Keeping On THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY Vol 95: Spring 2017 Positive Ageing Expo celebrates International Day of Older Persons, Page 13 Phone (03) 366-0903, Fax: (03) 365-0639, Email: [email protected], www.ageconcerncan.org.nz Charities Commission Number: CCC29446 AUGUST 2017 2 KEEPING ON FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT “Older people are the number of cases we are dealing At the AGM Social Development for Elder Abuse, vital, contributing with over the last two years. If that this year I an area that we are very familiar with members of our isn’t sobering enough, we know we was privileged as Age Concern has been active in society. They see only a tiny fraction of the abuse to receive a this field for a long time. The Health work, volunteer that is happening. nomination for, staff are very experienced in this field and raise young If you know of, or suspect, an and subsequently and it is business as usual for them. people. They older person is having to endure be elected as The geographical area we service hold our nation’s any form of abuse, contact our staff President of now is from Kaikoura to Timaru and memory and are a at Age Concern Canterbury for free, Age Concern the West Coast. There will be new deep repository of the rich traditions confidential advice or support. Canterbury. I feel very honoured to staff come on board to look after the and cultures that make our nation Falls are not a normal part of ageing diverse and vibrant. The abuse or but ACC statistics tell us that one in be in this position and it will be a outer reaches of our responsibility. neglect of any one of them diminishes three older people will fall in the next hard act to follow in the foot-steps of all of us,” Kathy Greenlee. year. Age Concern Canterbury has Annette Harris who has served Age At the Age Concern New Zealand This quote was used as part of started providing Steady As You Go Concern Canterbury so well and for annual meeting and conference this our World Elder Abuse Awareness (SAYGo) classes across much of so long. year Canterbury nominated Stephen campaign (June 15 – 22), and for me Christchurch and in North Canterbury, As Annette retired from office she Phillips for a place on the board in sums up beautifully the value of older which improve your strength and was given special mention at the Wellington. Our nomination was people to the fabric of our society, balance, lowering your risk of falling. AGM. We gave her a presentation successful and Stephen has been and the effect elder abuse has on us If you have had a fall, or have lost of flowers, a gift and granted her attending meetings of Future Forward all. We must get back to a place of some confidence around your Honorary Life membership of Age for the organisation. The upper South respecting older people – elder abuse walking, go to our website, or give us Concern Canterbury. Island had a meeting at the end of must stop. a call, to find where the nearest class I will do my best to uphold all June to put our collective thoughts Age Concern Canterbury has is for you to join. that we value at Age Concern and together so we can have a say in the recently been successful in tendering In early October this year Age continue to advance the cause for future look of Age Concern, staying for the new Elder Abuse Response Concern Canterbury will be hosting improvement in our service. We must focussed on our core values. Service (EARS). This contract, our 11th Positive Ageing Expo. We be mindful to look out for the good Take care in this very cold winter, funded by the Ministry of Social will again be partnering with Papanui health and wellbeing of the elderly in Development (MSD), is for three years High School, a relationship that has look after yourselves and your elderly and for us covers the geographical developed over many years, and the community. neighbours. Keep warm and well. areas of: Canterbury (including where we see the strengths, benefits We have successfully applied for and Trish Adams North Canterbury, Christchurch, Mid and outcomes from intergenerational won the contract from the Ministry of President Canterbury, South Canterbury) and working that delivers a fantastic day the West Coast. for older people. It is more than a The new contract will focus on front day out – it is a smorgasbord of line services, working directly with older information relating to every aspect people who are experiencing elder of an older person’s life, come along abuse. There are many thousands of and see what is available – the things older people who experience abuse you learn could be useful now or in each year, 75 per cent of abusers are the future. family members, and 50 per cent of Ngā mihi nui the abuse is financial. We have seen Simon Templeton a more than 100 percent increase in Chief