Free transport a success for seniors

2009-03-11 09:46:00 Free transport a success for seniors - Age Concern SuperGold Card holders have made over two and a half million bus, rail and ferry journeys since the free off-peak public transport scheme began last October. Age Concern says the scheme has been a great success – in areas where it's available – and rejects any suggestion that the scheme is being used to fund jaunts. "Building community involvement has real health and welfare benefits," Age Concern's Alistair Stewart says. "Free off-peak transport is win/win. It's good for older people; it's good for public transport as it uses spare off-peak capacity, and it's good for the environment as it replaces car journeys. "People aged over 65 are using free public transport to get to work (paid or voluntary), visit friends, do their shopping and generally keep engaged with their communities. "The average fare subsidy is just $2.19 – that's a great investment. $18 million per year is available so $5.5 million for the first four months of the scheme is within budget." Age Concern welcomes Prime Minister John Key's support for the scheme and his commitment to "fund the increase" if it becomes more popular than budgeted. But Age Concern warns that not all older people are benefiting. For example, Auckland transport operators received over $2.8 million and senior Aucklanders can travel for free any time in the day after 9am. On the other hand, Age Concern points out that Gisborne and Marlborough got just $4000 each and the West Coast got nothing. "Some areas with significant senior populations don't have off-peak public transport. Families, communities and community organisations like Age Concern are having to fill in gaps in services if we're going to help older people make the most out of life," Alistair Stewart says. Go to article

New Code for retirement village residents a step backwards

2008-10-08 16:58:00 Protection for older people through the Retirement Villages Code of Practice 2008, out this afternoon, is welcome and it has been a long time coming, Age Concern National President Liz Baxendine says. "We're pleased to finally have it, but it's still one year away from taking effect and some provisions are a step backwards from the earlier Code of Practice." Go to article

Thousands unaware of risk from high Blood Pressure

2008-09-08 12:04:00 Thousands unaware of risk from high Blood Pressure The NZ Stroke Foundation urges New Zealanders to have a blood pressure test and reduce the risk of becoming a statistic of this countrys second single biggest killer and the leading cause of disability. Statistics show that thousands of kiwis are unknowingly suffering from undiagnosed high blood pressure - the single biggest risk factor for stroke. The figures also reveal that this risk varies greatly across ethnicities, with Maori/Pacific and Asian ethnicities at much higher risk of some strokes at a younger age than NZ/Europeans. To counteract this trend, the Stroke Foundation - working in partnership with Lions International has launched a blood pressure campaign with a series of testing days throughout the country. As part of the Take the Pressure Off Stroke blood pressure awareness campaign, testing sites successfully took place on Saturday 6 September, with hundreds of kiwis getting blood pressure checks and advice. A further testing day will take place on Saturday 13 September. Testing days will offer free blood pressure checks, and advice on stroke and its prevention to people of all ages. Stroke does not discriminate and can happen to anyone at any time: one in four strokes occur amongst those under retirement age. According to Stroke Foundation CEO, Mark Vivian: People lead busy lives but getting your blood pressure checked is quick, simple and could change your life for the better. There is no doubt that blood pressure testing really can save lives. Nearly every hour someone in NZ has a stroke - thats around 7,600 people every year. But nearly one of every three strokes could be prevented by the control of high blood pressure. We also know that thousands of kiwis are unaware of their blood pressure levels. These people have no idea they have high blood pressure and that their risk of having a stroke is therefore massively increased. High blood pressure can be reduced through medication and controlled by changes in diet and lifestyle. Take action, get tested and change your lifestyle - you may prevent a stroke. Most people can be treated effectively and benefit greatly from small but significant lifestyle changes. Cutting down on alcohol and salt, stopping smoking, reducing stress levels and leading a healthier lifestyle can all help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke. To find a blood pressure testing site near you, go to www.stroke.org.nz to see the latest list of sites. ENDS Notes to Editor: 1. A stroke is a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain, causing brain cell damage. Basically, it is a brain attack. 2. Stroke is the second single largest killer in New Zealand (more than 2000 people every year). 3. Stroke is the major cause of adult disability in New Zealand. 4. Every day, 20 New Zealanders have a stroke that is about 7,600 people each year. 5. The Stroke Foundation has created a leaflet on blood pressure and the steps you can take to control it called Take the pressure off stroke Fact Sheet. 6. Be blood pressure aware It is vital that everyone has their blood pressure levels tested regularly as a healthy blood pressure level is important in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Blood pressure is a measure of the force blood exerts on the arteries as it is pumped around the body. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). There are two measures of blood pressure and the optimal level is below 120/80 mmHg: Systolic blood pressure - this is the pressure the blood exerts on the arteries when the heart beats Diastolic blood pressure - this is the pressure the blood exerts on the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats Causes of high blood pressure High blood pressure is often caused by lifestyle and diet factors including smoking, stress, lack of exercise and poor diet. The risk of high blood pressure increases as you get older and is also above average in minority ethnic groups, especially in African Caribbean and South-Asian communities. Controlling blood pressure Blood pressure can be controlled via diet and lifestyle, for example: - Limit your salt intake - eat less than 6g of salt each day - Stop smoking - Aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day - Reduce your fat intake, especially saturated fat - Drink alcohol in moderation - Get active - aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity - Watch your weight 7. The Stroke Foundation is New Zealands only organisation solely dedicated to reducing the risks of stroke, and improving outcomes for the stroke- affected. 8. Lions International is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Members carry out this work in their community and/or overseas by giving their time and their expertise. A Lions Club is open to men and women who are business, professional or community leaders who want to use their experience for the benefit of others. Stroke Foundation: Reducing risk improving outcomes. www.stroke.org.nz Go to article

