Keeping On - Spring 2024 by AgeConcernCanterbury

Oscar Wilde

Keeping On eeping On 2

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

It seems no time at all since the last time I wrote this column. Spring is trying to be here and the spring ﬂowers are appearing. Take a leisurely walk in Hagley Park and admire the ﬂowers or there might be a park near you that the City Council has been planting with spring bulbs.

It is still important to keep warm and make use of the winter warmer payments you get each National Super pay-day. We should still be having warming soups and casseroles to keep well-nourished and hydrated.

On a ﬁne day after the frost has cleared it is time to look at your garden and maybe pull a few weeds and trim the edges of the lawns that have overgrown over the winter. Nothing too strenuous to start with. I hope you have all enjoyed watching our wonderful athletes participate in the Olympic games. The spectacle of their feats is to be admired and then to see the smiles on their faces with their medals is something to be proud of. They have all spoken so

well of how much support they have had from family and friends. Be very careful of scams, they come is all sorts of ways. The telephone ones are very persistent. If you are not sure who is on your phone, disconnect the call. If it is an important call the person will call you back. There are people knocking on the doors of elderly residents impersonating the police. You should ask for an identity card and if in doubt don’t let the person in to your home. You should call the police immediately. The scams that come in your email should be deleted and then empty the folder; never open them, if you do the scammers then have your contact details. If it looks too good to be true, then it is. Just question anything that you are not sure of.

It was so good to see so many of our wonderful volunteers at the lunch at Addington raceway in June. These people do so much work for Age Concern Canterbury and are to be admired for the work that they continue to do. Age Concern Canterbury would not be able to do so much in the community without their help.

Take care,

Trish Adams President

Page 5, Celebrate at ‘Our Place’ Page 7, My book club recommends Page 14, Days of Ice Festival Page 27, The road is in your mouth Page 20, The Family Home Page 31, Ageing Well in Selwyn Page 32, My two cents by June Peka

Amidst some gloomy winter weather, we’re in the process this week of rolling out our new “Client Management System” or CMS. This is a computer programme called Rākau which will hold all the clinical records for our Health team, and all the useful information used by the Social Connections Team. Over time, all information we need to provide all our services will be collected.

As with any new system, there’s been some chagrin among staff, myself included, as we grapple with doing our usual tasks in a different way. It’s an investment of time, money and good will. I ultimately hope that the data we can extract will clearly represent (to ourselves, to the people we help, and to our funders) the impact of the work that we do. But, this week I’ve also been reflecting on what data can’t show us, which is the stories behind the numbers. It seems to me that there’s a danger that data sometimes hides the truth as well as revealing it.

Data tells us, for example, that more is being spent on health in New Zealand than ever before. However, it also tells us that more people are waiting for healthcare than ever before. Both are true, but neither is the whole picture, and neither of these data points can tell us the stories that we hear from listening to individual experiences.

We can hear a statistic around how many people are seen in ED within 6 hours (which apparently has been deemed the acceptable length of time to wait) but that doesn’t tell us the story of someone who’s been waiting for ﬁve hours and ﬁfty-nine

minutes, sick and afraid, to be seen by a doctor.

In May 2023, there were just under 30,000 patients waiting more than four months and less than three years for elective surgery (hip replacements, hernias and so on). This statistic doesn’t tell us about someone in daily pain, becoming increasingly socially isolated as they can’t do the activities they used to, who might need to go into care prematurely because they can no longer care for themselves at home.

A statistic out of the University of Auckland that shocked me was that over 41% of women aged between 16 and 75 in NZ experienced some level of urinary incontinence – really a silent and secret epidemic that could be impacting quality of life for many people. But there’s lots missing here: where’s the advice on how to manage? Where is the outcry to make public bathrooms more accessible? Where is the data – and help – for men? Where is the education on this largely ignored public health issue? The value of data is perhaps that it isn’t bothered by empathy – as a society we tend to value data because it’s seen as clean, logical and inarguable. This ignores the fact that data is only as useful as the questions that have been asked. It’s important (in our work but also in life) to be informed by data, but not distracted by it. One person living with unnecessary suﬀering is one too many when it’s someone you love. Statistics aren’t people, and people aren’t statistics. I believe the data that will emerge from our new system will give us some really useful population-level insights. What will continue to motivate and empower us, however, will be the people we meet every day, and the stories (tragedies, comedies, histories) that we hear along the way.

Greta Bond Chief Executive

Keeping On 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 emailed to the Editor at dmcgrath@ageconcerncan.org.nz or contact Deirdre on (03)366-0903. The Keeping On Team: Deirdre McGrath - Editor, Mike CreanJournalist, June Peka - Journalist, Anna-Marie Hunter - Advertising Representative/ Desktop Publisher. Keeping On is printed by Inkwise, Rolleston.

“Tuapeka Chows” explores Otago goldﬁelds

Riccarton resident Adrienne Shaw knew little about Chinese prospectors in the Otago goldﬁelds. Now she brims with the knowledge.

Her spacious study bulges with large plastic containers, each ﬁlled with printed ﬁles she has collated. When grandchildren come to stay she has to shift things to reach the spare bed.

The containers hold screeds of information about the lives of Chinese immigrants on the Tuapeka goldﬁelds, and of their successors. Soon this knowledge will be available to all in a book she is writing.

She says the vividness of her book will open many eyes. She writes in down-to-earth directness. She does not demur from describing such elements as prostitution, defacto partnerships, adultery and illegitimacy, all in a setting where men vastly outnumbered women.

Adrienne was born in Auckland but has made Christchurch home for the last 35 years. She makes frequent trips to Central Otago where, in her earlier life, she became a prominent ﬁgure in the fruit and produce industry. Coming to Christchurch she switched to the Real Estate business. She blossomed in this occupation and became a leading agent in each of three well-known companies, before retiring.

Still a vigorous worker, she then launched a new career as history researcher and author. She delves into archival material and investigates family trees to ﬁnd and reveal the true stories of Chinese miners and their successors. Her work is based mainly around the town of Lawrence in the Tuapeka district as it was from the mid-1860s.

The spark that set her alight was a DNA test. The test showed she was “about 10% Chinese, mostly Cantonese”. Now she meets relatives

by Mike Crean

she had never heard of before, found through DNA research.

The DNA discovery boosted her interest in Tuapeka’s Chinese community. She started research in 2016 and became totally enwrapped in it. She increased her work to six hours-a-day in the last three years.

Now she hopes her ﬁrst book, “Tuapeka Chows”, will be on sale by the end of this year or early 2025. She is planning two more books about early Chinese men and Chinese Anzacs.

Her life is not only research and writing. Adrienne has become a prominent ﬁgure in New Zealand’s Chinese community, notably as Chair of the Lawrence China Camp Charitable Trust from 2017- 2019. This body was established by Dunedin historian Dr James Ng, now deceased. He started moves to rebuild the Lawrence Chinese Camp into an historic tourist attraction.

At the height of its population the “Camp” was a true village, the largest Chinatown in New Zealand.

DECLUTTERING CONSULTANT

Dr Ng was convinced many Chinese tourists would come to New Zealand to see the village once it was rebuilt. He was chairman of the Trust until age overtook him.

Many of the Chinese headstones In the Lawrence Cemetery were in a poor state. So, in stepped Adrienne. As leader of Legacy of Headstone Projects she re-invigorated it, leading fundraising activities that have enabled repairs and restoration of headstones and the mausoleum.

Adrienne acknowledges Dr James Ng, Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Literature, as the one who did most for the Chinese community. He bought the land where the Lawrence Chinese Camp once stood. It had been farmland for many years on the terrain beside the Tuapeka Stream. He established the Trust to “protect and preserve the historical site”.

Adrienne sat with the ageing Ng many times and discussed with him the stories about the early Chinese miners.

The Trust has plans that include extensive repairs to the buildings still standing on the Camp site. These are the Chinese Empire Hotel and stables and the Joss House. The site is half a kilometre west of Lawrence, beside the road to Central Otago. In recent years the hotel was used as a family home until it became very rundown. The Joss House was returned to site in late 2016 and restored while Adrienne was Chair of the Trust.

The proprietor of the hotel in early times was Sam Chew Lain. At a time when bitter racism and a by-law forbade Chinese people from living in Lawrence township, this revered leader, a loyal Mason and fervent Presbyterian, impressed all with his trusty business and benevolence. By the time he died, in 1903, he was held by all in the highest esteem. Whereas other Chinese graves were

conﬁned to a shaded gully, his body was interred in a large mausoleum on a prominent site in the Lawrence Cemetery.

In her research, Adrienne came upon the statement that the mausoleum was unique with its mixture of a Chinese husband and a Scottish wife interred in a Gothic structure built by New Zealanders. Unique or not, the mausoleum was in poor state and close to collapse before the Legacy Headstone Projects restored it.

Archaeological digs by Otago University students have revealed many historic items. A deep well was found to contain interesting “bits and pieces”, once modern trash had been removed from the shallower parts.

The camp at its height was a village with streets, dwellings, drains, cook shops, a joss house and shops. Near the hotel was a large building that served as barracks. There Chinese men arriving from the diggings or passing through on their way elsewhere could sleep in bunks. All has gone now, except the hotel, stables and Joss House.

Adrienne can now trace her ancestry to great-great-grandfather Chow Tie (also known as Chau Chu Taui) who came from China to Otago gold ﬁelds in 1867. He did some gold mining but also ran a butchery and a small market garden. He married Grace Kerr of Scotland who was a barmaid at Sam Chew Lain’s Chinese Empire Hotel and they raised nine children.

Family trees ﬁll large containers in Adrienne’s study. She has researched them all, along with documents from museums, libraries and private collections. The writing is done; soon the book will appear. In reﬂection of her characteristic drive, she intends to self-publish her book… then get on with the next one.

Adrienne Shaw

AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY IS LOOKING FOR

ENERGETIC AND RELIABLE CLEANERS

Energetic and reliable cleaners are required to clean houses for older adults living in the community.

Needed in the Selwyn area.

Drivers licence and an appropriate level of ﬁtness is required.

For more information please phone Liz or Deb at Age Concern Canterbury on 366-0903.

Winter illnesses and exercise

Winter is here and with it the inevitable winter illnesses. Our physiotherapists are often asked whether you should exercise or not when unwell. Here are a few tips to help you decide.

You’ve got a fever

• Stay home and rest so your body can battle the infection – you don’t need the stress from exercise.

You’ve got a cold

• You might feel miserable, however, moderate intensity exercise is okay and shouldn’t make you more unwell. Just take it easier.

You’ve got the ﬂu

• Head for the sofa. With ﬂu comes a fever so do not exercise.

You’ve had an asthma attack or chest infection

• When your asthma is back under control – start exercising again gently.

• With a chest infection comes a fever so skip exercise.

You’ve had a bad night and feel too tired

• Get up and get moving! Exercise boosts your energy and helps improve sleep.

Volunteers needed for Riccarton Community Patrol

• Constant fatigue can be a sign of illness so see your doctor.

Your muscles are sore

• Keep up the exercise, keep it gentle and increase the intensity over time.

You’ve had a rough week

• Exercise can help reduce stress and boost energy. Start with a gentle walk or exercise – and do more if you feel like it.

You’ve not exercised for some time

• Don’t rush your comeback, ease back into it. Start exercising gently and gradually increasing intensity over time.

• It takes a lot of energy to keep up muscle strength and ﬁtness, and no time to lose it.

If you need any advice on what’s the best sort of exercise for you, our friendly physiotherapists can help just contact us on:

Ph: (03) 377 5280

Email: admin@tpl.nz

(Adapted from Web MD feature “When not to Exercise” by Kelli Miller Stacey (reviewed by Louise Chang MD) A

IS AGEING, DISABILITY, INJURY OR ILLNESS MAKING LIFE DIFFICULT?

Therapy Professionals Ltd’s physio, speech language, music and occupational therapists and dietitians can make life easier.

We can help. We come to you.

For more information contact:

Telephone: (03) 377 5280

Fax: (03) 377 5281 admin@tpl.nz www.therapyprofessionals.co.nz

In the Riccarton/Ilam suburb, a dedicated group of individuals works tirelessly to keep our community safe and tidy: the Riccarton Community Patrol (RCCP). This volunteerbased organization provides a sense of security to those living in the area, acting as the eyes and ears of the community. They report any faulty utilities such as water leaks and damaged road signs as well as roadside rubbish, ensuring our neighborhood remains wellmaintained.

Riccarton is a diverse area, home to multiple schools, a university, and a high density of student accommodation and vehicles. Patrollers keep an eye on these institutions, as well as several commercial enterprises like Westﬁeld and Upper Riccarton's Bush Inn corner. They also patrol typical suburban shops, safeguarding businesses, and residents alike. Our patrollers, often older and observant with lots of life experience, are particularly adept at noticing what’s happening around our patch.

Even though Christchurch Public Hospital is not speciﬁcally in our patch, the patrol regularly contributes to the safety of nurses departing at night by patrolling the hospital and nearby carparks. Occasionally, our patrol carries out random tasks on

behalf of the NZ Police, engaging in activities that do not put patrollers at risk. Additionally, patrols are in contact with Christchurch City Council sending information about dumped rubbish or with supermarkets reporting abandoned supermarket trolleys. This signiﬁcantly assists in keeping Christchurch tidy.

To eﬀectively cover the area we serve, including patrols at random times and days, we need more volunteers. Working in our own area allows us to get to know it well without the pressure of covering the wider city. A patroller typically patrols a couple of times each month, but might also be available to ﬁll in for absences if needed. The demand on time is not high and we produce a roster well in advance of the following month. More patrollers would enable RCCP to patrol a little more often, enhancing our community’s safety and cleanliness.

By volunteering, you can contribute to the Christchurch community, engage in activities that support our neighborhood, and enjoy the fellowship of working alongside other patrollers. Join us and help make Riccarton a safer, more connected place to live.

Check us out, join up at www. riccartonpatrol.org.nz A

Volunteers Needed

Are you interested in becoming the eyes and ears of the community?

The Riccarton Community Patrol (RCCP) needs volunteers to join its organisation to keep their community safe and clean.

To join or for on-line enquiries, www.riccartonpatrol.org.nz

Celebrate the International Day of Older Persons at our place

The International Day of Older Persons is observed on October 1st each year. This day is a global observance designated by the United Nations to honour the role of older people in society. It aims to highlight the valuable contributions that older people make to society and to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges faced.

The theme of the day in 2024 is Our Place and so to celebrate this year, Age Concern Canterbury is hosting several events and activities. These will mainly take place in Our Place, at 24 Main North Road, Papanui. Monday, 30th September

at 1.30 to 3.00pm, Peter Lewis on Keyboard

Peter is a volunteer driver for Age Concern Canterbury, but for 23 years he played the piano in the original Crowne Plaza Hotel lobby before his smooth harmonious tunes ended with the February 2011 earthquake.

Tuesday, 1st October at 1.30pm Walk around St James Park

Join our Health Promoter, Anna Tillman, on a walk around Papanui’s St James Park. This 4-hectare park at the heart of Papanui is among the most picturesque green spaces in the neighbourhood.

Wednesday, 2nd October at 10.30am to 12.00 noon, Share your knowledge/passion Come and talk to the group on a topic/subject/activity that you are passionate about. We will give you 10 minutes to tell us about something you want to share. It could be a sporting activity, an historic event, a cooking hack, or a poem you have written. This is your opportunity.

