Age Concern Otago magazine (December) 2017

SUMMER 2017 QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER www.ageconcernotago.com

Otago

He Manaakitanga Kaumātua o Otakou

Age Concern Otago Serving the needs of older people

Celebrating Otago’s older people since 1948 Safer Journeys - Holiday driving During the holiday season you will need to take extra care while travelling due to increased traffic, people driving on unfamiliar roads and tiredness.

Driving tired can be as dangerous as driving drunk. Fatigue affects your driving skills and reaction time making you more likely to crash.

Tips to ensure your travel is a safe, pleasurable experience: • Plan your trip and avoid peak periods • Get a good night’s sleep before you leave • Allow time to stop for regular breaks • Aim to drive for no more than 6 hours per day While on the road: • Have a break every 2 hours • Share the driving if you can • Eat little but often and drink lots of water Signs of fatigue: • Yawning frequently • Slow reaction • Tired or sore eyes • Missing road signs If you’re drifting to the side or centre line, over correcting or nodding off, this can indicate a ‘micro sleep’. These short sleeps are incredibly dangerous. You cannot beat fatigue with caffeine, loud music or winding the window down.

If you feel tired stop driving and have a 20 minute power nap or rest. Remembering that you share the road with others and scheduling regular breaks can help you keep your cool and makes it safer on the road for all.

Happy travels,

Kristen Beardsmore

Age Concern Education and Health Promotion Programmes

For advertising phone Monique (07) 577 9092 or email monique@pukekoprint.co.nz A Pukeko Print & Design Ltd publication | www.pukekoprint.co.nz | Please refer to website for disclaimer

AGE CONCERN | Serving the needs of older people

SERVICES: Elder Abuse / Neglect: Marie 479 3053 Falls Prevention: Margaret 479 3052 Visiting Service: Tristan 479 3058 HP Progammes: Kristen 479 3054 Meals on Wheels: Fiona 479 3055 Email: mealsonwheels@ageconcernotago.co.nz

CENTRAL OTAGO - ALEXANDRA OFFICE Phone: (03) 448 7075 Email: central@ageconcernotago.co.nz Address: Alexandra Community House, 12-20 Centennial Avenue, Alexandra 9320

The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of Age Concern Otago.

The inclusion or exclusion of any product does not mean that the publisher advocates or rejects its use.

From the Executive Officer I would like to begin with a warm welcome to Minister for Seniors, Tracey Martin, who has taken up the Seniors portfolio in the new coalition Government. We are excited to work together with the Minister to continue our work supporting older Kiwis to live great later lives. Being able to live longer with a high quality of life, dignity and respect is an accomplishment of our times - an ageing society requires forward vision and the ability to plan for the future.

I don’t know how you are getting on re keeping up with the ever increasing digital age, but I struggle!

I find myself telling people in the IT world to please explain that to me as though I am a 4-year-old! It is necessary though as an organisation that we keep abreast of things digital, so Age Concern Otago is

The theme of International Day of Older Persons Oct 1 2017 was “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society.” The day was about enabling and expanding the contributions of older people in their families, communities and societies at large. The focus was on the pathways that support full and effective participation in later years, in accordance with older persons’ basic rights, needs and preferences. It is starkly evident that the need to tap into the often overlooked and under-appreciated contributions of older persons is not only essential to older persons’ well-being, but also imperative for sustainable community and societal development processes.

Age Concern Otago held a well-attended expo in South Dunedin to celebrate the day this year. Along with gathering information to use now or in the future, Otago’s older residents participated in video games, received technical support with their iPhones or downloading relevant apps on their devices and enjoyed a relaxing Devonshire tea prepared by members of the Octagon Club. People also took advantage of the opportunity to try Tai Chi and have blood pressure and diabetes tests done. Thank you so much to all the stall holders who contributed to a fantastic event.

Well, Christmas is almost here - where on earth did this year go…Our Age Concern Otago team will be taking a well-earned 3 weeks off, so apart from Meals on Wheels, we will be closed from Dec 22 – Jan 15. I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Christmas and New Year with friends and family.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for neighbours or others who may be lonely during this time.

I look forward to catching up again next year.

Debbie George Executive Officer

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Like us on Facebook - Age Concern Otago

We will be providing IT support for older people next year as people are telling us that is what they would like. Keep an eye out.

Believe it or not we’re heading into the tail end of 2017 already. The days are getting longer and the sun’s warmth has sparked the beginning of a new growth cycle. The abundance of blossoms, daffodils and new vegetable shoots indicate that Winter is well and truly over for another year. It won’t be long and the memorable smell of Christmas pine will be filling the air.