Executive CONTENTS Annette Harris, retiring Age Concern Canterbury President, accepts flowers from Trish Adams, President, Age Concern Canterbury Page 5, Record holder Max Wood, sets goals Page 9, With pen and paper Keeping On OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY (INC) Keeping On is distributed by Age Concern Canterbury to Christchurch Malls, Senior Citizen Clubs and Groups, Libraries, Medical Centres, Rest Homes, Hospitals and Institutions, Housing Complexes and Agencies working with older people and individuals. Keeping On is published quarterly in February, May, August and November each year. Written contributions for consideration can be posted to The Editor, Keeping On at Age Concern Canterbury, 24 Main North Road, Papanui, Christchurch 8053 or contact The Editor on: Page 25, New Zealand’s modern Ph: (03) 366-0903, Fax: (03) 365-0639, or email [email protected]. history: Ruthanasia Page 26, Judy always loved to sing The Keeping On Team: Dayl Milne - Editor, David Gee - Journalist, Page 6, Second Abbeyfield residential home being built Anna-Marie Hunter - Advertising Representative/Desktop Publisher. Page 11, Highlights and tripping tips in Europe Views and opinions expressed in Keeping On are not necessarily those Page 17, Step out of your comfort zone and enhance your life of the Editor or Age Concern Canterbury. Neither does publication of an Page 21, Staying connected impacts on how well we eat advertisement imply endorsement by Age Concern Canterbury. AUGUST 2017 KEEPING ON 3 Reduce risk of developing dementia by Lee Andrews and Philippa Cosgrove, Educators, Dementia Canterbury As public awareness of dementia monitored and treated as necessary. “Sit and Be Fit”. 5. Be social grows, more people are keen to Additionally, be aware of any issues 3. Eat healthy Finding ways to stay positively find out what they can do to reduce with cholesterol, diabetes and obesity, We all know that food fuels our body connected with others is likely to be their risk of developing dementia. and of course refrain from smoking. and brain. Evidence suggests that beneficial to brain health because it is According to a growing body of 2. Physical activity and exercise a Mediterranean type diet is helpful stimulating for the brain. It may also evidence there are practical steps we Being active is a vital part of well- in reducing the risk of dementia. A reduce the risk of both depression can take now to reduce our risk, no being. It helps to control blood Mediterranean diet is high in oily fish, and dementia. matter what age we are. Alzheimer’s pressure, increase blood flow to plant based foods, legumes, olive oil Additionally, managing stress, Disease International recommends the brain, improve mood, and may and nuts. getting enough sleep, practising the following five ways that people even strengthen and renew areas 4. Use your brain meditation, having regular dental can reduce their risk. Fortunately, it of the brain connected with memory Learning something new builds new care and hearing checks, plus is never too late to make any of the and learning. The ideal exercise pathways in the brain, which can help volunteering, are all important following changes to our lifestyle. programme will combine aerobic protect against structural changes in aspects of brain health that may have 1. What’s good for your heart is exercise with resistance training. the brain associated with dementia. protective factors. Of course there good for your brain People with limited mobility are often It’s never too late to start learning a will be people who, despite following Treat blood pressure, especially still able to exercise from a seated new language, musical instrument, all these principles of healthy living, if in midlife you have high blood position and many community centres dance step or anything that will bring will still go on to develop dementia, pressure, ensure you have it checked, offer exercise programmes such as enjoyment and fun to your life. however, the onset may be delayed. Driving Miss Daisy - we are not just for seniors Over the years Driving Miss Daisy a high quality service to senior citizens regular at retirement villages and clients get out and about, so they can has built up a reputation for providing who no longer drive. They are a rest homes across the country and live life to the full and enjoy every senior citizen clients form the largest moment. proportion of their client base. But If you have an activity you would did you know that they also provide like them to help with please call them Driving Miss Daisy our services to younger people who today to discuss – they look forward don’t drive? to seeing you soon! – we’ve got Canterbury covered! Some clients have a disability or North Canterbury - Anne-Marie medical condition which means they Chellew can’t drive.