Thursday 3rd October at 11.00am, Have a Go at Steady As You Go (SAYGo) 2.00pm, Have a Go at RGM (Ronnie Gardner Method) SAYGo is a falls prevention exercise

class that improves your balance, leg strength, ﬂexibility, general ﬁtness and wellbeing.

RGM is an innovative, multi-sensory exercise method for the brain, in which rhythm, music, verbalisation and movement are used to stimulate both cognitive and motor skills.

Friday at 10.00am 12.00 noon Games Morning Come and enjoy a morning of fun with a selection of board games, and cards. Bring your favourite game and a friend.

NB. Numbers are limited for the events and registration is essential. Call 03 366 0903 to register.

Amberley Country Estate - an unique retirement village

Amberley Country Estate is an unique retirement village located at the gateway to the Hurunui District, just 35-min from Christchurch. When completed, it will have 250 homes with views of the surrounding hills. With well-spread-out two and threebedroom villas, Amberley Country Estate looks more like a subdivision than a typical retirement village. A wide range of single-level homes, from 94m2 to 185m2, means each street is unique and villas don’t all look the same. Some have shared, cul-de-sac-like settings, but, with

rural people in mind, many homes have private driveways, double garages and spacious yards. Streets are beautifully landscaped with colourful plantings.

Our 330m2 Clubhouse features a pool table, bar, library, gym, spa pool, pétanque, croquet and a men’s shed. A resort-style Residents’ Centre, 5 times that size, will be the heart of the village, with a café, restaurant, pool tables, dance ﬂoor, library, gym, indoor pool and spa, movie room, men’s shed and bowling green. Regular happy hours, van

excursions and other activities and events will allow residents to be as social as they please. For residents’ peace of mind, the village will have a modern hospital and medical centre with comprehensive care facilities, including memory care.

The villas at Amberley have been built with energy eﬃciency in mind and feature ducted centralheating, deeper walls with thicker insulation, thermally-broken, argonﬁlled, double-glazed windows and even industry-leading insulated foundations, so the home is cool/

Canterbury’s most exciting Retirement Village

warm and comfortable year-round, with power bills that are extra low. Their quality and ﬁt-out is of an exceptionally high standard. Each has its own patio, garden area (lawns and gardens are maintained by village staﬀ) and garage. With extra warm homes, villas that are larger than typical, low weekly fees and a layout that features beautiful streetscapes with distinctive yards, Amberley Country Estate is a very special place to live. www. amberleycountryestate.co.nz

Discover Amberley Country Estate, an exciting new 250 home Retirement Village, just 35-min from Christchurch, at the gateway to Canterbury ’ s wine region. Uniquely designed, like a residential subdivision in layout and feel, here you ’ll ﬁnd spacious yards with landscaped gardens, well spread out, generously-sized, 94-185m2 north-facing 2 & 3 bedroom villas and a 330m 2 Clubhouse. A $12M resort-style facility is planned and modern medical and care facilities are coming too. If you seek an active lifestyle with laidback country estate living, call today to ﬁnd out more about a retirement village with space to live a life you ’ll love. Visit our website, or phone free 0800 573 573.

Low weekly fees, just $135/week

Single and Double Garages available

330m2 Residents Clubhouse now open

Full Medical and Care Facilities planned

Keeping On eeping On

Walking the dog

Once, I had a youthful spring in my step when I walked Outside, a gentle wind played with my hair, Teasing, easing, urging me on.

My dog and I bounced along, oblivious to what lay in wait around the corner. Ambush! Winter pelted us with full ﬁsts of ice as we ducked and dived all the way home. The ice stood its ground, night after night after night. Clear blue skies eventually succumbed to rain, drizzle, rain, drizzle, rain - just lots of grey. No more spring in my step, barely a step without my frame.

Dog-walking solely for the purpose of pooping. Quickly inside again, it’s just as cold in as out. We waited together under the covers.

September

And I feel the warmth of hope. Touch wood. Emerging, I hug a tree, watch it blossomPink, white, pink, white, pink - no grey Bright yellow sun interspersed with fresh showers; Lingering droplets on tiny leaves, Rainbow prisms magniﬁcent in every bubble. Fresh faces, warm currents, dogs out walking bark “Come on! Come on! put some spring in your step!”

by Robyn Palmer

Understanding New Zealand’s asset thresholds for residential care subsidies

Navigating the rules around residential care subsidies in New Zealand can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding the asset thresholds. Our teams at Fleur McDonald Legal and K T Law want to ensure you have the right information to make informed decisions for your future.

If you’re aged between 50 and 64, single, and have no dependent children, you’ll automatically meet the asset test for the Residential Care Subsidy.

This means you won’t need to worry about the value of your assets impacting your eligibility for assistance with long-term residential care costs.

For those 65 and older, the situation becomes a bit more complex. The asset threshold is determined by the total value of your assets and those of your partner, if you have one. To qualify for the subsidy, your

combined assets must be $284,636 or less. However, if your partner does not require long-term care, you have the option to choose between two thresholds:

• $155,873 or less: This option excludes the value of your home and car from the asset calculation, provided that your partner or dependent child continues to live in the home. This can be a beneﬁcial option if the majority of your assets are tied up in your home or vehicle.

• $284,636 or less: This option includes the value of your home and car in the asset calculation. This may be the preferable choice if you have other assets that, when combined with your home and car, fall under this higher threshold.

It’s important to carefully consider which option is most advantageous for your speciﬁc circumstances, as the right choice can signiﬁcantly

Daﬀodil Day: 30 August 2024

30 August 2024 is Daﬀodil Day and never has supporting the day been more important. Currently, 1-in-3 of us are touched by cancer. Although medical advancements mean more of us are living well longer with cancer, New Zealand’s outcomes lag Australia’s and some other countries. With cancer diagnoses expected to double over the next decade and the age of those being diagnosed getting younger, we’ve reached a crossroads.

impact your eligibility for the subsidy and the ﬁnancial assistance you may receive.

It is also important to remember that income is also assessed when determining eligibility for the residential care subsidy. Understanding these details and how they apply to your unique situation is essential for making the best decisions regarding longterm care planning. If you have any questions or need further clariﬁcation on how these thresholds may impact you, please don't hesitate to get in contact with our teams at Fleur McDonald Legal and K T Law. We’re here to help guide you through this process.

For this reason, as well as providing its core support services such as accommodation, transport, and education, Southern Cancer has added research as one of its priorities. It’s important that we ﬁnd new ways to cure cancer or, at least, send it into remission. Southern Cancer’s Tissue Bank based at Christchurch Hospital and run by Otago University, is already supporting those at the cutting edge of cancer research in their quest to advance knowledge of the disease and provide better outcomes for those diagnosed with cancer.

AWorking together we will beat cancer. A donation to the Cancer Society this Daﬀodil Day will not only make all the diﬀerence to the 1-in-3 on their cancer journey right now and their families, but those who will be diagnosed in the future. A

My Book Club recommends

We Stay or Should We Go

Our book group, a lively assembly of readers with a collective wealth of life experience, recently delved into Lionel Shriver's provocative novel "Should We Stay or Should We Go." This thought-provoking exploration of ageing, autonomy, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding end-of-life choices sparked one of our most animated discussions to date.

Shriver is known for her fearless tackling of controversial subjects, and this novel is no exception. The story centres around Kay and Cyril Wilkinson, a couple who, after witnessing Kay’s father’s protracted and painful decline, make a pact to end their lives at 80 to avoid a similar fate. The story unfolds in twelve different scenarios, each exploring a different outcome of this decision. What struck our group immediately was Shriver's deft handling of such a sensitive topic. Her writing is incisive and unflinching, yet imbued with a dark humour that provides relief amidst the weighty themes. This balance kept us engaged, and many of us appreciated her ability to provoke thought without becoming overly grim.

Each scenario oﬀers a distinct perspective on ageing and dying, presenting a rich tapestry of possibilities. Some members initially found this structure disorienting but ultimately rewarding, as it mirrors the unpredictability of life itself. We found ourselves debating which scenario felt most plausible, which most desirable, and which most frightening.

The characters of Kay and Cyril are richly drawn, their relationship depicted with a depth and realism that deeply resonated with many of us. Their dynamic reﬂects the complexities of long-term partnerships, particularly as they navigate the challenges of growing older together. Shriver's portrayal of their bond, marked by love, frustration, and humour, prompted many personal reﬂections and anecdotes within our group. While the novel's central premise

might seem morbid, Shriver’s approach is refreshingly candid and often surprisingly uplifting. Her willingness to address the taboo subject of death head-on encouraged us to confront our own fears and beliefs. The discussion led to a broader conversation about quality versus quantity of life, and the importance of having open dialogues with loved ones about end-of-life wishes. We also spoke of death doulas, death cafēs, New Zealand’s End of Life Choice Act…all topics that we might normally shy away from or simply not have occasion to discuss.

"Should We Stay or Should We Go" is a thought-provoking read that we wholeheartedly recommend to other book groups. Shriver's fearless exploration of ageing and autonomy oﬀers a blend of intellectual challenge and emotional depth. For those in our age group, it serves as a poignant reminder of the inevitability of ageing and the power we have in shaping our own narratives. This novel not only entertained us but also inspired us to engage in meaningful conversations about the future, making it a standout selection for our book group.

Book Discussion Scheme (BDS) provides enough copies for your club to read the same book at the same time, as well as professionally-prepared discussion notes. Membership starts from $70 per person for a year’s membership and includes delivery. Find a group to join (or ﬁnd members to start your own) at www.bds.org.nz/join.

Life is about moments. Create them. Don’t wait for them.

Driving Miss Daisy - making a di ﬀerence every day

Driving Miss Daisy is NZ’s number 1 companion driving service offering a friendly, reliable and affordable alternative to anyone who needs transport. In Canterbury, local Daisies enjoy making a difference in so many of their clients’ lives. Everyday shopping, doctor or hairdressing appointments and outings are just so much more pleasurable.

Driving Miss Daisy’s point of diﬀerence is all about the companionship we provide. All our drivers go beyond just driving you to your doctor or hospital appointment. They can also accompany you into your appointment to be an extra set of eyes and ears. Grocery shopping or any other excursion can include your Daisy keeping you dry with their

umbrella in wet weather, while doing your shopping and errands.

Say goodbye to cabin fever - get out for a warm and comfortable drive with your local Daisy which can include stopping along the way for refreshments and sightseeing. Some clients take a trip like this once a week and if you have friends to share it with then it becomes even more aﬀordable.

Driving Miss Daisy accepts Total Mobility Scheme cards and is an ACC contracted supplier.

Wheelchair Accessible vehicles are also available upon request. Call today for a friendly chat about how Driving Miss Daisy can help you. Pre-booking is essential. A

Miss Daisy

Keep your independence and freedom with our safe, reliable companion driving service.

We can drive and accompany you to:

•Medical and personal appointments • Grocery shopping

•Deliveries - e.g. take home meals•Airport drop-offs and pick-ups

•Companion outings•Or even transporting your pet!

Total Mobility Scheme cards accepted in most Canterbury areas, and an ACC contracted supplier.

Bookings are essential - call today and make your next outing a pleasure!

(03) 312

(03)

Ph: (03)

Should

by Lionel Shriver Reviewed by a Canterbury BDS Book Group

Keeping On eeping On 8

Guiding children along the path of a dementia journey

Many children have thoughts and feelings that come to the fore as they negotiate any changes in relationships that emerge after a close family member has a diagnosis of dementia. It is wise to take notice of these as you seek to manage the intergenerational journey with a person with dementia and the children in their life.

These are some emotions to look out for in the younger members of your family:

* Anxiety. Your child may worry about the changes they have noticed or that they have upset their person with dementia. They may even worry about developing dementia themselves as they grow old.

* Irritation or embarrassment over changes that have noticed.

*Confusion regarding role reversals - or why their person is acting diﬀerently.

* Feelings of loss, grief, or sadness about how their person with dementia is changing.

* Feelings of helplessness.

* Feelings of rejection as more time is needed with the person with dementia.

* Feelings of frustration.

* Curious about the disease process and why people develop dementia.

* Fear about how their person with dementia might behave or uncertainty about how to behave around that person.

Behaviours you might see if your child is unable to identify or verbalise their feelings.

* Withdrawing from their person with dementia - this may include

ﬁnding excuses not to spend time with them or not inviting their friends to visit.

* Expressing physical pain such as a stomach-ache or headache.

* Not doing so well at school.

* Things to consider when speaking with children about dementia.

ﬀer a simple explanation of what dementia is - it is a good idea to use written resources to trigger conversations. There are books available that help to explain dementia in age-appropriate terms for children, some with a questionand-answer page at the end of the book - see the booklist.

Answer questions honestlyDon’t try to sugar coat your answers. Children are very astute, and they will be watching! They will be aware if your answers don’t ring true to them. If necessary, repeat explanations - Children may struggle to carry over explanations for behaviours from one situation to another, so you may need to have repeat discussions about why behaviours are occurring.

Reassurance is essential. They may need reassurance that they are not to blame for any changes they are noticing in behaviour. It is important to reassure them that any changes are more likely to be part of the disease and not personally about them.

If your child is experiencing angst or fear due to sudden changes in behaviour or their person with dementia suddenly becomes impatient or agitated, encourage them to tell you about those feelings and reassure them that you are always close by. Adopting a sense of “we are all in this together” is both helpful and reassuring to a child. Reassure them that their feelings are normal and that you are always happy to talk with them if they have concerns or questions.

Acknowledge that sometimes a person with dementia’s behaviour can seem a bit unusual or odd and explain that this is because some of the cells in their brain have died, causing them to behave or speak diﬀerently. It is important to explain that they are not trying to be mean or hurtful - but that their brain has been aﬀected because they have dementia.

Listen Carefully. Being a good listener is the hallmark of every good communicator. Try to put yourself in their shoes. This will give you better perspective and understanding about what emotions they might be experiencing.

Focus on what their person with dementia can still do – rather than what has become diﬃcult for them. It

is important to focus on the positive so that children pick up on what they can still enjoy doing with their person with dementia rather than what they can’t. Here is a list of things children and their person with dementia may enjoy doing together:

* Weed or plant in the garden.

*Prepare and enjoy a picnic outside.

* Walk around the block.

* Bake cookies.

* Do a puzzle together.

* Look at old photos.

* Create a reminiscing scrapbook or a memory box together – then reminisce!

* Colouring in or do another artwork.

* Enjoy a singalong.

* Watch old movies.

Chat while doing another activity to create opportunities for your child to express how they are feeling. We all open up more when we are doing an activity with someone. It may be helpful to schedule some “one-on-one” time so that you can “chat” while doing a diﬀerent activity. If concerned about your child’s response seek professional helpwiden the discussion to include health professionals who can assist your child. It is a good idea to inform your child’s teacher or school counsellor. Prepare your child for inevitable changes. Your person’s dementia will worsen over time. It is wise to prepare your child for this so that it doesn’t come as a surprise as the dementia process progresses.

Guiding children through the dementia journey of someone they care about can be very challenging, especially as you are often working through your own emotions at the same time - but it is also a very rewarding activity. Done well - it provides children with support as they work through the various challenges that come their way and gives them coping tools to use throughout life. - this investment is well worth going the extra mile.

This article can also be found on the Dementia Canterbury website –along with a list of age-appropriate books on dementia for children.

Kōwhai Companions programme oﬀers patient-centred support

Hospital can be a scary place for some elderly patients, particularly if they don’t have family members close by.