Driving Miss Daisy your companion and your driver!

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DUNEDIN OFFICE Phone: (03) 477 1040 Email: agecon@ageconcernotago.co.nz Address: 9 The Octagon and 26 Bath Street, Dunedin 9016 Postal Address: PO Box 5355, Dunedin 9058

Enjoy the festive season with Driving Miss Daisy

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At this time of year Driving Miss Daisy is thinking not only about how we can help our clients to complete their Christmas tasks, but also how they can enjoy the festive season.

Receiving a card in the post with a thoughtful hand-written message is always much appreciated, but due to email it’s becoming a thing of the past. We think it’s a tradition worth keeping due to the joy it brings the recipient, so our Daisies can help you to purchase, write and post greeting cards to your friends and family across the world.

Gift shopping for family and friends can often be a challenge. But we’re often called upon to assist our clients with this task and to be honest, our Daisies love to help.

We’ll share ideas, help you get to the shops, assist you with the purchase and can even help with gift wrapping and postage.

The shopping needn’t just be for others - if you’d like to purchase a new season item for your own wardrobe, or perhaps treat yourself to a gift, we’d be pleased to help.

You might be asked to bring a plate to a pre-Christmas function, or contribute a dish to a Christmas Day meal. We can help plan this dish and shop for grocery items.

Finally, we can assist you to get wherever you need to go for end of year events. You’ll arrive on time, looking fabulous and ready to enjoy the day.

Driving Miss Daisy is committed to helping our clients get out and about, so you can live life to the full and make the most of every moment. Remember that many of our franchise owners have fully equipped Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, if you have a walker or wheelchair.

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

We can drive and accompany you to: • Medical and other appointments • Family/social occasions • Shopping trips • Scenic drives • Take your pets to the vet • Airport drop-offs and pick ups Cerebral Palsy GOT vouchers and Total Mobility vouchers accepted ACC approved provider Bookings are essential - call today and make your next outing a pleasure!

Dunedin North Ph: (03) 467 5017 Dunedin South Ph: (03) 486 2033

No matter what your requirements please call us today to discuss - we look forward to seeing you soon.

Dunedin North - Kerri Bolt (03) 467 5017 021 503 298 Dunedin South - Lyn Hippolite (03) 486 2033 021 503 498

www.drivingmissdaisy.co.nz

C004218 AC Dunedin

Contact Information

currently modernising our social media platforms, including our website. Watch this space! This and Facebook will be the places where you can keep up with what we are doing, information, latest research, what’s on and what’s coming up, etc. I have one request to Brett, our designer - “make sure it is user friendly and easy to access and navigate.”

SUMMER 2017

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AGE CONCERN | Serving the needs of older people

SUMMER 2017

Hello from the Reception desk!

Hi everyone, hope you are all enjoying the sunny days! We have had a busy few months on the reception desk but the summer holidays are almost here and I am looking forward to a nice break with the family. With the days warming up and the sun shining down please remember to be sun smart! For my volunteers delivering Meals on Wheels please keep in mind that even though you are getting in and out of the car you are still at risk of sunburn. Before you head outside SLIP, SLOP, SLAP and WRAP and protect yourself from sunburn.

I would like to say a big THANK YOU to all the marvellous Meals on Wheels volunteers, we appreciate your hard work and support. I hope you have an enjoyable festive season and a happy new year. Until next year; stay safe, have fun and take care of one another.

Fiona McMillan “A weed is but an unloved flower.”

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

PET FRIENDLY accommodation around New Zealand You can now locate good quality, pet friendly holiday homes in New Zealand quickly and easily.

On ‘Pets Can Come Too’ you will find a range of pet friendly accommodation to suit all budgets and holiday styles from home stays / bed & breakfasts to apartments and motels / hotels.

www.petscancometoo.co.nz Ph: (04) 293 2705

Healthcare NZ Community Health is part of a national network of experienced and trained professionals. Our person centred approach means we work alongside people and their family each step of the way, with a personalised support plan that incorporates the individual’s needs and goals.

Holiday Hours Age Concern Dunedin will be open for limited hours (Monday to Friday 9am - 1pm) from Friday December 22nd until Friday January 15th, except for statutory holidays when the office will be closed.

Messages left on our main phone answer service (477 1040) will be cleared daily.

Age Concern Central & North Otago closed 22nd December 2017 until January 15th 2018.

Normal hours (8.30am - 4.30pm) will resume Monday January 15th 2018.