Cunliffe And Ryall Go Head-To-Head On Aged Care

2008-08-12 13:22:00 Aged residential care providers are expecting fireworks at a conference session tomorrow at 11:45 am when the current Minister of Health, Hon David Cunliffe, squares off against his aspiring successor, National Health spokesperson Tony Ryall. The debate will be hosted by respected journalist Linda Clark, and is part of the HealthCare Providers NZ Conference, Balancing Expectations, being held at Auckland's Sky City Convention Centre. HealthCare Providers New Zealand CEO Martin Taylor said he had asked both parties to lay out what they would commit to aged care from 2009 to 2011, and was expecting strong commitments to be unveiled. Go to article

Aged Care Sector Anticipates Policy Promises

2008-08-11 11:23:00 Aged residential care providers are anticipating policy promises to be announced at their annual conference, which will be opened by the NZ First Leader, the Rt Hon Winston Peters, at 1:45pm today. The HealthCare Providers NZ Conference, Balancing Expectations, is being held at the Sky City Convention Centre in Auckland, and brings together hundreds of providers from across the aged care sector, as well as policy makers, lobbyists and funders. HealthCare Providers New Zealand CEO Martin Taylor said that he was expecting policy promises from Labour, National and NZ First to be unveiled at the Conference. Go to article

Aged Care Providers Sound Warning

2008-07-29 13:30:00 Community-based and rural aged care providers could become a thing of the past unless they themselves are treated with care, says the industry organisation that represents them - HealthCare Providers of New Zealand. The warning from HealthCare Providers follows the recent closure of the Belhaven Rest Home in Parnell and the introduction of District Health Board managers into three rest homes in Waitemata, Levin and Christchurch. Go to article

No Evidence of Systemic Problem in Aged Care Sector

2008-07-25 16:58:00 There is no evidence of a systemic problem among the aged residential care sector, HealthCare Providers New Zealand said today. HealthCare Providers represents 80 percent of New Zealand's aged residential care sector. Go to article

Disability Convention good for seniors

2008-07-25 16:57:00 Older people have a lot to gain from moves to ratify an international Disability Convention Age Concern New Zealand says. Go to article

Views sought on revised retirement villages code

2008-07-02 17:16:00 A new statutory Code of Practice for retirement villages, a document setting out the rights and responsibilities of residents and operators, is currently open for public consultation. Building and Construction Minister Shane Jones is urging retirement village residents, intending residents, operators of retirement villages, statutory supervisors, lawyers and anyone else with an interest in retirement villages to have their say about the proposed code. The proposed Code of Practice 2008, sets out the minimum requirements that a resident can expect to receive in a retirement village known as an occupational right agreement. Go to article

Grey Power Supports Removal of Parole

2008-06-16 15:07:00 "Grey Power strongly supports the Sensible Sentencing Trusts stand for the removal of Parole for anyone convicted of violent crimes. We deplore the continued increase in violent attacks on defenceless Elderly citizens. Government must take urgent steps to make sure that the sentences given by our Judges are served in full." Go to article

AGENDA Winston Peters IV - June 2008

What Has Happened To Our Country?

Bus to the airport now, trains in future

UK: Queens Birthday Honours List 2008

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Still The Elderly Miss Out

DHBS Hold Back Funding From Elderly

New Zealand reverse mortgage study reveals total loans of more than $365m at 31 December 2007

Rebuilding the New Zealand Way of Life

Caregiver Week Highlights Need For More Funding

Age Concern welcomes the three percent National Superannuation increase but says its already been swallowed up by price rises.

Protecting older people from abuse and neglect

Elder Abuse Report Important First Step

Elderly Walker Found Safe and Well

Birchville: Concerns for Missing Elderly Walker

Landmark agreement for Bays ageing population

Kiwis expect to retire later than Aussies Mercer finds

NZ Master Games at a Crossroad

Where Are The Liberal Do-Gooders Now??

New Zealand Seniors Struggling: 40 Percent Say Worse Off Than Five Years Ago

Reducing the road toll for elderly drivers

nullMeddling Labour ministers caught out again

Who are the real criminals?

Electoral Finance Bill

Aged Care Legal Case About Ministerial Openness And Accountability