've thought through what some acceptable options are for you, we advise that you obtain professional financial and legal advice. If you stay at home, are all the support services you require available? If you intend to pass on some inheritance, some of...
What's the best way to use this website?
Eldernet Life is about change and whatever your next step, Eldernet is here to help you make decisions that are right for you. Residential Care Search New Zealand’s most comprehensive directory of rest homes and specialist residential care – including up-to-date vacancies. While you’re there, why not order yourself a...
How I can feel part of my new community?
If you are new to an area you may find it's not as easy to make friends without the things that made introductions easier in early life. There are new strategies you can adopt. It's all about making your new introductions as natural as possible and it often means going...
Are there legal measures to prevent abuse of assisted dying?
From 7 November 2021, those over 18 who experience unbearable suffering from a terminal illness can legally ask for medical assistance to end their lives (under the End of Life Choice 2019 Act ). The legislation sets tight controls about who can access the option but the crucial term here...
The hard conversations e.g., I don’t think mum’s coping
It’s important to understand, in the first instance, that some people are happy to live the way they do. They may not have lived this way in the past, however some are happy to make a trade off with the standard of living they have now, with their ability to...
What can I do to keep my mind active?
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...
Do I have to have an assessment to access extra support?
Most formal, subsidised services in New Zealand are accessed via some sort of assessment, and most commonly, in this context, the interRAI assessment. If you don’t have an assessment, you will have to pay privately for any services you want or need. Find a range of services to suit your...
Staying social is key to living well as you age
As we age, it can be easy to become isolated and withdraw from social connections. However, research has shown that staying social and maintaining strong connections with family, friends, and the community is key to living well as we get older. Studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness are...
Is brain decline inevitable with age?
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...
What is going to keep you functioning as well as possible?
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...
I'm lonely. What can I do to feel better and less lonely?
It’s natural to look back over life and reflect. While our minds want to settle on more positive thoughts, it is all too easy to think about the things we have lost, done or not done, and things we now regret. Feeling lonely at these times is normal but dwelling...
What happens as we die? | Kathryn Mannix | TED

Keeping safe at home
We should all feel safe and secure in our homes, whether we own, rent, or live in a retirement village. Here, we share some valuable home safety tips for people of all ages as well as some useful tools for older people looking for extra security measures to assist when...
Should I have to wait to get an assessment?
Ideally you wouldn't have to wait to get an an interRAI assessment. In some areas of New Zealand (especially if you’re considered non-urgent) the wait for an interRAI assessment can be long, however. During this time, you may find that your situation changes. If this is the case, then you...
Can I go to the public hospital if I'm unwell?
You can go to a public hospital if you are seriously unwell, and it is an emergency. For all other times you need to be referred by a health professional, usually your doctor. If it’s an emergency phone 111 and ask for an ambulance. If you’re near the hospital and...
Home safety checklist
While making your home a safer place, make sure you also stay as fit an active as you can. If you have good strength and balance it's much easier to regain your footing if you trip. Outside Ensure that path surfaces and gradients are safe, clear and moss free. Steps...
Why should I worry about my teeth?
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...
What is elder abuse?
What is elder abuse? I'm worried about what's going on at my friend's place. What can be done? We know it’s hard to ask for help, regardless of whether you’re the person being treated in this way, the person behaving in this way or someone who is concerned about a...
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