That is where the Kōwhai Companions programme at Burwood Hospital comes in, providing volunteers oﬀering patientcentred support. Their therapeutic engagement and practical assistance helps patients maintain and improve physical and emotional wellbeing.

This is volunteering with a diﬀerence, says Allied Health Consultant Sarah Shaw.

“The programme has a clinical focus as to how the volunteers are utilised. It helps reduce delirium rates and patient harm from incidents such as falls, pressure injuries, dehydration, and malnutrition. We’re very proud of the many beneﬁts it provides.”

The Kōwhai Companions engage with patients to help them understand why they are in hospital as some are confused about why they are there; provide companionship, support, meaningful conversations, therapeutic activities, and memory therapy; encourage interaction with the natural environment and whānau engagement, especially when the patient’s family are not local or accessible; and help to improve nutrition and hydration by encouraging the patient to drink and eat, using kai as a therapeutic engagement tool to establish daily living routines.

The programme began as a pilot before becoming a permanent initiative at Burwood, Sarah says.

“Based on the New South Wales Forget-Me-Nott Programme, it’s been adapted to have a strong New Zealand focus.”

Kōwhai Companions are currently available in all the Older Persons Health (OPH) wards at Burwood except for Older Persons Mental Health, but work is being done on placing speciﬁc Kōwhai Companions into this space.

“Other areas we are looking at are the Surgical Service which has elective patients who may be at risk of post-operative delirium and our Spinal Service.”

Referrals are made by the clinical team.

“This ensures robust information is provided from the referrer to allow patients access to this service in

a timely manner and allows us to collect data on service use.”

There have been requests from whānau for Kōwhai Companions to be placed in aged residential care facilities, demonstrating the eﬀect and impact these volunteers have had on the lives of patients.

Volunteers range in age from 16 years to over 70. It is hoped some of the younger volunteers will be encouraged to take up a career in health and this is often the reason they apply for this role. Speech Language Therapy students complete a placement as a Kōwhai Companion and say it’s valuable experience in communicating with patients. Some have stayed on as volunteers.

“There has been overwhelming positive feedback from these

emerging clinicians. The students value the ability to build conﬁdence with communicating with patients,” Sarah says.

Co-ordinator Jane Kandhai says the programme is contributing towards making a genuine diﬀerence to people’s lives. Since mid-January 2023, its volunteers have provided over 5150 hours of one-on-one time with patients across six OPH wards. Anyone interested in learning more about Kōwhai Companions or to discuss potential referrals can call Jane on 021 3747987, or email her at jane.kandhai@cdhb.health.nz

From a volunteer:

Being a Kōwhai Companion gives me a purpose and reward beyond what I can adequately describe and express. I give my time, attention and care to the patients I see and in return I hear stories from the past and see smiles on their faces.

From a patient:

This programme has done more for me than anything else during my hospital stay, having someone to take me outside gave me something to look forward to.

From a family member: I felt really happy knowing that someone could be with Mum, she gets very frightened, and the staﬀ can’t be with her all the time, they are lovely people.

TRANSITION NAVIGATORS

Discuss your Life Stage Plan with Robyn Let Transition Navigators enhance your wellbeing as we support you by finding your most appropriate living place Considering moving?

Feeling overwhelmed thinking about your options?

From left: Kōwhai Companion Co-ordinator Jane Kandhai, with Speech Language Therapy Students who are Kōwhai Companion volunteers Loren Williams, Molly Stagg and Soﬁa Toes.

Keeping On eeping On

Winter in New Zealand is a time to embrace cosy evenings by the ﬁre and enjoy the beauty of the season. It is also an opportune time to ensure your legal aﬀairs are in order, promoting overall wellness and peace of mind.

Start with your will. A well-drafted will is crucial in safeguarding your wishes and ensuring your loved ones are taken care of. If you do not have one, consider making this a priority. If you already have a will, take a moment to review it, especially if there are signiﬁcant changes in life, such as marriage, divorce, or a new relationship.

Next, assess your enduring power of attorney (EPA). Winter wellness isn’t just about staying physically healthy; it’s also about ensuring your aﬀairs are managed smoothly in case of illness or injury. By having an EPA in place, you can rest easy knowing that your personal and ﬁnancial matters will be handled according

to your wishes, even during times of unexpected winter illnesses.

The rules around family trusts are always evolving. With statute updates and changing administration requirements, it can be difficult to keep on top of your trust obligations. Consulting a lawyer or accountant—a specialized professional—can help ensure your trust is up to date and compliant. This proactive step is an essential part of winter wellness, providing peace of mind and ensuring your financial affairs are in order as you navigate the season.

Think of Godfreys Law as your winter wellness partner. Just as you take care of your health during the colder months, we provide regular check-ups for your legal aﬀairs to ensure it’s up to date and running smoothly. This proactive approach helps mitigate the risk of major issues down the track, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on enjoying the winter season. A

CLUES: (Legend: = ¶ combo due; * = optional cryptic due; §=sounds like; oo=anagram)

Across:

2. Frothy (6), 5. Deduction (6), 9. Fuss (3), 11. Taken in (7), 12. Game (7), 13. Rub (6), 15. Seaman (6), 16. However (3), 16. *Exceptional way to hit (3), 17. Soon (4), 21. Inside (4), 23. Pithy remark (7), 24. Rim(4), 26. Sharpen (4), 30. The rest (3), 32. Tool (6), 32. *0 ‘s gone from mixed up raider (6), 33. Feverish (6), 36. Peppered (7), 37. Ruler (7), 38. Stupefy (3), 38. *Collapse back from breathing it (3), 39. Long-handled racket (6), 40. Takes away (6).

Down:

2. Suﬀer (7), 3. Labels (6), 4. Pull (4), 5. Galivant (4), 6. Decapitate (6), 7. Element (7), 8. Cricket (6), 10. In accord (6), 14. Latin Bible (7), 18. Yes (3), 19. Copy (3), 20. Crash into (3), 20. * ooDamage reversed (3), 22. Molecule (3), 24. Specialist (6), 25. Coin (7), 27. Rock formation (7), 28. Slope (6), 29. Musical ornaments (6), 31. Condiment (6), 34. Creep (4), 35. Military eatery (4)

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 25.

Superhero Serenity

She never liked her name Serenity. What were her parents thinking, all those years ago, christening her sisters Hope, Faith and just stopping short when it came to her. A compromise perhaps, knowing that ‘Charity’ was just one step too far, so Serenity crept in. These days she’s viewed through the lens of ‘grandmotherhood.’ A convenient child carer, always at hand. Of course she loves her grandchildren, but shouldn’t there be more to her life, than her immediate availability day or night.

She needs to stop thinking. Her young grandson Tommy is asking her about Superheroes, and he

by John Greeves

expects her full attention. “Who do you think has the most awesome powers granny, Spiderman, Batman, Superman, Cat woman or Cyclops?”

It’s hard to stay relevant these days, even with youngsters, she thinks. As for ‘Minecraft,’ it’s a world apart; an eternity away from Happy Families, Ludo, Snakes and Ladders and the games she played as a child.

“That’s a diﬃcult question,” she says, but eyeing Tommy’s costume, she adds, “it must be Spiderman,” and sees a sudden surge of approval spread over his face.

“And if you could have a special super-power granny, what would it be?”

Sometimes we need a little more support than family or friends can oﬀer

Whether it’s recovering from surgery, dementia support, palliative care or general care at home, deciding what support is needed and where to ﬁnd it can be challenging.

The staﬀ at New Zealand’s longest running private homecare provider, Miranda Smith Homecare, know how diﬃcult these decisions can be and are here to help.

Owner, Miranda Smith says, “People may be in crisis when they contact us, needing immediate help, or they may be investigating options for the future. Each person’s situation is unique, but wanting the right support from the right carer is universal. We believe peace of mind comes from knowing and trusting the person who is caring for you, in the familiar and safe surroundings of your home and at the time that works best for you.”

Miranda Smith Homecare oﬀers a highly professional, caring and above all else, trustworthy service.

Knowledgeable, helpful staﬀ have the expertise and time to help clients access any additional, appropriate community health services they require. Amanda Johnson (RN) is available to meet with those considering care, without obligation, and the personally introduced and experienced carers are kind, punctual and reliable.

The agency can provide care from as little as 3 hours a week right through to 24-hour care, 7 days a week. Many people appreciate the ﬂexible sleepover service, having a carer on hand overnight to help if needed. And for those caring for a loved-one at home, Carer Support may be used to oﬀ-set or cover the cost of in-home respite, to give the main carer a much-needed break.

When at-home care is your preferred choice, contact Miranda Smith Homecare, New Zealand’s most experienced private homecare provider since 1999.

“Well Tommy,” she says, sucking her lower lip “This may surprise you, but at my age I already have one... ‘invisibility’.

“Really,” he says, his eyes widening while her voice drifts down as she bends to pick up his backpack. “Just kidding Tommy,” she says, knowing she’s probably overstepped the mark, when it comes to a seven-year-old.

“Don’t give it a second thought, your mum will be here soon.”

It’s always the same routine, although the days and dates change.

“Until Wednesday,” she hears echoed across the drive, as the car door slams, and her daughter-inlaw drives oﬀ. She closes the front door and sits back in the armchair. Mentioning ‘invisibility’ has given her a nagging discomfort like the onset of a migraine.

Serenity has always known, women are valued for their looks in a man’s world, despite how hard they worked. This became apparent in her mid-fifties, when her ‘fatal attraction’ or ‘allure’ began to wane. There’s only so long you can contain these wildfires. Then the wrinkles, grey hair, turkey neck appear, and even worse, everything starts heading south. The only plus side, is the drop off in advances and risqué innuendos which has dogged her most of her life.

How things changed at work when she grew older. At first, she found her design ideas were put on hold, by the CEO. Later they were ignored and finally replaced. She was becoming irrelevant to the company, ‘less visible,’ even then in her mid-fifties. Even the junior members started to talk down to her or simply ignored her suggestions. It all seemed part of the wolf pack mentality. Time to cast the old matriarch out. Put in place a new fecund she-wolf and establish a new order. Continued on Page 12 ..../

She has tried to explain this feeling of ‘invisibility’ to her husband Ted, but he’s no real help when it comes to feelings. He always assures her, it’s something else, like a bad cold, given time it will go away. “Just you being over sensitive Seren” he says putting an unsettled arm momentarily across her shoulder. “Just brush it oﬀ, that’s my advice” He’s like a man tacking a rapid course to the calm comfort of a bay.

A family run ready meal service in Christchurch

Kai2You is a family run Ready Meal business servicing the Christchurch area run by husband and wife team Adam and Jamie Pack.

Kai2You delivers Ready Made Meals fresh to your door twice a week, Tuesdays and Fridays, or you’re welcome to pick up your meals from our shop at 86 Harris Crescent Papanui, (our menus change weekly). All meals cost $14 and $8 for our puddings. We also sell delicious gourmet handmade pies.

Both Adam and Jamie are

passionate about delivering great nutritious food and service to people who are unable to cook, are time poor, in need of a little extra help in the kitchen, or just want a night oﬀ cooking.

The best way to order is via our web site www.kai2you.co.nz Alternately you phone 0223891166 or email us at orders@kai2you.co.nz

Our shop is located at 86 Harris Crescent in Papanui with plenty of parking out the front. We look forward to hearing from you.

Keeping On eeping On

Superhero Serenity

Continued from page 11.../

The impact really hit home, when upper management asked her, if some of her duties could be ironically ‘passed over’ to some of the junior members of her team. The usual excuses, followed like “Nothing to do with you Serry,”- she hated that soubriquet, “but we need to diversify” or weaker still, “we don’t feel this is quite right for you.” Talk always centred around ‘a fresh approach,’ but deep down she knew what they wanted. Her numerous awards for her designs and the experience meant nothing. It didn’t matter that she had always stayed ahead of the game, monitoring market trends and innovating to match the demand. The final straw came when CEO decided to vote another member of her team onto the board, so she resigned rather than suffer further humiliation. Since leaving, she’s allowed things to drift. How many years was it now? Her appearance in the mirror resembles a ‘bag woman,’ rather than a former top designer. Nevertheless, this doesn’t excuse the way the bar tender ignores her, as he chats up some bright young thing, or the way people in the bank use baby-talk, as if she’s a complete illiterate. She feels this growing sense of impatience by working people, who deep down consider the elderly worthless, even if they don’t say it to your face. She can read the body language and sense the hurtful inner thoughts, labelling her as a technophobe, when she asks for things to be explained in plain English, rather than just being directed to a website. Are we so marked, so worthless and so insignificant to be treated in this manner? What gives others the right to speak to us and to degrade us?

She remembers years ago reading a book, You Are What You Wear: What Your Clothes Reveal About You by Jennifer someone. Think it began with a B, another senior moment, but she’s fed up with that pathetic joke. She might even go a step further and dismiss any ideas of ‘age appropriate’ and put on what she damn well wants. Time indeed for a new wardrobe, maybe not quite so outrageous as a baboon’s scarlet bootie, but something eye-catching in this, her second coming.

As for those who try to shrink her world, she won’t be put down. Glady’s Burrill ran her ﬁrst marathon at the age of 86. Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote her ﬁrst book in the Little House on the Prairie Series aged 65. Then there’s Judith Boyd a 70-year-old blogger whose site “Style Crone” celebrates her love for style and fashion in the lives of older women, so why hasn’t she woken up to this before.

AGE for her will come to represent the acronym ‘Annually Gaining Enlightenment,’ as she follows on her new course. It’s time she tells the bar tender, if he doesn’t shift his... she’ll head straight for the manager or contact head oﬃce. As for the doctor she’ll make another request and if he doesn't accede, she’ll ask the surgery to see a copy of the complaints procedure and then take it to an ombudsman if nothing is done.

From now on she will decide her place in the world and challenge those who objectify her. Instead of talking the talk, she’ll be walking the walk or today’s equivalent. No longer the silent Serenity, overlooked, ignored... an unseen nobody, but someone who possesses the true power of ‘visibility’.

“The secret to living life well and long is to eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure.” – Tibetan proverb

Requirements for the Residential Care Subsidy

The Residential Care Subsidy (“subsidy”) is paid by the Ministry of Health to assist with the costs of long-term residential care (“long-term care”) and is paid directly to the rest home or hospital.

A needs assessment can be arranged by contacting a Needs Assessment Service Co-ordination service directly, through Te Whatu Ora, or by asking the person’s doctor or other health provider.

If the assessment shows that the person needs care, a subsidy application form will be provided. The completed form must be provided to Work and Income (WINZ) who will carry out a means assessment. This involves assessing the person’s assets and income.

The total of the person’s and their partner’s assets must not exceed $284,636, including their home and vehicle.

If the person has a partner who

is not in long-term care, they can choose whether the total value of their combined assets includes the value of the home and vehicle. If they choose not to include these, the total assets must not exceed $155,873.

Any assets that have been gifted by the person and their partner above the limit will be included as assets. The limits are:

• $8,000 annually for 5 years preceding application; and

• $27,000 annually for gifts made more than ﬁve years before the application.

An income assessment determines how much the person must contribute to their long-term care. The subsidy will be the diﬀerence between this and the cost for the care.

For assistance with the subsidy, please contact Victoria at 03 550 2854 or victoria.agnew@harmans. co.nz. A

She’s tired of being told that her medical condition must be put down to old age. The doctor won’t refer her to a consultant. Then there’s the ignominy of being totally coldshouldered in a group. At a recent wedding reception, she tried to make conversation, but most people, took one look and turned away, with weak excuses like ‘I’ve just seen someone I know’, or ‘must have another drink’ or ‘you’ll have to excuse me’. “No, I won’t!” she thought.