Meals on Wheels will continue every weekday including public holidays as usual.

Age Concern Otago would like to thank our 2017 funders, sponsors, other major financial supporters and our many members and supporters who made individual donations in both money and kind throughout the year - together you make all the difference.

Accident Compensation Commission Age Concern New Zealand Central Lakes Trust Community Organisation Grants Scheme Department of Internal Affairs Dr Marjory Barclay Trust Dunedin City Council Ministry of Health New Zealand Lottery Grants Board New Zealand Post Otago Motor Club Trust Otago Third Age Trust William Downie Stewart Charitable Trust

The Octagon Club will close on Friday 22nd December 2017 and reopen on Monday 15th January 2018.

Mosgiel Seniors Club will close on Wednesday 20th December 2017 and will reopen on Wednesday 24th January 2018.

Retain your independence

South Dunedin Seniors will close Friday 14 December 2017 and reopen Thursday 15th February 2018.

Dunedin Community House Cnr Moray Place & Gt King Street, Dunedin Ph: (03) 471 6152 or 0800 693 342 Email: info@disabilityinfo.co.nz www.disabilityinfo.co.nz

• Equipment + aids to support daily living Shop in comfort and • Attends continence products privacy with • Walkers + handy reachers the support of • Free information and advice our friendly staff And much more, come and see us at...

We have a proven track-record of successful outcomes working with people who have either basic or very complex support needs. Our tailored services can typically include help with: • Washing, dressing, grooming and toileting • Preparing and managing meals • Shopping and home management needs • Taking medication safely • Exercises to help increase mobility and strength • Assistance to achieve mobility goals such as walking to the park • Learning new skills to manage symptoms of any illness you have such as breathing exercises for people with respiratory problems • Being part of a community group, club or activity programme.

Healthcare NZ Community Health is community-based and committed to supporting the people of Otago.

Supporting you to stay independent With over 27 years of experience and a professional team of local, caring and highly qualified staff, we can support you to live independently in your own home.

Our services include: • personal care • nursing services • home care services • goal based services Our services are fully certified and in some cases may be free for eligible residents.

We also support privately paying clients.

For more information: Freephone: 0800 002 731 www.healthcarenz.co.nz

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AGE CONCERN | Serving the needs of older people

Summer Falls Prevention Take care over summer when your regular routine may be different and your surroundings may change.

Take your time and be observant of yourself and your surroundings. Drink plenty of water first thing and between meals to give your brain and whole body the hydration it needs to be energetic and healthy.

Dehydration is a risk factor for falls.

Practice your tai chi warm-ups, or your Steady As You Go© balance exercises and stretches whenever you have a spare moment. Show the grandchildren! If you are home over the summer keep your class time for some exercises. I have Home Exercise Booklets and CD’s available for those attending Steady As You Go©.

Both are $6. Tai Chi people have a list of warmups and some have DVD’s.

Thank you so much to each and every Steady As You Go© or Tai Chi Peer Leader. Without you over 1500 people in Dunedin and around Otago would not have a group to enjoy each week. Enjoy your end of year class celebration and watch out for the Christmas fairy!

SUMMER 2017

East Taieri Church and Mosgiel Memorial RSA Christmas Lunch Registrations are now open for our annual Christmas lunch. This lunch is for anyone who maybe on their own or struggling in other ways this Christmas.

This is an invitation only event. How does that work?

If you know people who may like to join us please talk to them, get their permission to send me their name and contact details and we will get in touch and organise an invitation. We are aiming this lunch at folk who live in the Mosgiel Taieri area. Numbers are limited to 110, early registration is advised.

Contact Grant Hardy: grant@actsofkindness.org.nz Mosgiel RSA, Church Street, Mosgiel Doors open 11.45am - food served 12noon Christmas Carols - food & drinks (free) (NB: no alcohol will be served)

Property Solutions for the Elderly Estate Property Solutions is a Dunedin owned family run business that can assist you with all the details of an estate so that you don’t have to. We have a wealth of knowledge and can manage a wide range of services.

Summer is a great opportunity to work on your decluttering so here are some of our tips that can help you get started.

DECLUTTERING “Remember make it simple - make it easy” • Make a list • Ask for help from a friend/family/professional • Set goals with reasonable time frames • Start with the small things • Ask yourself: “Do I love it?” “Do I use it?” “Do I need it?”

• If it is functional and used regularly keep it • Make separate areas - Donate - Recycle - Rubbish • If unsure, put aside and sort later If you need any help managing the tasks of a property no matter how big or small, maybe we can help carry you through the process.

