Search Results for "mental health foundation"

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...

Healthy eating is a major factor in helping people remain in their own homes. Our appetite may decrease as we age but it is still important to eat three meals a day, healthy snacks and foods of high nutritional value. Planning, preparing and cooking meals and keeping regular mealtimes are...

You may be able to access free or subsidised health and disability services if you meet the following criteria: a NZ citizen or permanent resident or an Australian citizen or permanent resident who’s lived, or intends to live, in NZ for at least 2 years or a work visa holder...

As we get older, we may start feeling like we’re not as mentally sharp as we were 10 – or even 5 – years ago. While this can be frustrating, it’s unfortunately a normal part of ageing. In fact, we all experience changes to brain functionality as early as our...

Living in a healthy home – one that is warm and dry - has been linked to improved physical and mental health, and overall wellbeing. There is evidence to show that living in a warmer and drier home prevents rates of illness (particularly for people with respiratory issues), and reduced...

If you are over 65, you may be able to get help with paying health-related costs. Most GPs belong to a Primary Health Organisation (PHO). These are bulk funded to look after the health of the people who are enrolled with their service. Most New Zealanders are enrolled. You generally...

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...

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...

Losing a loved one is an undeniably tough thing to go through. Unfortunately, all of us at some point in our lives will go through a significant loss or other traumatic event. As Dr Lucy Hone, codirector at the New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing & Resilience, eloquently puts it: adversity...

When people in the older persons’ health sector are talking about an assessment, they’re generally talking about the interRAI assessment , otherwise know as a needs assessment. (Other assessments include ACC, mental health, equipment and housing modification assessments.) The interRAI assessment is the standard assessment ‘tool’ (a computer-based programme) used...

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...

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...

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...

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...

interRAI is a well-tested and researched assessment tool used in Aotearoa New Zealand and many other countries around the world. There are a range of assessments designed to suit various populations groups e.g. children, youth, adults etc. Individual assessments are conducted around Aotearoa New Zealand. These provide health professionals and...

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...

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...

What are levels of care in New Zealand? Levels of care are essentially types of care. Currently there are four ‘levels of care’ in New Zealand: Rest Home Those who require this level of care usually have some ability to get about on their own or with some help. They...