She’s had enough, she’s going to ﬁght back. Just wait and see. She won’t be patronised any longer or erroneously assumed to be incompetent. How dare they! Fashion will become her decoration from the outside, even if it means bright pink, pastel or blue purple hair she’ll do it, until this veil of invisibility is lifted.

In this awakening, she may indeed, become a ﬁlm extra, write a bestselling novel about the dark side of the fashion business, or work in a National museum, better still she may take time out in her new schedule to talk about ageism in schools, after all it seems the young have a rough time of it at the other end of the continuum.

She wonders why she’s taken so long to ﬁnd her true self, to elevate her self-image and become empowered once again. It’s time now to reach for the phone and let everybody know she’s taking a ‘trip’ tomorrow, following in the steps of Shirley Valentine and isn’t even sure when she’ll be back. Any problems, she insists, callers contact Ted. He’s usually found at the bowls club, most likely in the bar. She’ll leave the club number on the answer phone, so they can contact Ted, while she’s away and living ‘her life,’ on her terms and not through the perception of others.

Be proactive when renewing your driver licence

The recent publicity around driver licence renewal has created a great deal of angst among many older drivers.

Drivers must renew their driver licence at age 75, 80 and every two years after that. The following is an extract from a NZ Transport Agency/ Waka Kotahi fact sheet:

“To renew the licence past the 75th birthday you’ll need to visit your health practitioner to get a Medical Certiﬁcate for Driver Licence. This could be your usual doctor (GP), a registered nurse or nurse practitioner, or a specialist if appropriate. During your appointment your health practitioner will discuss your present state of health with you and test your eyesight.

They’ll then recommend whether you are:

• medically ﬁt to drive.

• medically ﬁt to drive with conditions (e.g. correcting lenses, time-of-day restriction, distance restriction).

• medically ﬁt to drive subject to passing an on-road safety test .

• to be referred to a specialist (e.g. optometrist or occupational therapist driving assessor - your health practitioner will advise you of the results).

• not medically ﬁt to drive. Your health practitioner must advise Waka Kotahi and your licence will expire on your birthday.

If your health practitioner decides you are medically ﬁt to drive, they will provide you with a Medical Certiﬁcate for driver licence.”

It all seems very straight forward, but recent publicity has questioned the cognitive tests that some medical practices were applying as part of the licence renewal. This publicity and anecdotal stories from family and friends caused many to become anxious and even give up their licence unnecessarily rather than go through the renewal process.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi says it does not

mandate cognitive tests for elderly drivers and maintains the use of such tools is left to the discretion of health practitioners. Draft guidelines on how to assess medical ﬁtness to drive are currently under review and are expected to be released soon.

So, when Pete Gwynne, Age Concern Canterbury’s Liaison Officer, was due to renew his licence recently, the office took a great deal of interest in the process and the outcome. Sadly, Pete lost Lynda his “often chauffeur and always backseat driver” a few months ago, so ensuring he was able to keep driving was very important.

Pete decided to take a very proactive approach, by doing as much as he could to ensure his licence was renewed. First, he attended a Staying Safe Driving Course. This classroom-based course, run by Age Concern in conjunction with NZ Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi, is designed to give strategies to older drivers to keep them and others safe on the roads. It raises awareness about driving behaviour, helps to gain an understanding of the eﬀects of ageing on driving, helps in making safer driving decisions and helps improve overall driving conﬁdence.

Then he organised a Senior Driver Coaching session with AA. As a member Pete is entitled to a free driver coaching session every two years after he turns 74, but nonmembers can also organise a driver coaching session for the cost of $85. Pete got excellent feedback from the assessor. This allowed him to acknowledge his driving competence, which after all, had been assessed by a professional. Armed with this conﬁdence and some documentation Pete then made an appointment with his GP. The medical certiﬁcate for driver licence was given with no cognitive test at all!

Peter commented “I think taking some steps to understand and test my competence helped to show the doctor that I didn’t take my driving ability for granted. The Staying Safe course gave me some good information which also helped with the driver coaching session.”

So, while we can take these proactive steps, it is also important to understand that at some point our driving may be impacted by issues related to ageing. When that happens, it is best to acknowledge as it is in the best interests of keeping you and other road users safe.

Spring Grove Lifestyle Village offers a new option for semi-retirement and retirement living.

Set in beautiful landscaped grounds close to all amenities, the village offers people over 55 years of age a range of new homes in a safe, welcoming and vibrant community environment.

Plus, at Spring Grove Lifestyle Village you own your own home so you will benefit from capital gains and avoid any deferred fees common in the majority of other retirement village models. Take the stress, confusion and unnecessary cost out of retirement planning and living, and enjoy an optimal quality of life in your later years.

Homes at Spring Grove Lifestyle Village range from one bedroom terraced apartments right through to three bedroom standalone homes,

offering a wide array of options to suit all tastes and lifestyles.

Designed and built by Mike Greer Homes, each home is carefully crafted, superbly finished and comes with industry-leading quality guarantees. Make Spring Grove Lifestyle Village your home to own and your place to live.

Peter Gwynne

Days of Ice Festival, celebrating Antarctic stories

Otautahi Christchurch is one of only ﬁve Antarctic Gateway cities in the world.

The city’s relationship to Antarctica goes beyond its logistical role as a gateway. Rather, Otautahi Christchurch has a role as a custodian of Antarctica, promoting Antarctic values of science, international co-operation and environmental protection, and celebrating Antarctic stories.

Days of Ice is a celebration of the opening of the Antarctic Summer science season and Christchurch’s unique connections with Antarctica with a week of events and activities, exhibitions, guest speakers and ﬁlms, as well as kids’ activities and

competitions. This year’s events will be centred around Tūranga and will be held from 8th to 12th October, with a church service and wreath laying on Sunday, 13th October.

The issue of capacity when a person’s legal competence or ﬁtness is at question

A recent case on Stuﬀ highlighted the issue of capacity when an elderly man wrote his Will on post it notes from home, 11 months after being diagnosed with dementia, back in 2015.

He changed his previous Will to give most of his estate to his ﬁrst child and a woman he met at a Lions Club event, who also happened to be his neighbour (making her his enduring power of attorney too) and leaving just $5,000 each to his other two children.

The man went on to change his Will again in 2017, this time excluding the ﬁrst child from sharing the estate with his neighbour, and then again in 2018.

While both later Wills were ruled invalid due to incapacity, the judge did rule that the 2015 Will was valid and so the majority of his estate was left to his ﬁrst child and the neighbour. How could this happen you ask? While there is legislation setting out the level of capacity required to

Shona Senior, Senior Associate.

make a Will, the bar is set quite low. People will often tell their GP (who is not usually a specialist assessing dementia) that they have capacity when they don’t.

Cases like this are a timely warning to everyone to sit down and carefully consider your wishes before ill health sets in so you don’t need to be continually changing your Will.

One of the highlights of the festival will be an unique "Expedition into Portraiture," a special event featuring Antarctic explorer and photographic alchemist Rewa Rendall. This will be held at Tūranga on Friday, 11th October.

Reserve your seat for a spellbinding

experience that introduces Sir Joseph Kinsey, shipping agent for Scott and Shackleton. Rewa will look through the lens of Herbert Ponting, expedition photographer for Sir Robert Falcon Scott, and showcase the many faces captured in Kinsey's historic darkroom at Ferrymead Heritage Park.

Through the lens of pioneering Antarctic photography this frozen narrative weaves an intimate tale of those who have looked through the lens before us and the vanishing landscapes we now see in front of us.

“Spellbinding, a gifted storyteller who leaves a lasting impression, not to be missed” - Martin James.

For more information and bookings please contact christchurch-antarcticoﬃce@christchurchnz.com

Wood burner replacement

How long ago was your wood burner installed?

Under the Canterbury Air Regional Plan, compliance on low-emission burners expires 20 years from the date of building consent approval. Once consent expires, the LEB must be removed and replaced by an ultra low-emission burner, a pellet ﬁre or a heat pump.

According to ECAN (Environment Canterbury) studies, “across the region, there are an estimated 12,400 non-compliant wood burners, with over 10,000 of those in the Christchurch airshed. Thousands more domestic burners will become non-compliant by the end of 2027.”

Help is here

Community Energy Action Charitable Trust (CEA) has partnered with ECAN with the goal of helping homeowners in the Clean Air Zones of Christchurch, Ashburton, Kaiapoi

and Rangiora to replace their noncompliant wood burners. The project, aimed at reducing air pollution in the region, provides ﬁnancial assistance for those who would otherwise be unable to aﬀord to update.

CEA is also an approved wood burner and insulation provider under EECA’s Warmer Kiwi Homes programme, which has heating funding of up to $3,000 (gst inclusive) available for eligible homeowners who meet the EECA criteria. In partnering with ECAN, CEA can now access up to $5,000 of additional subsidies for low-income households, which can be used in conjunction with ECAN funding.

If you live in a Clean Air Zone and you have a wood burner that is 20 years old, or nearing 20 years old, get in contact with CEA on (0800 438 9276) or ECAN (0800 765 588) today to discuss your next steps.

Memories: Bikes

“The richest bank of all is our memory bank. For years we deposited experiences there. Now we can withdraw them. The interest accruing is our enjoyment.”

We township kids rode bikes to school in the 1950s. We stabled our velocipedes in the bike shed, just inside the school gate.

Once a year a Traffic Officer visited the school and inspected all the bikes for safety. He stuck a green sticker on each bike that was approved. Bikes that needed minor improvements got an orange sticker. Bikes that the officer rated as downright dangerous received a red sticker.

The oﬃcer stressed that bikes with red stickers MUST NOT BE RIDDEN. They must be walked home where Dads should ﬁx them.

My bike received a red sticker. This was not

by Mike Crean

surprising as my dad had built it from bits and pieces of other old bikes. The handlebars were wobbly, the back-pedal brake was “broke”, the

seat swivelled alarmingly, the rare reﬂector was non-existent.

Dad was no mechanic. Tackling repair jobs accelerated his temper. More importantly, he was the school caretaker. One afternoon he learned the Traﬃc Oﬃcer was coming the next day.

“Don’t put your bike in the bike shed tomorrow,” he ordered when he got home. “Stick it in the hedge at the school gate. And push it well in where it can’t be seen.”

I did as I was told next day. My obedience was rewarded as I rode home, gloating over kids walking their bikes with shiny red stickers aﬃxed.

Experience the Best of Retirement Living at Archer Villages

Operating under our Charitable Trust, Archer Villages & Care Homes have become increasingly popular among Cantabrians and West Coasters, oﬀering a variety of beneﬁts tailored to the needs and preferences of older people.

One major reason for this trend is the safe and secure environment these villages provide. With gated access, emergency support, and onsite staﬀ, residents can feel protected and cared for at all times.

The strong sense of community is

another appealing aspect of living in an Archer Village oﬀering numerous opportunities for social interaction through organised activities, clubs, and events. This vibrant social environment helps combat loneliness and keeps residents active and engaged.

Access to healthcare and support services is also a signiﬁcant factor. Some villages have on-site Care Home facilities, ensuring a ‘continuity of care’ and providing peace of mind for both residents and their families.

A practical beneﬁt of Archer Villages is the maintenance-free lifestyle. The village takes care of all repairs and maintenance tasks, freeing residents from the responsibilities of home upkeep. Archer Villages also often boast a range of amenities designed to enhance the quality of life. Gyms, swimming pool, dining facilities, and various recreational activities make daily life more convenient and enjoyable.

Moving to an Archer Village is an opportunity to downsize from a larger

family home to a more manageable living space.

Archer Villages are located in four locations across Christchurch city, as proximity to family is often a crucial consideration, facilitating more frequent visits and closer family connections.

The decision to move to an Archer Village can be driven by a combination of factors aimed at enhancing safety, well-being, and overall quality of life. For more information or to arrange a visit; www.archer.org.nz A

Keeping On eeping On

The link between poor ﬁnancial health and poor mental health

Aging is often accompanied by a multitude of changes—physical, emotional, and ﬁnancial.

Among these, financial health and mental well-being stand out as critical factors that significantly influence each other.

For the elderly, the intersection of poor financial health and poor mental health can create a vicious cycle, exacerbating the challenges of aging and diminishing the quality of life. This is because, as individuals age, their financial circumstances undergo drastic transformations which can then create worrying financial insecurity. This financial insecurity can then lead to stress, anxiety and depression.

Advancements in healthcare is a positive as it results in people living longer, it also means that retirement savings now need to last longer, increasing the risk of outliving one's ﬁnancial resources.

Coupled with this, aging often brings with it an increase in healthrelated issues, leading to higher medical expenses. Chronic illnesses, medication costs, and potential long-term care can drain ﬁnancial resources quickly, creating a substantial ﬁnancial burden.

Alarmingly counsellors at Petersgate Counselling Centre are encountering elderly carrying debt well into retirement, including mortgages, personal loans, and credit

card debt, further exacerbating their financial difficulties due to their fixed income no longer being sufficient to meet these increased obligations.

All this financial stress can then be a significant contributor to mental health problems, with the elderly particularly vulnerable. The interplay between financial health and mental health being complex and multifaceted, with each influencing the other in profound ways.

For example, the constant fear of not being able to aﬀord the necessities of life such as rent, food or heating can be overwhelming, leading to chronic stress and feelings of hopelessness.

Studies have even shown that chronic stress can negatively impact cognitive function with elderly ls experiencing diﬃculties with memory, decision-making, and problemsolving.

The mind-body connection means that mental stress can also manifest physically with increased blood pressure, weakened immune systems, and other health problems.

At Petersgate Counselling Centre our counsellors oﬀer empathetic listening and validation, helping elderly clients feel understood and less isolated in their struggles. Counsellors then try to break the

cycle by providing tools to explore and understand emotions, develop coping strategies, and ﬁnd practical solutions to alleviate ﬁnancial stress. such as negotiating payment plans, seeking government assistance, or exploring part-time work opportunities.

By proactively addressing ﬁnancial stress through counselling, clients can improve their overall mental health and well-being, alleviating their anxiety and depression, and then enjoying a better quality of life and maintain their independence in their golden years. A

2.30pmAfternoon

Barb, Christchurch’s oldest lifeguard

When 70-year-old Barb Henderson moved to Christchurch a year ago to be closer to family, she wasn’t planning on becoming the city’s oldest lifeguard.

But a lifelong love of swimming and being near water led the retired nurse back into the workforce, and a parttime job working for Christchurch City Council’s Aquatic’s team as a lifeguard.

“When I came here from Manganui in the far north, I hadn’t worked for 13 years! I knew hardly anyone and I’m not really a club person so I took up swimming again. I was training three or four times a week at Jellie Park and then one of the guys I swim with suggested I become a lifeguard and I thought, wow, that’d be good. So, I went through the training programme and got in!”

Now she dons her yellow lifeguard top two days a week and can be spotted poolside at Graham Condon Pool with walkie-talkie in hand and wearing her signature red and yellow earrings.

“I’m working with the most amazing people here. I enjoy coming to work for the socialisation, and it’s a really important job to watch people and make sure they’re safe in the pool. I leave at the end of the day feeling really good.”

It takes concentration and physical ﬁtness to be a lifeguard.