Call us at Estate Property Solutions 0800 00 11 26 or 027 878 9473.

Email: info@estatepropertysolutions.co.nz

December 5th is International Volunteer Day

Margaret Dando QSM Falls Prevention Coordinator

December 5th is International Volunteer Day. All around the world people will be celebrating and recognising volunteer contribution to their communities. Age Concern Otago will show their appreciation at the annual Volunteer evening on Wednesday December 6th.

Make sure it has St John on it St John is New Zealand’s leading medical alarm provider and is the medical alarm doctors prefer to recommend*. The St John Medical Alarm is the only medical alarm that connects you directly to St John, meaning you can continue to enjoy your independence knowing help is at hand any time of the day or night.

Also, by choosing a St John Medical Alarm you are helping to support our ambulance and other community services.

Call 0800 50 23 23 or visit www.stjohnmedicalalarms.org.nz *IMS GP Omnibus survey, 2017

Each year, over 600 people and organisations within our region volunteer by gifting valuable time to Age Concern Otago’s services like the Accredited Visiting Service, Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention, Falls Prevention and Meals on Wheels delivery.

There are volunteers that visit isolated clients who provide valuable social contact, friendship and companionship. Others provide support and expertise so older people can live a life free from abuse. Peer Leaders that lead their class through a series of strength and balance exercises. Those that ensure a hot meal is delivered no matter what the weather.

Every day they enhance the lives of our older people and make our community a better place. Thank you.

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Dunedin owned and operated for 7 years

SUMMER 2017

Dunedin Community

ESTATE SERVICES MADE EASY

Are you expecting to be alone on Christmas Day? Please join us for a delicious free Christmas dinner and great music.

Andrew Whiley, and his wife Jackie, established the business seeing the many issues facing the elderly down-sizing and families dealing with estates. Today, families often don’t live locally; distance can make it difficult to balance the physical tasks required when dealing with an estate. This includes the challenge of transitioning elderly parents to a retirement facility.

Estate of Grace simplifies the process!

Christmas Dinner Venue: Dunedin Town Hall - Dec 25th - 11:30am

Estate of Grace is a new local family owned business that prides itself on providing a caring and holistic approach to estate services. They are focused on doing the best for the client, family and their estate by maximising value and making a difference to the community with options to support local charities and non-profit organisations whenever possible.

A recent client engaged the company to look after the estate of his late Mother. Household goods were assessed with valuable items sold and the balance

Booking and enquiries to: Connect South

Phone: 471 6177 or connectsouth.org.nz/dinner Booking advised - No alcohol served or permitted Hosted by Acts of Kindness Charitable Trust

Andrea Hudson Design

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of goods shared across six local charitable organisations.

The house was then fully cleaned and staged, including the garden, to ensure that the client was able to maximise the selling price. His quote says it all. “In view of what the place looked like before they went in, I think they’ve worked a miracle. The place inside and out looks fantastic”.

Estate of Grace can also assist those that wish to pre-plan how their estate is handled. Feel free to contact Andrew to discuss how Estate of Grace can assist you!

Estate of Grace is a local family owned business that prides itself on providing a caring and holistic approach to estate services. The company works with families, lawyers, executors and trustees to provide services to simplify the estate management process.

Personalised services include: • Assistance with Downsizing & Relocating to Retirement Facilities • Professional Estate Clean-up • Asset Inventories - including video-graphic and photographic • Estate Liquidation • Packing & Moving • Storage Arrangements - Short and Long-term • Shipping Services for Local and International Items • Rubbish Removal • Home Staging and Property Preparation for Sale • Rest-Home Pack-Up Services • Options for asset liquidation including Garage Sale, Trade Me and Auction Services to Maximise Return • Working with non-profit, community and charitable organisations for donations of unwanted goods

Phone: 027 465 3222 (Andrew Whiley) | Email: dunedin@estateofgrace.nz www.estateofgrace.nz

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AGE CONCERN | Serving the needs of older people

Cobb & Co. Dunedin Cobb & Co. Dunedin is proudly supporting Age Concern Otago. Simply pick up a ‘free drink with main meal’ card from our office (I’m guessing that would be easiest for you), and when you dine at Cobb and Co. just pass over this card. 3% of what you spend on your meal comes back to Age Concern Otago by way of vouchers which we can use for our fundraising.

Cobb & Co. Dunedin Dunedin Railway Station, Anzac Avenue, Dunedin Ph: (03) 929 1073 / 0274 224479

Life Without a Car Guide Produced by Age Concern Otago, this informative booklet is packed full of reliable ways to get around Dunedin and Mosgiel areas so that you can continue to do the things you love and need to do in your everyday life. This is an information resource that every home should have!

