Metlifecare - The Villager Winter 2022

06 WOW The village peoples' World of Wearable Art

08 Quail Trail A labour of love over three decades

30 Brainteasers Crossword, quiz and curios

Winter 2022

Winter warmers Fine food & furry friends

� From the CEO

From the editorial team �

Cheers to friendship Kia ora everyone, I want to introduce this edition with a discussion about the true value of friendship. Why? Because friendships are such a vital part of the fabric of life.

Quality social connections can make our days feel lighter and brighter. There are also tangible personal health and wellbeing benefits of friendships too – we experience less loneliness and social isolation, less stress, better emotional support, and importantly support to face life’s inevitable challenges.

A study of residents in retirement villages confirmed what many people have long suspected: living in a community where you can chat with friends of a similar age, pursue hobbies and have a support network around you makes you happier and may even help you live longer.

I usually visit at least a couple of villages each month. I’m always humbled by observing amazing examples of friendships in action. Long term, tried and true friendships forged over many years or new fledgling friendships, forming as new residents meet each other and discover their common areas of interest.

It’s not all about volume through. When it comes to friends - quality counts more than quantity.

I’ve had three friends I’ve known since school. We catch up every few months for lunch.

Over the years we’ve all faced our own personal challenges, but we’ve rallied to be there for each other, when it really counts. We’re all at a similar stage in life but we do wildly different things. The bond is non-judgemental acceptance

and sharing, and from that has grown a camaraderie that I wouldn’t swap for anything!

International Day of Friendship is celebrated this year on Saturday 30th July.

We intend to celebrate it in our own Metlifecare way, with an event on the Friday night before called New Zealand’s Biggest Happy Hour. Some of you will remember us doing this across our villages in 2021. We connected participating villages and residents with live video via Zoom and collectively said “cheers” to friendship!

It created so many precious memories we’re doing it again this year. I do hope you and your friends at the village can be a part of this event on the evening of Friday 29 July.

Finally in development news, we are thrilled to be expanding our geographic footprint with

“International Friendship Day is celebrated this year on Saturday 30th July.

We intend to celebrate it in our own Metlifecare way, with an event on the Friday night before called New Zealand’s Biggest Happy Hour.” the acquisition of two new green fields sites, one 8.9-hectare coastal site northwest of Auckland in Whenuapai with expansive sea views and the other a 5.42-hectare site in central Wānaka with spectacular mountain views, just a stone’s throw from town. Both of these new sites will feature villas, apartments and care homes with industry leading sustainable design to Homestar 7 and 6 Green Star specifications, creating warm, dry, stylish communities. However, buildings are of course just one feature of a Metlifecare village.

People bring them to life.

So, as you turn the pages on this winter edition of The Villager with its emphasis on friendship, it’s fitting to finish with this Māori proverb: He aha te mea nui o te ao?

What is the most important thing in the world?

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.

Noho ora mai

Earl

Earl Gasparich CEO – METLIFECARE

Editorial team Welcome to the Winter issue of The Villager. As you can see from the front cover, we’ve chosen a winter warmers theme with belly warming recipes from our guest chef Stephen Barry and heart-warming tales about our residents’ rich and varied lives at Metlifecare villages across Aotearoa.

We’ve also shone a light on some of the pets taking pride of place at our villages. As Earl shared in his welcome message, the gift of true friendship is a wonderful thing. The loyal companionship of a treasured dog or cat is also a precious friendship, via the emotional humananimal bond. Pets give us friendship and love without judgement. They keep our secrets, listen to our fears and are quick to forgive, especially if dinner is on the way!

As you can see each member of the Editorial Team (Lara, Emma, Kylie and myself) has a fur baby of varying size and shape. However, we decided against bringing them together for a team pet photoshoot because the result would have been furry chaos!

Hence the individual portraits.

As always please send your comments on our magazine to editor@metlifecare.co.nz. We welcome your feedback.