“Anything can happen: people might have diabetic problems, asthma, heart problems, if they stay in the spa pool too long they can faint, hit their head. And you’ve got to be so careful watching children that they don’t get too boisterous and hit their heads on the side of the pool or lose a child under the blow-up toys. You’ve got to have eyes everywhere.”

She says while she might get the occasional sidelong glance the public don’t treat her diﬀerently to any of the other lifeguards. “You do need to have a quiet word with people at

Arthritis pain relief that works in minutes

Florentine Gold All Natural Harmony Body and Joint Rub (topical lotion) is an amazing product with so many uses and benefits. You can purchase this online by visiting our website www.florentinegold.co.nz or email us at info@florentinegold.co.nz

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The All Natural Harmony Body and Joint Rub is wonderful for all types of pain relief including peripheral neuropathy sensory ataxia, gout, neck and shoulder pain and stiﬀness, headaches, migraines, pulled and strained muscles and tennis elbow and much much more. Also gives relief to some skin conditions including acne, eczema and psoriasis. It is excellent for sore throats and toothache (for external use only), speedy recovery from migraine headaches, for the relief of sunburn and takes the itch from mosquito bites.

“With a dose of scepticism I tried the Body and Joint Rub for

times,” but she says overall people are very respectful.

Barb was a competitive swimmer from a young age. As a 16-yearold she held the national record for 100m backstroke, and she also represented New Zealand in water polo. “Swimming’s what I do. Some people garden or bake – I swim. Being around water makes me feel good – it’s cathartic.”

Now she enjoys working alongside people as young as 16 at Graham Condon, “and because I’m a swimmer, I can keep up with them,” she laughs.

Most mornings Barb is up early, keeping ﬁt by training with her team at Jellie Park. They're all good swimmers aged between 40-74 but she says it’s never too serious: “We like to swim hard and play hard. We talk and laugh all the time.” It makes for an early start before her 5.00am1.30pm shift on Fridays, but she’s an early morning person anyway.

“You’ve got to have a challenge in life, you’ve got to have a goal and for me working here has been a good goal. You’ve got to keep on growing. I’m going to Fiji in May next year with a team to do ocean swims over there and I’m really excited about that.”

(Source: Christchurch City Council newsline team)

The Unrequited Love of an Olympic

I guess it wasn’t meant to be your bar was set too high for me it’s been four years since we last met and I haven’t got over you yet

by Brian Bilston

my damaged cervical spine and carpal tunnel and joint problems. It freed up and alleviated the pain and increased mobility almost immediately. With Allodynia, a nerve condition, and head injury symptoms, I then tried it on my scalp and to my joy and surprise it stopped the nerve over stimulation. I am now using it daily. Indebted to Florentine Gold for providing such a great product.”

John S. Canterbury. 1st July 2022

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Due to ongoing manufacturing, freight and courier price increases we can no longer absorb these costs. As from the 1st April 2024 there will be a price increase in our Florentine Gold products. You can be assured the quality of the products and the service will remain at the same high standard. The 200ml Body & Joint Rub will now be $48.50 the 100ml will remain the same $36.50. Courier postage is included in these prices however, the cost for rural delivery will increase to $7.00 (which must be paid separately into our bank account as our website does not allow for this cost. Thank you for your ongoing support FGNZ Ltd.

Great for all manner of joint and muscle stiﬀness, sprains and strains and dry ﬂaky skin.

FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Natural Harmony Body & Joint Rub is $48.50 for 200ml and $36.50 for 100ml and includes delivery. However, for rural deliveries the cost is $7.00 which must be paid directly into our bank account. You can purchase by visiting our website www.ﬂorentinegold.co.nz, by emailing us at info@ﬂorentinegold.co.nz or by phoning us on 0275172347.

TESTIMONIAL

“OMG This stuff is MAGIC! I have been suffering tremendous lower back pain for the last few days (nerve pinch I think?) In tears with the pain, can’t sleep, hurts to walk, hurts to sit. My husband handed me his bottle of Florentine Gold & I am a different person. I simply can’t believe how this stuff has turned my pain away by 99%. I can’t use the normal anti inflammatory drugs due to medication I am on. Florentine Gold you are a life saver. I will be ordering a second bottle tomorrow! Diane Stockley Te Aroha on Jan 26, 2024

The All Natural Harmony Body & Joint Rub would make a wonderful present for family and friends.

70-year-old lifeguard, Barb Henderson.

Pole Vaulter

Keeping On eeping On

Christchurch

Red Hatters Club No set meetings but the Club has ‘gatherings’ which includes monthly events such as luncheons, dinners and an outing/activity.

Contact: Iris Cousins on 021 0209 3598.

UPDATE FROM THE CLUBS

Lincoln Area Senior Citizen Club members celebrated their 48th birthday with a lunch held at the Lincoln Bowling Club. At another meeting speaker Phylis Harris spoke about her travels. A trip to the Tai Tapu Hotel for lunch took place in August and in September members will go to Lincoln Bowling Club for a light lunch, quiz and games. October will see members on a bus to Lyttelton with lunch at Governors Bay Meet: First Tuesday of the month at 1.30pm at the Lincoln Event Centre. New members are very welcome. Contact: Pat Townsend on 03 325 2988 or 027 4436963.

Papanui Rebus Club (formerly Papanui Probus Club) Meet: First Tuesday of the month at 10.00am at the Morrison Avenue Bowling Club, 30 Morrison Avenue, Papanui, Christchurch.

Contact: Gillian on 03 352 6697 or Sian on 03 359 0057.

Primetimers 10 Pin Bowlers meet for fun bowling and interacting with likeminded over 60-yearolds. More experienced members assist and coach newbies with the emphasis on pleasure rather than competitiveness. Meet: Mondays at 1.00pm at Zone Bowling, Iverson Terrace, Christchurch

Contact: Brian 03 332 0531 or just come along on Monday.

WesleyCare meets growing complex health and support needs

Care, compassion and community guide all work at WesleyCare in Papanui and are vital elements of staﬀ training. This focus helps to ensure that residents feel well cared for in a comfortable, warm and welcoming environment.

WesleyCare is a not-for-proﬁt rest home and hospital operated by Christchurch Methodist Mission. “Compassionate care is a core value for us and includes providing chaplaincy and other services that receive no government funding,” says CMM Executive Director Jill Hawkey.

ﬀering compassionate care involves attending to the changing needs of those coming into WesleyCare and, in recent years, there have been some important changes. In particular, with support from care in the community, more and more people are enjoying independent living for longer. One consequence of this is that those who eventually do make the move into residential care tend to

be more frail than in the past. New residents often bypass rest home care and move directly into hospital level care.

“The trend towards increased frailty also means that the need for specialist equipment is increasing,” says Jill. “For example, sensor mats are installed on the ﬂoor beside the beds of residents who are assessed as having a high risk of falling, ensuring that staﬀ are alerted when the person stands and can be present to help them to move. This is important because the frail elderly

have a high risk of falling, and of serious injury from falls, including hip fracture and head injury. Falls also lead to increased anxiety about moving at all.”

Pegasus Daylight Lodge No 450 is a Freemasons Lodge. Unlike evening lodges, Pegasus appeals to over 65-year-old Masons and their wife, partner or friend. The meeting has minimal ceremonial content and after opening the lodge transacts business and, after closing, we join our partners for lunch and an activity or speaker. Meets at 11.00am every 3rd Wednesday of the month at Canterbury Freemasons Centre, 9 Shirley Road, Christchurch. Contact: The Secretary, pegasus450@xtra.co.nz or call Gerald 021 1704 179.

Active, happy walkers 60+++ for a SINGLES ONLY mixed walking group.

MYWALKING Group has been active for nearly 18 years in and around the city. Flat walks with occasional hill walk: ﬁnish at a Cafe. Occasional social get togethers. www.mywalkinggroup.nz

Subs are $15.00 per year. Walks are on Sat. and Sun. for 1 to 2 hrs. Come for a trial walk to see if it suits. New members welcome.

Phone Wendy on 027 752 9766

OLDER GENTLEMAN LOOKING TO ADOPT A SMALL DOG

* Rehoming situation: Kaiapoi.

* Dog lover.

Specialised equipment is expensive and WesleyCare is running an ongoing appeal for funds to buy urgently needed equipment like bed hoists and sensor mats. If you are able to help, please leave a gift at www.mmsi.org.nz/donate (select WesleyCare from the Programme options) or phone Michael Herman on 03 375-1266.

* Small dog needed for companionship and support.

* Fully fenced section.

Please phone John

WesleyCare Marblewood

The importance of friends as we age

As we age, old friendships can slip away. Sometimes immediate family takes on so much more importance, especially grandchildren, who can give many seniors a whole new lease on life. Grandkids grow up quite fast however, and if there are not heaps of them it is not long until there is a hiatus. The teen years arrive and the grandkids will come and visit for a night or two but not as often. We still take a strong interest in their lives however, and they do know this. Some seniors don’t care too much if their friends fall away as they age. They are far too busy coping with illness or just enjoying their increasing peace and quiet. The spark that we used to get from our friends when we were younger doesn’t seem as strong. Anyone who is hard of hearing and hasn’t yet got their hearing aids, for example, might ﬁnd it diﬃcult to converse. Meeting up for a good “chin-wag” is a bit more hit and miss if we can’t hear each other. When we do meet up, we tend to spend a lot of time sharing health problems (since these are often the things that are common to us as seniors) but that is okay. Noone needs to feel guilty sharing the inevitable personal health situations that are a feature of senior living. There is information to be shared, and comfort in knowing various situations are not uncommon. A solid “compare

by Di Hooper

and contrast” conversation can be useful even if we feel a bit “lame”. We might talk about who is going into hospital or even who has passed. There can be a lot of laughter despite the serious topics of conversation. A psychologist who specialises in communication made a list of the 10 features of people who don’t retain their friends into old age. Some of the features listed are “constant negativity, lack of empathy, lack of reciprocity, poor listening, unreliability, untrust-worthiness and even gossiping”. Changing these into words that are more positive, which is always worth doing, we could list the features that help us retain friends as cheerfulness, positivity, understanding, reliability, trustworthiness, and generosity. Not

GAMES MORNING

least, there is that respectful regard for others, a trait of those who care. Perhaps it doesn’t matter if we lead a more insular life as we age, or does it?

In a small provincial area such as ours we know a lot of people. We care about others because we have usually crossed paths with many, in clubs, sports or work.

Close friends, however, are the ones who have lasted the distance. Our lives are the richer for them. Working at keeping our friends, by dropping in for a cuppa more often will keep up the communication even if there seems nothing much new to share.

With no pending shift work to get to, or urgent work and family business, mostly seniors are home, and welcome a visit from old friends, even ones that haven’t been seen for quite a while.

(Reprinted with permission from The Westport News).

Mature Moves is about helping people

If you are considering moving into a smaller home, perhaps a retirement village or residential care and you feel you could use some help, Mature Moves could be your answer.

It is a Christchurch-based company with local people helping older people to downsize and move when the need arises.

They understand that sometimes your family are not positioned to help as they might like to or have time restraints. True to their motto ‘to treat you like they treat their own families’, the team at Mature Moves can pack up, declutter and move all of your belongings and furniture to your new home.

Then they unpack and set up your new home to the very last detail, just the way you like it.

Decluttering can be a bit overwhelming. However, it is made much easier with some understanding help. Step-by-step you can have

things sorted and organised with minimal fuss and stress.

Along with this wonderful service, they can also organise selling things you no longer require, or if you desire gifting them to family or charities. They can also clean homes inside and out, and complete the gardening to get houses ready for sale.

Mature Moves is about helping people. You let them know what help you need and they will set about showing you just what they can do to help you.

A visit and consultation is free of charge, with no obligation to use their services. However, if you feel they may be of assistance a quotation can be provided for your consideration.

You can phone Mature Moves on 0800 777 214 to talk about your move. We are sure Mike and the team can help you to lighten the load and make your move a smooth transition.

Keeping On eeping On 20

Intense love of family and the family home

This is a truly wonderful story from Australia about a family’s intense love of family and the family home, told by my friend Megan James.

Dad’s mum and dad bought the land in Redhead here in New South Wales in 1951. There is a story that Nan and Pop had their eye on a block of land, but really wanted a double block. Someone told Nanna that the man who owned the second block was down at the beach ﬁshing. Nanna went and found him and asked him if he wanted to sell. He did, and so they ended up with a double block, which gave them a much wider frontage.

At that time Redhead was very much an outpost, some distance from the action of Newcastle here in New South Wales. Dad’s workmates would say to Dad, “Why would you want to live all the way out there?”

Clearing the block was a chore and the whole family worked tirelessly over many weekends pulling out all the roots of the unwanted small shrubs. Dad was working as a builder’s apprentice at the time and initially Pop and Dad would travel to and from the block in the afternoon after work. They made a start by building a shack which is now the shed. They were living at Hamilton, which was quite far away, and Dad recalled leaving his tools under a piece of canvas on the ground at the block.

The family didn’t have a car, so they got around by bus and train as there was a small station at Redhead. They pulled apart an old house in Newcastle, and re-used the materials to build the shack at Redhead and the bricks were recycled for the new foundations. Building materials were hard to come by then as times were tight. I think Dad may have said that they bought some of the materials back to the block on the bus!

In time the family lived in a tent on the block – Nan and Pop, Dad and his sister Pat. Dad was 17, and Pat was 15, however, Nanna was pregnant again, this time with twins. They were living in the tent, and one night there was a big blow, and it blew the tent down, so they needed to move into the shed even though it wasn’t ﬁnished. They rushed to close up the air gaps to make it liveable. Nanna then went into hospital where she gave birth to the twin girls. Living in the shed was very basic by today’s standards as there was no running water, a chip heater for hot water, and a round pressed metal bathtub outside… Dad’s grandfather was

by Megan James and Mark Walton

also living with them.

Now that they had somewhere to live, they were able to start work on the house. At the time the road wasn’t much more than a sandy track, and Dad recalled having to get a tow to get the delivery truck to the block. Development was just starting in the area at the time as land was opening up at Redhead.

Pop and Dad built a 3-bedroom weatherboard cottage, and it straddled across the original two blocks. In time, Mum and Dad bought the house oﬀ Nan and Pop and it became our family home for Mum, Dad and us 5 kids.

The house has changed a bit over the years. Initially the toilet was up the back yard. Later when the sewer came through, Dad built a skillion roof and laundry/toilet out the back. Dad also put on an extension at the front and built a new kitchen/dining area.

The house has so many fond memories, as all our childhood memories are there - it’s a family treasure.

The back veranda was always the place for music. I recall early days of singalongs with Aunty Pat on the piano, Pop on banjo, and Dad on the sax. We would end up with all the neighbours there too and there was so much fun and laughter. We were still all playing together on the back verandah with Dad shortly before his passing in 2017.

Losing mum and dad was hard enough as we’d had a truly wonderful family life, but it was time to work out the estate at Redhead. What were we going to do with the property? Redhead has increased in value exponentially since Nan and Pop moved there. Investors of today don’t want our beautiful 50’s weatherboard cottage built across 2 blocks. The only sensible thing was to take the blocks back to their original titles – two lots. Either we were to sell it

as one, and the new owner would demolish everything, or we clear the blocks and sell them as two separate lots.

Then I came up with the idea, that perhaps we could move the house! It’s just a perfectly good hardwood cottage, built on piers off the ground, 10ft ceilings, fancy plaster work, and timber floors. Its life wasn’t finished yet!