Collect your copy from the Age Concern Office or download it online search AgeConecernOtago.com

“When life is not coming up roses.

Look to the weeds and find the beauty hidden within them.”

- L.F.Young

SUMMER 2017

Accredited Visiting Service (AVS) Not long to go now until the man in the big red suit arrives.

Christmas is a time that is spent with friends, family and loved ones. Spare a thought for those who are alone. A phone call or a Christmas card would be much appreciated just to let that person know they have not been forgotten and they are in your thoughts.

I would like to take the time to thank all of my amazing volunteers for the time that you have given to the Visiting Service, without you all this service would not be as successful as it is.

I do look forward to seeing and hearing from you in the New Year.

Have a safe and Merry Christmas.

Kind regards,

Tristan Kavanagh

Accredited Visiting Service (AVS)

From Central Otago It has been a busy two months in my new position for Age Concern in Central Otago.

With drop ins, elder abuse complaints, Accredited Visiting Service, seminars and support my time seems to disappear. I’m not complaining because I think it is a privilege to be invited into private homes and hear the sometimes sad stories from our older generation.

One delightful lady has just left my office and she has really taken this ageing process and turned it into fun, she loves life and wants the respect due to her.

She reminded me that each person has a personal journey and too often when they enter their later life there is a lower level of respect. When this is the time we could learn so much from these older adults.

I wish I had her energy and talent to make people laugh, but all too often I get caught up in stories of loneliness, isolation and neglect.

Another part of my job is listening to people as they try to make decisions about their future living arrangement and what supports they need. It makes me think about my own situation and being prepared to deal with ageing and what it brings.

So in conclusion a huge few months trying to learn new systems and get my head around the job but very rewarding.

Take care,

ACME

ACUPUNCTURE & CHINESE HERBS

CLINIC

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Our Services: Acupuncture, Massage, Acupressure, Chinese Herbs, Cupping, Moxibustion...

Phone: (03) 552 2189 108 Highgate, Dunedin Email: AcmeAcu@gmail.com www.AcmeAcu.co.nz

Marie Roxburgh

Elder Abuse Response Service – Central Otago

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Pulling the Plug – a poem for Marg

AGE | Serving the needs of olderI’dpeople 12 When my CONCERN girlfriend died several years ago I thought keep an eye on her Mum. We both loved gardening,

baking and clothes shopping so we had heaps in common and used to have many a trip into town to ‘check out’ and purchase the new season’s clothing. Marg always used to say to me - “Don’t take me to any old ladies’ shops Ruth!” She was only in her 80s so I thought that was a reasonable request! When she became frailer I would often rituals, showing a sign of affectionate fidelity.

Pulling the Plug a poem forhadMarg go down and read at her–place while she a bath or sometimes she was just happy for me to be at my place but When my girlfriend several years ago thought I’dOther keep an eye Ion her Mum. loved gardening, can just reachWe my lovage, a plant within cooee if she gotdied stuck!

We became theIbest of mates - ourplants? friendship was ageless :-)both This spring has seen me baking and clothes shopping so we had heaps in commonincreasing and used to haveas many a trip to to ‘check in size I forgot or into was town unable trim itout’ recuperate very comfortably Sighing she looks at her body, herladies’ skin Pulling thefrom plug back.

Come the autumn, I will have lovage plants to and purchase the new season’s clothing.

Marg always used to say to me “Don’t take me to any old shops hip replacement surgery, so I now constantly bathed in wrinkles. for Marg give away.

Let me knowshe if you’re interested!

Sorreloften is Ruth!”

Shebeen was much only ininher so I thought that was a reasonable request!

When became frailer I would haven’t the80s garden, doing very nicely indeed, and I love its lemony taste. goalas, down and read at her place while she had a bath or sometimes she was just happy for me to be at my place but have nonetheless been in the bath.

SheI no longer feels confident There will be no leaping today. A decision, but The usual bouquetwas garni of parsley, within cooee if she got stuck!

We became best of mates - our friendship ageless :-) sage, rosemary busy You instructing people to stuck, hear of other people getting shethe says. to pull is the plug before or after and thyme flourishing nicely.