Suzy Clarkson HEAD OF COMMUNICATION Editorial team and their fur babies Lara and Jack Emma and Fernando Kylie and Alfie Suzy and Tango

metlifecare.co.nz

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News �

Contents

PO Box 37463, Parnell, Auckland 1151 Metlifecare.co.nz

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0800 909 303 /Metlifecare /Metlifecare

Village life News and views

The Villager is published for Metlifecare Ltd. Metlifecare’s The Villager is available online at Metlifecare.co.nz

Edgewater besties

Editor: Suzy Clarkson For all editorial enquiries, please contact the editor at editor@metlifecare.co.nz Editorial team: Lara Harrison, Emma Topp, Kylie Raine Guest contributors: Choir, Vanessa Tretheway, Vern Walker, Alan Arnold, Margaret Jenner, Robert Thompson, Stephen Barry, John Carr

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Published and printed by: SCG www.scg.net.nz Senior Designer: Julian Pettitt Content Director: LauraGrace McFarland

03 Village life

15 Full steam ahead

06 World of wearable art

16 Animal antics!

08 Labour of love

20 No burglaries on John's watch

10 A royal celebration 12 Friends for Life

22 Village events 24 Tech to connect

13 Village nurse Ann Leggett on finding her ‘why’

26 Menzshed – not just for ‘handy’ men

14 No slap-dash art for me

27 Rosedale Park Restoration Project

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The Villager � Winter 2022

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28 Winter warmer recipes 30 Brain teasers 32 Laugh your way to longevity Want to see your village featured in The Villager?

Send your story lead to editor@metlifecare.co.nz

The Villager is printed on FSC®certified MIX source pulp from well-managed forests and other controlled sources. We print using BIO-inks that contain materials which are based on renewable resources including wood resin (rosin, colophony), and vegetable oils, linseed oil and soy bean oil.

The contents of The Villager are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of Metlifecare.

Opinions expressed in The Villager are not necessarily those of Metlifecare, the publisher or editor.

Information contained in The Villager is correct at the time of printing and while all due care and diligence has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, Metlifecare is not responsible for any mistakes, omissions, typographical errors or changes to product and service descriptions over time. *Page 32 source https://www.dailynews. com/2017/10/09/successfulaging-its-funny-how-humorand-laughter-adds-to-longevity/

Restoration project gives back to East Auckland community We’ve proudly partnered with local iwi, Ngai Tai ki Tāmaki, Franklin Local Board, Auckland Council Parks and the Marion Ross Memorial Trust to regenerate and restore Te Wai o-Manu Reserve, a site located in East Auckland between Pohutukawa Landing Village and our new Clevedon development.

The development of Pohutukawa Landing Village involved filling in two streams, requiring us to offset this and enhance a natural watercourse elsewhere. Metlifecare Senior Development Manager Joe Bartley says the team were committed to a restoration project that would give back to the local East Auckland community.

“It is important for us to regenerate a waterway within the same community, and Te Wai o-Manu Reserve was identified due to the cultural importance of the site and the degradation that has happened over time. We’re excited to get this project underway and breathe new life and sustainable practices into the reserve for everyone to enjoy.” mbined co

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Research shows friendships can help us find purpose and meaning, stay healthy, and even live longer! They are so important in fact, that there is more than one day dedicated to showing our appreciation for friendships.

Edgewater Village residents celebrated their besties recently by sharing morning tea with a friend as part of National Best Friend Day. Some residents chose to spend the morning with friends they have made at Edgewater, while others hosted friends from outside the village.

This year, we’re celebrating International Day of Friendship on 29 July. We’ll come together again to toast to friendship as part of New Zealand's Biggest Happy Hour. See you there!

06 WOW The village peoples' World of Wearable Art

08 Quail Trail A labour of love over three decades

30 Brainteasers Crossword, quiz and curios

Winter 2022

Crestwood celebrations It has been celebrations all round at Crestwood with two residents reaching birthday milestones.

Velda Nelson (pictured on the right) has become the village’s latest centenarian, and Mary Healy (left) recently turned 102. We hope you celebrated in style, ladies!