After this initial thought where could we move it to?

The first thing was to find a house mover and see if it was a good candidate to move. Yes! We got the first hurdle out of the way. Then to find a block - looking at places that immediately came to mind were far too expensive. It was different from most people when they move a house. Normally, you would have a block and look to put a house on it. This was the other way around - we had a house and needed a block to put it on. I was worried that we might buy a block only to find out that the local council wouldn’t allow the house relocation. It was a big dilemma!

The house at Redhead was built specifically to take in the different aspects of its position. It faces south to the road, and from the kitchen and dining room there are sweeping views south along the coast towards Swansea, the entrance to Lake Macquarie. The back yard faces north, sun drenched, and always a nice spot to sit in summer or winter, watching the local eastern rosellas finding a place to nest.

On the western side there are limited windows, and those that are there have roller shutters on them for the summer. It’s built on piers to take advantage of the breeze, unlike the construction of today - low ceilings, on a concrete slab.

All of this takes time, and it was a bit of a race against the clock, as other family members understandably have

their own priorities. We did eventually ﬁnd an aﬀordable block in Murrurundi in the Upper Hunter Valley, about 2hrs away from Redhead. It made sense to position it back on the block the same way as it was positioned at Redhead. Dad always loved a sunny northern aspect. We needed to do a few things to optimise the northerly aspect, so we’re going to turn the house around 180 degrees, so the back will become the front and vice versa. Our beautiful family treasure will now have views to the mountains.

Planning is going well, development application has been approved, the sewer design completed, and we are now working towards obtaining a construction certiﬁcate which is the last thing we need to allow the house relocation to go ahead. At this stage it is looking like mid-October for the big move. The relocation contractors will spend one week cutting and preparing. They will cut the house in half, just to the right of the front door, through the hearth/ﬁreplace and out the back. The shed, laundry /toilet skillion at the back will not be going and they will get demolished. They will move the house overnight and then spend another week at Murrurundi building piers and reconstructing. Structurally it will be totally sound, but cosmetically work will be needed to patch it up internally and externally.

All of this has lifted our spirits and turned what was all bad, into a small light, knowing Pop and Dad’s cottage was going to get wings and live on. I wished I could have told Mum and Dad of our plans – I think they would be thrilled. Dad was the ultimate recycler and ‘repurposer’ of materials well before it was fashionable to do this. Reusing the house in this way is a bit of a nod to our Dad.

The front of the Redhead house, looking north.Music on the verandah.

A volunteer lunch to celebrate National Volunteer week

Age Concern Canterbury celebrated National Volunteer week in June with a function for our volunteers. The event was held in the Silk Suite at Addington raceway and about 200 attendees enjoyed a wonderful lunch and a relaxed catch-up with others. Long-serving visitors, drivers, drivers’ assistants and other volunteers were acknowledged for their service and were presented with certiﬁcates and ﬂowers by Board chair Trish Adams.

Some lucky attendees received wonderful prizes in a lucky number draw, courtesy of our event sponsors.

Age Concern Canterbury CEO, Greta Bond, thanked the volunteers saying “Our team of volunteers is like a jigsaw puzzle, with each member representing a unique piece that contributes to the bigger picture. Every puzzle piece has a speciﬁc shape and role, and each volunteer brings distinct skills and personality. Together, they ﬁt perfectly to build a powerful representation of what Age Concern Canterbury is all about.”

Getting to know Age Concern Canterbury’s amazing volunteers

You've heard it before: "The busier the person, the more they get done." Well, that's certainly true of our amazing volunteers at Age Concern Canterbury. They are always on the go, helping us with our various activities and services. So how do we get to know them better? By asking them some fun and fast questions, of course! This is a popular way to interview famous people, like movie stars, sports heroes, and politicians. But we think our volunteers are just as awesome and deserve some spotlight too. So let's get to know them better with some quick-ﬁre questions.

This issue it’s volunteer visitor and driver’s assistant, Pam McQuillan.

When did you begin volunteering for Age Concern Canterbury and why?

After I retired, I was volunteering at Burwood Hospital for one afternoon

Pam McQuillan

a week which didn’t ﬁll a lot of my time. One of the ladies I worked with was volunteering at Age Concern Canterbury and suggested I sign up. This was in 2019 so I’ve been volunteering for ﬁve years. If you could travel to any country in the world, where would you go and why?

Ireland. I went there on a tour with my husband. We were only there for

two days and loved it. It was always on our wish list to go back and do it on our own but we didn’t make it back before he passed away.

What is the best advice you ever received?

My mother always said, “Decide what you want to do and go for it.”

What is your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate

If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be and what would you talk about?

Winston Peters: it always amazes me how he keeps coming back and I would like to know how he does it.

Donald Trump: I’d ask him what the heck he thinks he is doing.

Freddie Mercury: I have always loved his music.

What is something you are proud of but never get to brag about?

I don’t think I have done a lot to

brag about but my family would be the thing I am most proud of.

I have four children and six grandchildren, and they are all doing well in their lives.

Tea or Coﬀee?

I enjoy both. I love a cup of tea in the morning, but love a coﬀee on the café outings.

What is something you wish you knew how to do but never learned?

Ballroom Dancing.

Favourite movie, book, or song?

Love Actually. It is on television every Christmas. It is always good for a laugh.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Age Concern Canterbury?

I love taking people out to cafes and hearing stories about their lives. It is also beneﬁcial for me as I live on my own and it is good to meet up with other people.

Bill, Irwin, Colin, Gavin and Pat, Drivers and Assistants.

Ray, Gaynor, Pam, Rosalie and Judy, Visitors and Assistants.

A letter from Colin, our northern correspondent

Dear Keeping On team

I was going to text but it’s so impersonal. (When sister Bronwyn died recently, I got some lovely messages from her nursing buddies, but I also mourned the demise of the hand-written condolence card.)

Loved that last issue. Got annoyed reading your article about the housing developers and so-called progress, Cousin June. A pox on them, but they’ll probably end up with knighthoods to go with the Porsches. Was thrilled to read of the miracle at Burwood Hospital, and Mike Crean’s story about Dave Cameron and his bookshop. What a gem. I’ll be popping in there on my next visit. I recalled

how I once eagerly anticipated a visit to the pub; that’s how I feel about whare pukapuka (book shops and libraries) these days. They don’t quench a physical thirst, but oh my, they nourish the hungry soul!

You might remember my mum was brought up in Kekerengu when the Public Works department was building the railway? She had some tales to tell but never wrote them down. I knew there was a book written about those times, now almost impossible to ﬁnd, but would you believe I recently stumbled (sober) across one in a second-hand book shop. Mum’s whanau (there were 12 billy-lids in her lot) get plenty

Gentle and eﬀective exercise while sitting watching TV

Used under feet and hands, the Aircycle exerciser is a simple way to relieve joint pain, increase circulation, reduce swollen ankles and cramps, help restless legs, strengthen muscles, and improve balance and mobility.

It also aids in the prevention of blood clots when sitting for long periods.

Aircycle provides gentle exercise without weight-bearing or strenuous activity. It’s simple to use, soft on feet and hands and easily deﬂated for carrying in a pocket or purse. Use it from the comfort of your chair while sitting – reading, having coﬀee, watching TV or travelling.

A woman from Te Horo invented this simple device to help relieve her husband’s severe arthritic pain and swollen ankles. His arthritis carers were so impressed with the relief and increased joint mobility he experienced they asked her to make more for other suﬀerers.

Gay from Rotorua says, "Aircycle is better than the information says. The pain in my knees has gone and, although I use a walker, I don’t need

it around the house anymore. I can move more freely and have much less pain in both my hands and feet. My feet are warmer too and now I don’t need bed socks which I’ve worn for years."

Sam from Oraki wrote, “I’ve suﬀered for years with sciatica. It’s gone completely when I use the Aircycle.”

Mrs Cooksley from Wellington advised, “I’m diabetic and had an ulcer on my leg which wouldn’t heal.

After 7 weeks using my Aircycle it was gone! My Doctor is recommending it to other patients. The pumping motion is addictive and comforting. I use it while knitting.”

Includes a lifetime warranty and is listed with Medsafe. A wonderful gift for yourself or loved ones!

of mention, so I will unashamedly borrow from it for my own memoir – a work in progress.

I’ve found myself acting as support team for a good mate with a tumour in his head, so couldn’t get to the vollie’s lunch which I hear was a grand occasion. I’ll be there next year.

And cuz, nga mihi for your honesty about that mental health wobble. Some years ago, I had one of those too. It’s strange we’re sharing this for the ﬁrst time, so publicly. I too found the resulting care a life altering experience. Wobbles are part of life’s building block experiences, make us who we are today, more

compassionate and less judgemental. We need to talk about them more. Lots happening here in Nelson and surrounds. My dear 40-yearold street-kid son has a “riverside apartment” on the banks of the Maitai (that’s under a nice tree) but has recently been accepted into rehab/ care in Auckland. First, they have to take care of his alcohol damaged pancreas. Fingers crossed. We’ve been spoiled with kapa haka celebrations, and during matariki we planted pohutukawa at Jess’s favourite beach. Nothing to complain about.

Nga mihi nui, Colin Smith.

Services designed to support you to live an independent life

Since 1982, Aspire Canterbury has been supporting people with disabilities, aged adults, whānau, and the wider Canterbury community. Our mission is simple yet profound: to provide free, unbiased disability information, advice, and resources to enable individuals to live their best lives. At Aspire, we understand the unique challenges faced by disabled individuals and those with impairments. Our comprehensive range of services is designed to support you to live an independent life. Whether you need guidance on health and disability services or expert advice on products to aid daily living, Aspire is your go-to resource. Our services include: Disability Information Unbiased, reliable information and advice on all aspects of disability and health. We can connect you with relevant health and disability services, ﬁnancial assistance options and activities. We also have an extensive directory to help you navigate the myriad of services available in store or on our website.

Retail Shop oﬀering equipment hire and purchase: We oﬀer a wide range of mobility and daily living assistance products, including continence supplies, to help maintain your independence.

Total Mobility Scheme: For eligible individuals with long-term impairments, this scheme oﬀers 75% discounted taxi fares up to $70 per trip in the greater Christchurch area. Our approved assessors can conduct assessments to determine eligibility. Mobile Services: Aspire’s unique mobile van service brings information, products, and services directly to your community. We oﬀer interactive presentations to community groups, allowing you to ask questions and access assistive products.

Aspire Canterbury is committed to empowering you with the knowledge and tools needed to overcome barriers and embrace independence. For more information, or to access our services, please contact us at 03 366 9093 or visit our website. Let us help you live your best life, today and every day. A

Still Standing: A Memoir: Anna Crighton

Reviewed by June Peka

The only surprise and shock I feel after reading Anna Crighton’s memoir, is that some readers and reviewers have expressed surprise and shock. Goodness me, apart from Anna’s stellar progression through to public service and being gonged, this could have been my own life and that of thousands of girls and young women born in the forties and fifties. We did do unbelievably daft things, we got drunk, we were a little promiscuous. Thank goodness hard drugs weren’t readily available. We knew there were girls ‘different’ from us, those who were encouraged by unified parents from stable homes to aim for higher things, but we’d drawn the short straws. We bumbled on, and as did Anna, made something of ourselves despite the odds.

In saying she is “ astonished that I did not perpetrate even more calamaties than I consciously or unconsciously did, ” she speaks for an extensive sisterhood of unsupported women who found themselves floundering directionless in the sixties, looking for love and acceptance in inappropriate places, while battling patronistic attitudes, an unfair wage system and a widely accepted belief that women were the moral gatekeepers of the population. Anna has not hit us over the head with how the relinquishment of her first baby has affected her entire life, but it’s palpable. Between 1955 and 1985, 50,000 babies born to single women were placed for adoption in a system erroneously thought to benefit all involved. It’s true, infertile couples were able to make families, most babies were well cared for, but many birth mothers were scarred for life, coping as best they could with a huge void. Some like Anna (and me) “replaced” that child with another born soon after. For many, reunion has been a belated and

not completely positive experience which lies behind the feelings of low self-worth and esteem Anna describes. She may not know it, but she has a tribe who identify with, and ﬁnd nothing shocking or surprising about her ‘calamities” and selfdiagnosed short-comings. We are simply women of our time. Hopefully, like Anna, many will have gone on to achieve satisfying and rewarding lives. I’m greatly impressed with her courage and determination, and dedication to her small family. And I can’t help but think that with all her innate pizzaz and vibrancy she’s been wasted on local politics. That part of her memoir hardly spoke to me at all. She might’ve been a central government politician, where having rubbed shoulders with the real world should be a number one requirement, or even a movie star. A writer for sure.

Well done Anna Crighton, what’s next?

(Still Standing: A Memoir: Anna Crighton, Canterbury University Press, 2024 )

“A ﬂower blossoms for its own joy." Oscar Wilde

Collective learning as a key to thriving

CWEA is a long established charity, in the centre of Christchurch, offering affordable community education. There you will find a focus on thriving through courses and other activities centered around learning together, making connections and supporting networking throughout our diverse communities. Each term approximately 50 different items are offered within a broad range of subjects and interest areas. An example is a pair of courses led by Elaine Mayo on Thursday afternoons. Elaine has a mission to build community through events, courses and conversations which seek to connect people with one another. Recently she joined WEA’s governing body bringing her passion for community building and lifelong learning to the fore.

Elaine wrote a PhD thesis twenty years ago about collective practice where people come together, not just to learn from experts, but to actively weave together the ideas they bring to the discussion. She says “The secret is to attract people who are interested in meaningful, ongoing conversations about topics of shared interest. Over several weeks it is possible to explore ideas so that a shared understanding emerges around some key ideas. People thrive when they realise that their knowledge and learning experiences are interesting to other people.

Together we can ﬁgure out and clarify ideas that foster conﬁdence and wellbeing. For conversations like these it matters that people who attend become curious about what can be learnt through collaboration, teamed with some prior knowledge, practical activities, and some investigation.”

On Thursday afternoons, each term, Elaine runs courses with titles that include words like “exploring,” “investigating”, “expanding.” One course focuses on “patterns” which is mathematics in disguise and the other on “games” which exercise the brain at any age, and especially as we age. For full details check out our website: www.cwea.org.nz or drop in to 59 Gloucester Street or your local library for a brochure.

Elaine Mayo.

Keeping On eeping On

Pen pals spark intergenerational connection

The chance reading of a junior journal at the Christchurch Rudolph Steiner kura sparked an idea that resulted in a wonderful example of intergenerational connection between pupils and residents of Chatswood Retirement Village.

The book that teacher aide Sarah read to the class mentioned a school in the North Island where the tamariki had begun corresponding with some residents of a nearby retirement village. They had started and developed a wonderful pen pal friendship.

This sparked an idea among the Christchurch tamariki that there was a retirement village near their school, and maybe they could do something similar. Helped by Sarah and other staﬀ, the class wrote an

Contributed by pupils of the Christchurch Rudolph Steiner School

initial letter to the village residents. With no immediate response, the children forgot about the letters until three weeks later when an “elderly gentleman” called Noel turned up at the school. He returned a book that was full of writing, stories and questions for the students.

This contact made the students very keen, and they continued to

Over 40 years in the antique business

Steve Purcell is a licensed antiques dealer trading as Antiques International Limited, with over 40 years experience in the business. Steve started frequenting antique shops and restoring antique furniture when he was 15 and developed a passion for Kauri furniture in particular. After “doing up” a number of pieces it soon became apparent that some would have to be sold to make room for more projects.