And disembarking. other special weed, mulch, trim, and I have Sighing she looks at her body, her skin or Pulling the plug This morning with planning and precision, gems With of camphor, lovely andof costmary slips in amind it’sscent, a matter ensuring limped my way down the garden constantly bathed in wrinkles. for Marg alecost, ornow Bibleleaf – another beautiful fragrance, andplants care, she the plunge. path tocourage talk to the andtakes encourage their growth the softest landing but then, and if you put a leaf into your Bible, as they did in She longer confident the bath. and praise their beauty.

After if in Prince Charles There will be no leaping today. A decision, Sheno allows thefeels water to all, take her weight, days of yore, will surround yourself and others there’s theyou possibility of drowning.

She lies there,in can talk to hisher plants, talk tohorses. mine, You hear of people getting stuck, she says.even watches toes surely bob upI can like white to pull the plug before or after disembarking. your vicinity in Church, with this marvellous scent. watches the water draining away. though some people may think this odd.

This morning with planning and precision, Adrift she remembers, childish delight With slips in I’ve mind it’s aenjoying matter of Apart from herbs, been myensuring indoor Delphiniums, Iand say, care, you are very What a All hands on deck she murmurs as she negotiates courage shedoing takes the well. plunge. when skin turned prune-like. plants such as red oxalis which themy softest landing butlooks then, like glowing beautiful deep blue! Astrantia, hooray, you’re doing her emergence. butterflies when the sun strikes it.

She allows the water to take her weight, leaping, squealing, shivering, before much The better than last year, I love your papery-white there’s the possibility of drowning. She lies there, Reaching for the phoneheaps, she calls watches her toes bobthe up like horses.

Plants apart, I’ve been reading andme. of course snuggling into hug. flowers, tinged with green.

Andtowel’s mywhite great favourite, watches the water draining away. gardening books come high on my list.

I have a You’re off duty bosun, I’m safely ashore. appleringie, lad’s love, oldchildish man, ordelight Artemisia Adrift aka sheas remembers, Squirming Mother rubbed hair dry and wonderful of Memories and Gardens written All handsbook on deck she murmurs as she negotiates abrotanum,when is flourishing and prune-like. scenting the air skin turned tickled between toes.

Ruth Arnison

by Marion Howard Spring, wife of novelist Howard whenever anyone brushes past it. You can see why I her emergence.

Thename leaping, squealing, shivering, before Spring, and I do prefer her book to his. She covers love the appleringie, can’t you? Much prettier Reaching for the from phone sheearly callshouses, me.

Independent Living Guide the ground, so to speak, their into the towel’s hug. name thansnuggling Artemisia abrotanum!

Why appleringie? I We are launching a new Independent Livingout Guide to theirYou’re last house in Devon description off duty bosun,and I’m the safely ashore. of haven’t yet discovered, butrubbed I have found thatwhich not Squirming as Mother hair dry and creating the herbaceous border has me yearning isonly full is of italluseful sortstoday of information and ideas to help you to discourage insects (so I have tickled between toes.

Ruth Arnison to get out and do likewise. Another gem which I live well safely happily.and Topics are: picked severaland branches taken them indoors), love is Beverley Nichols’ Down The Garden Path. but it was also a holy herb, being carried by Egyptian Important Numbers Independent Living Guide He succeeds in demonstrating the excitement in priests as they approached the temple of the Living Well and Getting Older We are launching a new Independent Living Guide which gardening from the first digging into the earth, to the goddesswith Isis,Ageing the mother of all things. Coming nearer Changes isup-to-date, full of all sorts of information and ideas to help you final picking of the flowers which he planted from appleringie buttonholes Communicating About Your Health were tucked into then on. live safely and happily.

Topics are: thewell coats of young men courting, as part of their Eating Well for Good Health Important Numbers It’s Never Too Late to Start Doing Exercise Living Well and Heat is a HealthGetting MatterOlder Changes with Ageing Being Well Within Communicating Happy Minds About Your Health Eating Well for Good Health Depression It’s Never Late to Start Abuse andToo Neglect are NotDoing OK Exercise Heat is a Health Matter Free hearing check. Up to 60 day Trial Period on all Falls Are Not a Natural Part of Ageing hearingWithin aids. Ministry of health or ACC Funding Available Being Make Well Your Home a Safe Place in most cases.

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Call for your FREE hearing check.

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Look outyour for it soon at Hearing Health Professionals Prepare Affairs www.audiologysouth.co.nz Independent Living the Age Concern offices.

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Otago He Manaakitanga Kaumatua o Otakou

Celebrating Otago’s older people since 1948

SOUTH

Otago He Manaakitanga Kaumatua o Otakou

Celebrating Otago’s older people since 1948

SUMMER 2017

And as I improve in mobility, I’ve returned to another old favourite, Frank Kingdon Ward. Wow! Hunting plants in the Himalayas has given us various rhododendrons, primulas, poppies among other things. But the excitement of his travels in his vivid descriptions of his expeditions - ‘swinging across a bottomless gorge on a cable of twisted bamboo strands or clambering across a rock scree in fear of an impending avalanche, make me appreciate my plants even more.

And on a much calmer note, have you ever read Mrs Marion Cran? The Garden of Ignorance? She describes planting in detail, working out which colours to go with which, and which plants will stand tall, over the smaller delicate plants. And The Squabbling Garden? This deals with breeding pigeons, with ‘good flesh, buttery, delicate, delicious.’

Apologies to those who love pigeons, but her writing was pre-war, and food in somewhat short supply.

I paid $2 for each of these books and I’m slowly collecting more. And I’ve now identified my Christmas present, which is a collection of Kingdon Ward’s writings.

But by then, I will be mobile, out in the garden, and perhaps not reading so much.

Beatrice Hale

Defiant Gardening Granny

13

There’s a new year just around the corner and when the bustle of the Christmas season is over it’s the perfect time to make plans for what you would like to “tick-off” in 2018.

You can make a start by ensuring your will is up-to-date, by noting down what you would like for your funeral and by organising a pre-paid funeral plan.

A pre-paid plan with the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand Funeral Trust is a secure way of pre-paying for your funeral and has many advantages; the funds are available once the funeral account is finalised, any funds remaining will be returned to the estate, the money is held in trust so is very secure, and if you are applying for residential care, a pre-paid funeral (up to $10,000) is excluded from asset testing. In a way, a prepaid funeral is like a savings scheme for your funeral.

You can choose to pay in a lump sum, or by regular instalments. The friendly team at Gillions Funeral Services are happy to discuss the options for funerals including pre-arrangements and pre-payments with you and can provide you with pricing guidelines. You can phone us on (03) 455 2128 or email us at support@gillions.co.nz

14

AGE CONCERN | Serving the needs of older people

New beginnings and fond farewells The end of the year is traditionally the time of reflection and resolutions for the coming year; eat less, get more exercise, join a gym, quit a poor habit or declutter. How often do we follow through and actually achieve our lofty New Year goals?

This year I have heard a lot of people say “I must get around to sorting out my possessions”. Myself included and yet for me it still has not happened.

Perhaps we all need to consider our plans or resolutions a little more carefully and give ourselves a bit of a break, especially regarding possessions. We know that there are emotional ties to possessions and that’s normal - it is a way of keeping memories close. It can also be hard to keep on top of things if not feeling well emotionally or physically. So how can you achieve decluttering, make some tough calls to say goodbye to a possession and free up some space.

If you choose goals that you can break down into manageable bites, your chances of achieving several small successes will be much improved and somewhere along your journey you will find that the mountainous goal before you has crumbled into just another series of small uphill steps. Having someone to help you can make a big difference, Dale Carnegie says “People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.” So include others when doing certain areas.

These are a few tips I have found for you and I to get underway to declutter.

1. Pick up 5 things, and find places for them.

2. Give yourself 5 solid minutes tidying a shelf,

bench or draw.

3. Make a list of one area at a time to be tidied

(drawers/closets etc), start with the easiest.

When your done with that area Stop! Then move

onto the next area.

4. Give away one item per day. That is 365 fewer

things you have to care for.

5. Fill one trash bag. See how quickly you can fill it.

6. Take the 12-12-12 Challenge. A simple task of

locating 12 items to throw away, 12 items to

donate, and 12 items to be returned to their

SUMMER 2017

proper home can be a really fun and exciting way

to quickly organize 36 things in your house.

7. The Four-Box Method. Have 4 different boxes

labelled: Trash, Giveaway, Keep or Relocate/ Donate.

8. Dispose of all old paperwork, bills etc. Only

keep important personal documents, tax-related

or warranties.

9. If not used or worn in the last 12 months? Do

you really keep it!!!

10. In Japan they have a term tokimeku which

means ‘to spark joy’. If an item sparks your joy,

then keep it. If not, let it go!!!

Don’t forget to reward yourself for those small successes along the way either. No matter what you choose to help you get started - whether it be one of these ten or one of countless others - the goal is to take your first step. There is a beautiful world of freedom and fresh breath hiding behind that clutter for you and I. Just think there could be some treasure that was long forgotten and needs to be given a new home or pride of place.