Developing associations with a number of dealers, it was a natural progression into general antiques, art and jewellery. In the ’80s the hobby became a business selling items at antique-fairs, on behalf in established shops and converting an old Bedford bus into a mobile antiques shop.

In the ’90s the ﬁrst oﬃcial shop “Circa 1900” was formed with a partner in Merivale and a second shop in Riccarton called “Finders”. With the dawn of the new millenium internet communication was now a well established medium for selling,

opening the door to a world-wide customer base. “Circa 1900” was closed and the company Antiques International was formed.

STEVE PURCELL ANTIQUES

write back and forth for months, until one winter’s day recently the class arranged to visit and meet their pen pals at the village.

The children entertained their new friends with songs, and chatted for a while, getting to know each other a little better. Some of the children then decided to play some tunes on the piano, which was thoroughly

enjoyed by the residents. There were smiles a plenty and it was a described as a “truly magical morning”. The class is planning to visit again next term, because as 11 year old James Murray said “a splendid moment this was, enjoyed by young and old alike.”

AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY

FREE Staying Safe Refresher Driving Courses

This course gives strategies to assist us to keep ourselves, and others, safer on the roads by:

* recognising the effects of adverse driving conditions around us * raising awareness about driving behaviour * understanding the effects of ageing on driving * making safer driving decisions * improving driving confidence on busy roads.

10.00am to 2.00pm with light lunch provided (donation welcome)

Course dates for the rest of 2024 are subject to conﬁrmation, please phone 366 0903 to enquire.

Crossword Answers (240701)

CLUES: (Legend: ¶ = combo due; * = cryptic due; §=sounds like; oo=anagram

Across:

2. Bubbly (6), 5. Rebate (6), 9. Ado (3), 11. Indrawn (7), 12. Mahjong (7), 13. Abrade (6), 15. Marine (6), 16. But(3), 16. * But (3), 17. Anon (4), 21. Amid (4), 23. Epigram (7), 24. Edge (4), 26. Hone (4), 30. Etc (3), 32. Pliers (6), 32. * Pliers (6), 33. Hectic (6), 36. Riddled (7), 37. Emperor (7), 38. Gas (3), 38. *Gas (3), 39. Crosse (6), 40. Strips (6)

Down:

2. Undergo (7), 3. Brands (6), 4. Yank(4), 5. Romp (4), 6. Behead (6), 7. Thorium (7), 8. Cicada (6), 10. Agreed (6), 14. Vulgate (7), 18. Nod (3), 19. Ape (3), 20. Ram (3), 20. * ooRam (3), 22. Ion (3), 24. Expert (6), 25. Guilder (7), 27. Outcrop (7), 28. Escarp (6), 29. Trills (6), 31. Pepper (6), 34. Edge (4), 35. Mess (4)

How you can stay warmer for cheaper this winter

It’s that time of year when the fleece sheets, electric blankets and heaters are out of storage and for many of us with fireplaces, the time to sort a supply of wood. Warmer Cheaper is an annual campaign that’s all about using your wood burner more efficiently so you can use less wood, reduce your costs, and reduce the amount of chimney smoke.

There are three main ways to stay warmer, for cheaper: the first is burning dry, seasoned wood from Trusted Good Wood merchants. We audit these firewood sellers regularly to ensure they’re selling good, dry wood. You’ll find a list of local suppliers at warmercheaper.co.nz.

The second is using a good wood burning technique. Many of us were taught to build a ﬁre in a pyramid shape, where you put kindling on the bottom and big logs on the top. But the upside-down method, with big logs on the bottom and kindling on top, lasts longer and is more eﬃcient.

You can see this method in action at warmercheaper.co.nz.

The third is keeping your wood burner well maintained. Do not burn treated timber, driftwood or rubbish, as these can clog your chimney and increase pollution in the air. A buildup of chimney soot can also be a fire risk (the kind of fire you don’t want!) and reduce efficiency of the burner. You can find a burner maintenance checklist at warmercheaper.co.nz.

Financial assistance

We know it’s a tough time out there for many people, and, if you meet the criteria, you may be eligible for ﬁnancial assistance towards the cost of a new heat pump, ultralow emission burner, or insulation upgrades through the government’s Warmer Kiwi Homes subsidy (visit www.eeca.govt.nz), or Environment Canterbury’s subsidy scheme (visit ecan.govt.nz/ﬁnancialhelp). If you have any questions, phone us on 0800 324 636. A

A legacy of looking into the hills

A lifetime of work by renowned Ngāpuhi, Te Roroa and Ngāti Kahu printmaker, the late Marilynn Webb, is on display at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū until 13 October 2024.

Marilynn Webb (1937–2021, ONZM) was both an artist and an art educator, and her groundbreaking printmaking practice was highly inﬂuential both in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. She was a passionate environmentalist, a feminist and politically activequalities often evident in her powerful landscapes that explored the relationship between land, sky and water.

Marilynn Webb: Folded in the Hills surveys the artist’s most signiﬁcant works across her ﬁve-decade career, and has been developed, toured and led by Dunedin Public Art Gallery.

Melanie Oliver, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū curator, says the exhibition has been popular with a diverse audience.

“Webb’s artworks are beautiful, thought provoking and experimental. She conceptualises nature in a mesmerising, nuanced way that encourages us to consider our connections to the environment” she says.

“Cascading lines are a deﬁning feature of her work, as is the contrast between embossed lines and smudged pastels. She also developed an unique form of intaglio, linoleum engraving and surface printing.”

Oliver says the acclaim Webb received helped to lift the mana of the artform of printmaking in Aotearoa.

“Her legacy is the way she demonstrated the power of connection between people and the

land, tangata and whenua, through her art.

“Webb’s series Taste Before Eating protests against the New Zealand government’s “Think Big” campaign of the 1970s. Works like Drowned Clutha Pudding and Mining Crumble satirically mimic recipes, exposing the devastating environmental impact of the contentious policy which brought new dams and extractive industries,” Ms Oliver says.

“It’s a dynamic, innovative and interesting show that leaves people with a fresh perspective on art and our environment.”

Free to visit, Marilynn Webb: Folded in the Hills is on display at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū until 13 October 2024. It has been co-curated by Lauren Gutsell, Lucy Hammonds and Bridget Reweti (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi), Dunedin Public Art Gallery.

Did you know the upside-down method lasts longer and is more efficient? Try it next time you build your ﬁre.

Image: Marilynn Webb Cloud Landscape Central Otago 8 (detail) 1974. Hocken Collections Uare Taoka o Hākena, University of Otago

Marilynn Webb Cloud Landscape 2 (detail) 1973. Linoleum engraving. Collection of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, purchased 1973 with funds from the Dunedin Public Art Gallery Society

Keeping On eeping On

Hey, Yo, Customer Service

Re: Important: Change of plan and inclusion in a digital age

Look, that salutation is my attempt to reply to your email in the same child-like tone in which it is written. But, to be honest, “Dear Customer Service” is more my style, and I would rather you adjusted your language to not address me as if I am 8 years old. I am an adult, an older adult.

I did try your 0800 number. After a wait longer than my bladder permits, “the system” directed me to download a form. This digital-ﬁrst-people-last approach makes me tear my hair out (what’s left of it). What happened to choice? I counted slowly to 10, then waited a week for my pulse to settle down, before writing this reply. You know and I know that using my ﬁrst name doesn't hide the fact that it's a bulk mailout.

This deal? Nah, not my cup of tea. You say it serves my needs, not yours. Yeah, pull the other one. You're not losing sleep over me, yet I'm losing Zs over you. We both know it. But here we are.

You have a new plan. You say my current plan is no longer oﬀered. It’s like trying to swap “Fair Go” for an Infomercial, like replacing a service I have long enjoyed with something I neither need nor want. What I want is for you to reﬂect on your name. You are Customer Service, and I am a customer. Ours is a simple business arrangement.

I also decline to download your app. It doesn't cater to my demographic, and what’s more, I lack digital literacy and don’t like being pushed to do everything online. And no, you cannot coerce me to “switch to online statements and be entered into a

draw to win a $500 voucher!” I wasn’t born yesterday.

You know what I’m saying, right? If not, may I suggest you look at CAB Inclusion Campaign | Social inclusion in a digital age (https:// inclusioncampaign.cab.org.nz/).

Sorry to make you go to a website. I cannot go to your website because my cellphone is on the blink, my internet access is limited by insufficient funds and technical gobbledegook poses a language barrier. And besides that, I’m managing more than one health condition. I’m on a waitlist to have my plumbing fixed, and feel so emotionally drained by personal matters – that are none of your business – that I don’t feel competent and confident to take whatever change it is you are asking me to do. Okay?

The last time I had to deal with a similar change, I caught the bus into the city, marched into their oﬃce and gave the marketing director a piece of my mind. Actually, that’s not true. I couldn’t ﬁnd the door, so I just hobbled around the town and day dreamed.

Later, I embroidered my fantasy to include a bunch of policy analysts who were the kind of people whose corners of their mouths turn down when they smile. Which isn’t very often.

Later still, I turned to Citizens Advice Bureau for help.

The wonderful people of CAB printed out the form for me, then reinterpreted the unfathomable tosh, and kindly explained my rights. It lifted my spirits. Bless them.

Yours sincerely, Mr Dwayne Pipe

Companion Walking Service

A service for people who ﬁnd it diﬃcult getting out and about on their own.

Would you like to be able to go for a walk in your community? Our Companion Walking Service provides one-on-one assistance for people who are ﬁnding it diﬃcult to get out and about on their own. Walks are personalised to your environment and abilities. Our carefully chosen volunteers are vetted, fully trained and supported to ensure you receive a safe and enjoyable experience.

24 Main North Road, Papanui, Christchurch. P (03) 366-0903, Freephone 0800 80 33 44 E team@ageconcerncan.org.nz www.ageconcerncan.org.nz

My parents told me, “The road is in your mouth”

When I was a little girl, my father told me many times: “My parents told me, the road is in your mouth.”

It means, when you get lost, what you need to do is ask. It is daily life wisdom passed on from generation to generation.

After moving to New Zealand from Asia, I found out that actually the road is on my map. For a fresh migrant, a map is a necessity for the ﬁrst year of daily life in a new country. In 2002, there were no Google maps on my smartphone, and no GPS in my car.

My only tool was a paper map. I kept a map in my car so that I could check anytime I got lost. I had another at home for planning and taking notes before my trip. I would make more detailed notes, so I would not miss a road or turn the wrong way and end up getting lost.

I still remember the first day I dropped my son off at school. I was completely lost. I could not find the roads that I had put on the map notes. I complained that the road name signs were too small, so I missed going the right way. I was anxious because I had to take care to drive on the correct (left) side of the road (opposite to my home country). It would have been easy to have a car crash…. There was no one walking on the roadside in the quiet residential area. I urgently wished to meet a person to give me help. It was then that I found my road was not in my mouth! The right road was only on my map, in my notes and in patient trial-and-error.

by Harmony

My friend in my home country said to me: “You will ﬁnd out they like to use maps. When they don't know where to go, they ﬁnd the way on their maps, rather than ask other people.” The word “they” meant New Zealanders and most western people. It was shocking information for me at that time. Because I had never used a map in my home country. Even when I travelled, I had no map. What I did when I got lost is just ask, following my father’s good advice.

But my father’s wisdom didn’t work in New Zealand because I could not ﬁnd any people around me in the quiet streets. The road can only be in my mouth when I am in a crowded area. Yes, when you move to a new country, everything changes. Not only the weather, the living place,

The confidence to thrive

Health and mobility issues can rob us of our confidence and hold us back from living life to the fullest.

At the Nurse Maude Health and Mobility Shop, we provide the products and equipment you need to maintain your independence.

From wheelchairs and walking frames right through to continence supplies - we’ll helpyou enjoy the freedom of confidence.

the language, but also the way of thinking and the tricks in dealing with daily life.

Three years before moving to New Zealand, I brought my three-year-old son here for a 45-day holiday. I bought a map because the home-stay host strongly suggested I should have one, but during the ﬁrst few days, I still used my father’s best policy: ask. I asked the bus drivers which bus I should transfer to continue my trip. I also stood at the busy roadsides or intersections to ask the Mandarin speaking students for directions. Then I discovered that even the bus drivers checked their maps when they were not sure which way to go.

That showed me that if western people checked the map when they were unsure, I could also do the same thing. I gradually built the habit of checking my map, rather than asking, when I needed help with directions.

Last month I came back from Sydney after a three-week trip. During that trip I checked Google maps on my phone every day. I was lucky to have an electric map in my hand compared to my experience of 25-years-ago. When checking the paper map, I would stand at the intersection watching the traﬃc and try and guess which direction was right. If it was in the morning or afternoon of a sunny day, it was much easier to know the right direction. But in Sydney last month, by checking Google maps, I knew the right direction at midday, at night and on rainy days. So, I kissed my smart phone! And I changed my father's daily life wisdom to “my road is in my phone”.

Community Law seminars at Age Concern Canterbury Community Law Seminars

Age Concern Canterbury will be hosting another series of law seminars over the next few months. The seminars will be delivered by Catherine Thwaites a legal educator at Community Law Canterbury. Catherine is part of the team that is dedicated to empowering the community through legal education. The team focuses on educating the community on a diverse range of topics, spanning from employment, family, and housing issues to criminal matters, human rights, and Māori land.

Catherine is currently studying for a Law and Health Science Degree, which is fueled by her passion for health law. As a lawyer within the healthcare system her goal is to contribute to improving healthcare access for everyone.

Community Law oﬀers free legal information and initial advice across a wide spectrum of issues.

Age Concern Canterbury is pleased to be able to support Community Law in making legal insights accessible to everyone, and so contributing to a better informed public.

If you wish to attend one of the seminars listed below, please register by phoning Age Concern Canterbury 03 3660903, or email team@ageconcerncan.org.nz.

Thursday, 12th September 2024 from 11.00am to 12.00 noon Will Workshop Thursday, 26th September 2024 from 11.00am to 12.00 noon

Death and Paperwork (what practical legal things need to happen when someone dies) Thursday, 24th October 2024 from 11.00am to 12.00 noon

Tenancy Rights and how they impact older people Thursday, 7th November 2024 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm

Retirement Villages including changes to Act

Seminars to be held at Age Concern Canterbury, 24 Main North Road, Papanui. Christchurch 8053.

Join a research trial and be reimbursed for your time

Do you have time available to volunteer and want to help advance global health?

By participating in a clinical trial, you’ll be playing an active role in the creation of potential new medicines and vaccines that can help improve the lives of people in New Zealand and around the world. Many of our trials involve no overnight stays.

Clinical trials involve an investigative drug and some study assessments.

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, register at nzcr.co.nz or call us on 0800 862 278

Catherine Twaites, Legal Educator, Community Law

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE COMPANY?

The Visiting Service at Age Concern Canterbury has caring volunteers who are keen to spend time with an older person. Our volunteers visit on a regular basis for about an hour each week. They tell us that they enjoy the opportunity to get to know an older person, and that they beneﬁt and learn from the experience.

Please call 03 366 0903 and speak to Rebecca or Peter if you would like to ﬁnd out more.

The Shoe Roombalancing ﬁt and fashion

After three decades of practising as a Podiatrist, Charlotte Russell has encountered a vast array of foot types and footwear preferences. A common lament among her clients echoed a familiar refrain: the perpetual struggle to ﬁnd shoes that seamlessly blend comfort with style. Recognizing this unmet need, Charlotte embarked on bridging the gap between function and fashion, giving rise to The Shoe Room.