Kristen Beardsmore Health Promotions

15

AGE CONCERN OTAGO NOTICE BOARD CLUBS NOTICE BOARD

Club entertainment days are available on our Website or our Facebook page.

Octagon Club Exercise groups, social outings, lunches, line dancing, bowls, arts and crafts, bus trips. Find out all that’s on offer, pick up a brochure from the Age Concern Office.

Concert to be held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, 1.45-2.45pm followed by afternoon tea, $3pp, everyone welcome. Phone Age Concern (03) 477 1040 or Club President Betty Booth (03) 456 2000 to find out more.

Mosgiel Seniors Housie and Bowls. Total Mobility assessments each Wednesday 1-2pm. Phone Tristan to find out more or to make an appointment (03) 479 3058.

South Dunedin Seniors Meet weekly on a Thursday, 1.30pm, South Dunedin Community Hall, King Edward St, for social activities including concerts, speakers and outings. Everyone welcome, phone Age Concern Reception to find out more.

To find Clubs in your area, phone Age Concern and we will put you in touch.

Our health promotion programmes empower older people to enjoy older age and have better health outcomes. All programmes are available in Dunedin and Central Otago areas. Phone the Dunedin (03) 477 1040 or Central Otago office (03) 448 7075.

Steady As You Go© and Tai Chi Classes running throughout all of Otago.

Keeping you fit, balanced, strong and free from falls.

Staying Safe

A free, 3 hour, refresher workshop for senior road users. Bookings are essential. Phone to find out when the next courses start.

• Fine tune your safe driving knowledge • Improve your safe driving practices • Friendly, low stress, no exams, lunch provided

Independent Living Seminars

Independent Living Seminars are aimed at helping you make the most of life as you grow older.

No matter what our age we have to learn to adapt to life’s challenges. We do that best when we are armed with knowledge about the changes and challenges we may face and when we have information to help us meet those challenges positively.

English for Elders

from Age Concern Otago Staff!

“If you tend to a flower, it will bloom, no matter how many weeds surround it.”

- Matshona Dhliwayo

For every ray of sun that shines, some lovely flowers grow For every drop of rain that falls, some river deeper flows For every star that shines above, the darkness becomes lighter For every life of grace and love, the worlds a little brighter.

Free English classes for older migrants are aimed to assist older adults to meet others in the same situation and improve conversational English so you can: • Talk with family/friends/neighbours and make friends • Join clubs and groups • Gain confidence for shopping, banking, making appointments • Get to know Dunedin • Enjoy watching television, listening to the radio

Christmas Greetings from the Octagon Club

The committee wish everyone a safe and Happy Christmas. May Santa be kind to you and hope to see you all in 2018.

Otago

He Manaakitanga Kaumātua o Otakou

Yes, I would like to contribute to Age Concern Otago’s work with a Friend of Age Concern subscription and/or donation

Subscription January 2017 - December 2017

$25.00

Magazine

$5.00

Donation (Tax Deductible) $...................

Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms q q q q q $...................

Name:___________________________________________________ TOTAL $10 $20 $30 $50 Other Street:___________________________________________________ Suburb:__________________________________________________ Pay by cash, cheque, phone or internet banking City/Town: _____________________Postcode: __________________ Bank: ANZ Phone:___________________________________________________ Account Name: Age Concern Otago Email:___________________________________________________ Account No.: 010907 0010004 00 (Please ensure your name is in the reference field) A receipt will only be sent if you tick this box q

Age Concern Otago - PO Box 5355 Dunedin 9058 Email: agecon@ageconcernotago.co.nz

East Taieri church offers a variety of opportunities for our Senior Citizens to connect • Friendship Network (1st Fri every month at The Hub, Cemetery Road, 10am Coffee and Conversation - no charge) • One Only Group (a ladies group for those living alone – monthly activities with Sunday lunches in- between) • Christmas Lunch for Mosgiel/Taieri residents (Christmas Day 12noon Mosgiel RSA – no charge but bookings essential) • Every Sunday 2pm (inspirational traditional service with classic hymns of faith followed by afternoon tea) • There are other faith-based groups such as

Sender: Age Concern Otago PO Box 5355 DUNEDIN 9058

the ladies choir, bible study groups, the Mission Fellowship ladies group, etc.

Throughout the year we run other services such as: • December Hope Service – finding hope in the face of life’s challenges, an opportunity to reflect on the year just past • We host the Royal Dunedin Male Choir annually • Mid-year we also host Seniors Mid-Winter lunch and Sing-a-long For more information, contact our Reception Office 489 6308 or check our website www.etchurch.co.nz

New Zealand Permit No. 247902