Featuring footwear with extra depth, width, and enhanced cushioning and support, The Shoe Room caters to individuals seeking comfort without compromising on style.

Over the last ﬁve years, Charlotte has worked to cultivate partnerships with suppliers and brands, now stocking diverse footwear to meet the various needs of The Shoe Room clientele. From individuals managing medical conditions like diabetes and arthritis to professionals enduring long hours on their feet, and even those requiring accommodation for orthotics, The Shoe Room has

emerged as a beacon of inclusive footwear solutions.

As Charlotte's vision continues to evolve, The Shoe Room remains clear in its mission to provide individuals with footwear that not only supports their physical well-being but also enhances their conﬁdence in every facet of life.

Led by the dedicated trio of Maxine, Maree, and Aimee, the team at The Shoe Room is passionate about delivering more than just a service - they provide an exceptional experience for their clientele. Their goal is to strike the perfect balance between ﬁt and fashion, ensuring every client leaves feeling comfortable and stylish.

With extensive knowledge in addressing the challenges of fitting difficult feet, the team is equipped with a vast array of tools and solutions. They are committed to finding the best possible fit for each individual, enhancing both foot health and overall well-being.

The perfect spring day out

Enjoy stunning gardens, unique scenery and a country ramble.

With spring fast approaching, once again the Hurunui region is preparing for the Hurunui Garden Festival. Who wouldn’t enjoy a beautiful spring day spent outdoors, exploring some of the most inspirational private gardens New Zealand has to oﬀer? Now in its seventh year, this popular festival has become the region's premier event, attracting thousands of visitors.

The festival showcases 18 stunning North Canterbury gardens, from the intimate and whimsical, to the grand and formal, with beautiful herbaceous borders, native plantings, grand avenues, and cosy seating areas. There is something to inspire every gardener.

The gardens are all an easy drive from Christchurch, arranged in handy geographical clusters. As it is a selfdrive event, you have the freedom to plan your itinerary, and enjoy some of the delights of the region along the way.

These include fabulous local food, shops, wineries, historic homes, and

local art and artisans. And of course stunning river and mountain views along the way.

At each property, the owners will be on hand to tell stories and share their advice and knowledge. Many gardens oﬀer refreshments, plant stalls, gardening workshops, art exhibitions and live entertainment. Learn about growing dahlias, ﬂower arranging, garden design and plant propagation, or share a wine tasting and visit the Christmas Grotto. Enjoy a guided walk around Flaxmere garden, or inside the fabulous Tipapa and Lyndon Historic Homesteads.

These and many other fun events can be found in the easy to use website and also in the handy Festival Guide available in shops and cafes all over the region.

Begin planning your trip into the wonderful Hurunui region today.

Visit us from Thursday 31st October to Sunday 3rd November 2024.

Tickets and Guides available at: www.hurunuigardenfestival.com

Loch Leven Garden and Nursery, Rotherham.

Nazareth Community of Care Christchurch

Welcome to Nazareth Community of Care, a place where we trust you will feel a sense of warmth and belonging.

Nazareth has been providing residential aged care to the Canterbury community for over one hundred years and in 2015 we expanded our oﬀering to include a state of-the-art Retirement Village.

Nazareth is a values-based organisation. We understand everybody’s need to be treated with respect and dignity, and cared for with comfort and love.

We welcome all people, regardless of faith or background, as we strive to be an inclusive home for all. You will experience a sense of belonging, enabled by our caring team, and notice a sense of community reﬂected in the ongoing laughter.

We oﬀer spacious, medically equipped rooms, ample open spaces including lounges, a movie theatre and cafe.

Nazareth Care, via its hospital/ rest-home, is a well-designed, environmentally sensitive 80-bed facility. Our experienced and highly skilled team deliver exceptional care. We strive to provide consistency of

care and carer, with a team focus to support care needs, lifestyle and wellbeing.

Our Retirement Village consists of 65 two and three bedroom villas, supporting independent living with a modern community centre.

“Our pledge is to improve all residents’ quality of life through accountability, compassion and good leadership, ensuring residents remain independent for as long as possible and live their lives to the full potential.”

Book your tour today!

220 Brougham Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023.

Phone: (03) 374 1900

Email: reception.christchurch@ nazarethcare.com.

For more information, please scan our QR code or visit www.nazareth. co.nz/contact-us/ A

Spring Chit Chat

Spring is often seen as a time for new beginnings. Daffodils, blossom, lambs etc. For lots of people, it also means getting back into a more active way of life after the winter hibernation. While some people might head outdoors for this, others have limited access to the outdoors or prefer indoor exercise. Choose whatever works for you. You might find that using a combination for your routine is best which can be a great idea. Having some variety and flexibility can help you stay happy and keep you from feeling bored. Also, don’t underestimate the power of having company while you exercise, it can be a great motivator.

Just a reminder that physical activity has many health beneﬁts.

Regular physical activity:

* increases muscle strength, ﬂexibility, balance and co-ordination.

* helps to reduce the risk of premature death.

* helps to reduce the risk of falls.

* helps to prevent and manage health conditions like stroke, heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, certain cancers and depression.

* enhances sleep, wellbeing and quality of life.

* increases social interaction. If you can, try and spend more time being physically active and less

time sitting down. Activities such as housework, gardening and washing the car are great as they help get you up and moving, contribute to your overall physical activity and reduce the time you are sitting down. Even small amounts of physical activity can have positive beneﬁts for your health.

To reduce the risk of injury, older adults who are physically inactive or sedentary or who have one or more health conditions should seek advice from an appropriate health practitioner before starting or increasing levels of activity. Start oﬀ slowly and aim to build up to doing some activity about 5 days a week. If you enjoy group exercise, our community based Steady As You Go programme oﬀers fun and social weekly exercise classes for older people. These classes are aimed at building strength and improving balance, and people with varying mobility skills can participate.

Most Steady As You Go classes have a small charge of about $3 to cover the venue cost. If you are interested in joining a class, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions and to ﬁnd where your closest class is. My contact details are Email: anna.tillman@ ageconcerncan.org.nz or phone: 03 331 7811.

Anna Tillman, Health Promoter, Age Concern Canterbury.

Ageing well in Selwyn

Brought to you by the Selwyn District Council, the annual SWELL event series aims to bring older residents together through organisations and activities which support wellbeing and inclusion within the community.

Held on Tuesday 15 October from 9am until 2pm at the Lincoln Event Centre, the SWELL Seniors’

Lifestyle Expo is free to attend with over 60 exhibitors.

Learn which social activities and community groups in Selwyn to join and ﬁnd out everything you need to know about healthcare, life planning, volunteering and travel.

Bring your family or friends along, as there will be live entertainment, guest speakers,

coﬀee, food and market stalls to enjoy.

Following the expo, there is a two-week activity series with 22 events on oﬀer. Enjoy a live reading of classic and witty poems, try a low intensity aqua ﬁtness, group exercise or dance class, or enjoy a guided walk around Ahuriri Lagoon in Greenpark – rich with

fascinating ﬂora, fauna and native birdlife. There’s something to suit everyone!

To ﬁnd out more and book yourself in, pick up a copy of the What’s on in Selwyn brochure from your local library or Council Community Centre or go to: selwyn.govt.nz/swell

Tuesday 15 October 2024, 9am–2pm Lincoln Event Centre

Connect with over 100 community clubs, organisations and wellbeing providers at Selwyn’s premier expo for older residents.

Enjoy fun activities, expert speakers and market stalls at this free event.

selwyn.govt.nz/swell

Bring your family and friends along to the annual SWELL Expo on Tuesday, 15 October from 9.00am to 2.00pm at the Lincoln Event Centre.

My two cents

by June Peka

Of words - reading, writing and publishing

In 1980 a young Fremantle publishing assistant untied a scruﬀy bundle of single-spaced typewritten pages held together with green and white string. All Australia is now grateful to Wendy Jenkins who recognised a diamond in the rough, and worked with the elderly author, Albert Facey to bind these papers into a national treasure which has sold more than a million copies. It’s been reprinted one hundred times, in multiple languages, made into a television mini series and is part of the school curriculum.

Jenkins who died recently aged seventy remembered “ it didn’t look promising but almost immediately had my attention. I knew this was important, this was special, this was unique. It lifted from the pages and insisted on itself.”

A lot of remedial work was needed largely due to the fact that Mr Facey was barely literate, having only learned to read and write as an adult, but Jenkins and the team were at pains to not deviate from his simple writing style, compiled over many years at the kitchen table, encouraged by his wife Evelyn.

Along with thousands of Facey pilgrims my partner and I wandered his Western Australian trail - exploring the farms and houses he lived in - marvelling at the naive practicality of bushmade furniture from dining chairs and tables to cabinets and baby cots. We’ve seen the long drop on which a poisonous snake bit his bottom. We often wondered why we’ve never found a kiwi equivalent. Perhaps our men (and women) of that era were just to busy too keep diaries, or maybe they were illiterate too?

Mr Facey described his life story as “ordinary” and requested to only have 20 vanity copies printed for his family. He died aged 87, in 1981, nine months after it was ﬁrst published. A Fortunate Life is available in bookshops and online, and in libraries. I will review his story in an upcoming issue of Keeping On.

Then a few weeks ago I came across this book below in an online charity shop auction. I sat up all night reading it, and I’ll read it again when Mac has ﬁnished with it. The diﬀerences between the two are minor – 24 years between dates of birth, an ocean between countries (one with limited water supply the other with an abundance) a few degrees in temperature, and no snakes.

Our own Dick Perry was a shearer not a writer, so yes, there would’ve been some polishing work needed to turn it into a New Zealand icon, with it’s own tourist trail around our magniﬁcent South Island. I’ve heard it said that some our later most notable writers, including Barry Crump and Mona Anderson have needed expert help to get their stories over the line. It’s a national shame this was not available to Dick Perry and his family, who self-published in 2004.

YARNING WITH DICK. Dick Perry. 184p.

2004

Dick was born in Timaru in 1920, to a fearsomely authoritarian Scottish father and luckily for them all, a much mellower mother. He and his six brothers and one sister were expected to be seen but not heard, especially when visitors were present, all the while earning their keep from the ages of eight or nine, milking cows, looking after sheep, collecting and chopping ﬁrewood and generally keeping a large farm ticking over. There was no pocket money but they were able to earn a little from shooting, trapping rabbits and hares and selling sparrows eggs at two shillings per hundred. They played rugby with a ball made from a pig’s bladder. As they reached teenage years they were conscripted to the 40-acre wheat paddock, learning to turn stooks into stacks before the threshing gang arrived – a gypsy caravan of mill, cookhouse, and sleeping huts, towed by a large black steam traction engine. This would be followed by the water joey - a cart full of water, pulled by a draught horse.

When Dick passed his Proficiency Exam, receiving a new bicycle from his mother as reward, he quickly melded into the world of adult work, away from home and family. He slept in the chaff shed at his first job. At his second job, aged 15, paid miserable wages and fed on poor rations Dick managed the farm alone when his landed gentry employer took holidays and business trips, but still didn’t sleep in the ‘big house’. His sole kit was a grain sack with a few clothes, two blankets and the bike.

Oﬀ site Dick developed a keen interest in dancing. In later years he was to tell a radio interviewer he was “chasing sheilas” but it’s

clear he loved the mixed company, riding his bike over unlit shingled country roads up to 50 miles a night. Dick didn’t own or drive a car until many years later on his return from service in Egypt, having driven an army truck across mined desert tracks.

When I met Dick once or twice in the 60s he was a man with a glowing reputation as a reliable blade shearer. My partner shore with him, and with sons Ronny and Robyn a little later, neither of us knowing the story behind this powerhouse of energy and determination. Dick and Marjorie, after knowing each other only eight weeks, married on the eve of his departure to World War 2, became parents to nine children from 1943 to 1957, all the while bettering their circumstances with hard yakka, and smart but frugal housing decisions. At times they lived in huts and without electricity, as they built solid foundations for their growing family.

From early days of attending social gatherings on two bicycles with a toddler on the handlebars and dickey seat, and pulling a pram in between, the Perry’s progressed by dint of hard work to newer cars, better housing and more land. Theirs is a story which like that of Albert Facey, was common of the times, but should never be forgotten.

In my old-school opinion, this story should be compulsory school reading in New Zealand, and made into a movie for bored youngsters contemplating a night of vandalism or car theft. We owe such a lot to the Dick Perrys’ of New Zealand, our true heroes.

Keeping On - Spring 2024

Keeping On eeping On 2

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

CONTENTS

Keeping On On

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY (INC)

“Tuapeka Chows” explores Otago goldﬁelds

DECLUTTERING CONSULTANT

ENERGETIC AND RELIABLE CLEANERS

Winter illnesses and exercise

Volunteers needed for Riccarton Community Patrol

IS AGEING, DISABILITY, INJURY OR ILLNESS MAKING LIFE DIFFICULT?

Volunteers Needed

Celebrate the International Day of Older Persons at our place

Amberley Country Estate - an unique retirement village

Canterbury’s most exciting Retirement Village

Keeping On eeping On

Walking the dog

Understanding New Zealand’s asset thresholds for residential care subsidies

Daﬀodil Day: 30 August 2024

My Book Club recommends

Life is about moments. Create them. Don’t wait for them.

Driving Miss Daisy - making a di ﬀerence every day

Miss Daisy

Keeping On eeping On 8

Guiding children along the path of a dementia journey

Kōwhai Companions programme oﬀers patient-centred support

TRANSITION NAVIGATORS

Keeping On eeping On

Superhero Serenity

A family run ready meal service in Christchurch

Keeping On eeping On

Superhero Serenity

Requirements for the Residential Care Subsidy

Be proactive when renewing your driver licence

Days of Ice Festival, celebrating Antarctic stories

Wood burner replacement

Memories: Bikes

Experience the Best of Retirement Living at Archer Villages

Keeping On eeping On

The link between poor ﬁnancial health and poor mental health

Barb, Christchurch’s oldest lifeguard

Arthritis pain relief that works in minutes

Keeping On eeping On

UPDATE FROM THE CLUBS

WesleyCare meets growing complex health and support needs

The importance of friends as we age

GAMES MORNING

Mature Moves is about helping people

Keeping On eeping On 20

Intense love of family and the family home

A volunteer lunch to celebrate National Volunteer week

Getting to know Age Concern Canterbury’s amazing volunteers

A letter from Colin, our northern correspondent

Gentle and eﬀective exercise while sitting watching TV

Services designed to support you to live an independent life

Still Standing: A Memoir: Anna Crighton

Keeping On eeping On

Pen pals spark intergenerational connection

Contributed by pupils of the Christchurch Rudolph Steiner School

Over 40 years in the antique business

STEVE PURCELL ANTIQUES

AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY

FREE Staying Safe Refresher Driving Courses

Crossword Answers (240701)

How you can stay warmer for cheaper this winter

A legacy of looking into the hills

Keeping On eeping On

Hey, Yo, Customer Service

Companion Walking Service

My parents told me, “The road is in your mouth”

The confidence to thrive

Community Law seminars at Age Concern Canterbury Community Law Seminars

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE COMPANY?

The Shoe Roombalancing ﬁt and fashion

The perfect spring day out

Nazareth Community of Care Christchurch

Spring Chit Chat

Ageing well in Selwyn

My two cents