Winter warmers Fine food & furry friends

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� News

News �

Bay of Plenty community comes together to support Ukraine

Introducing our resident proofreader - Mike Playfoot

Residents from Metlifecare Bay of Plenty villages, and the wider community came together recently for the Humanity Show in support of Ukraine.

Written and directed by Bayswater’s Social and Regional Events Coordinator, Samantha Martin, the show featured performances by Bayswater residents and artists from Tauranga Musical Theatre and 16th Ave Theatre companies.

The show, which included spoken and musical performances, took the audience on a journey through aspects of humanity, sadness, joy, tears and laughter. Samantha says the performances were exceptional.

“We rehearsed for six weeks, and the Bayswater residents’ performances were so brilliant they easily matched professional theatre talent.”

Attracting an audience of 190, the Humanity Show raised $3449 for refugees in Ukraine.

Pāpāmoa Beach Village resident Mike Playfoot has an eagle eye for detail, so we’ve enlisted his help with this issue to proofread it for us. So, if there are any typos, ring Mike. Just kidding!

More retirement locations coming soon

New bowling green for Hibiscus Coast Last month a new state-of-the-art bowling green was unveiled at Hibiscus Coast Village, much to the delight of the village’s bowlers. The carpet green comes complete with a new sunshade and furniture.

Metlifecare CEO, Earl Gasparich officially opened the green by cutting the ribbon and taking the first bowl (which we’re told wasn’t a bad bowl either).

Oakridge Villas partners with Red Cross to support Ukraine Oakridge Villas residents’ have dug deep to help support the work of the Red Cross in Ukraine recently. Following two fundraising events, the village was delighted to raise nearly $2,800 to support the humanitarian crisis.

Local businesses showed their support too by generously donating items for the raffle, including a Ukrainian bottle of vodka, a meat pack and a grocery hamper. Fantastic effort, everyone!

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The Villager � Winter 2022

Metlifecare will soon be part of the Whenuapai and Wānaka communities following our recent acquisition of two fantastic new sites.

We have secured a unique 8.9-hectare coastal site in Whenuapai, a fast-growing township in Auckland’s Northwest. The new village will be located on a coastal peninsula at the edge of the sparkling Waitemata Harbour with expansive sea views.

For adventurous retirees who enjoy the great outdoors and alpine activities, we have also acquired a 5.42-hectare site in central Wānaka. Located in one of the most picture-perfect, and fastest growing regions in New Zealand, the new village will boast spectacular 360-degree mountain views and be handy to all the town’s amenities.

Embracing our new village names A village's name is a significant part of its unique individuality and often has a rich history associated with it.

When we welcomed six new Selwyn villages into the Metlifecare family on 1 March and were required to remove ‘Selwyn’ from the village name under the terms of the sale, we wanted to ensure the new names celebrated their geographical location and came into line with our other Metlifecare villages.

The new village names were officially introduced in May. We look forward to residents and staff embracing the revised names and becoming something they are proud to use and share.

New village name

Former name

Papakura Oaks

Selwyn Oaks

Wilson Carlile Village

Selwyn Wilson Carlile

*Name pending

Selwyn St Andrew’s

Whāngarei Park Village

Selwyn Park

Parkside Village

Selwyn Heights

Karori Village

Selwyn Sprott metlifecare.co.nz

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� World of Wearable Art

World of Wearable Art �

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4 1. Ivy Hutton and Gail Hart don dazzling outfits made from egg cartons and knitted plastic bags.

2. Julie Brown takes us back to the '90s with old CD's, Anne Faulkner used restaurant menus to create her ensemble, and Wendy Read puts old cereal boxes to good use.

Residents WOW with wearable art

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The Villager � Winter 2022

4. Louise Brown as Lady Cora from Downtown Abby.

5. Judy Reynolds takes on Judy Garland with an outfit made from plastic table cloths and a bedspread.

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At Longford Park Village residents have WOWED their audience for the fifth year in a row at their annual World Of Wearable (WOW) Art fashion show!

Materials such as egg cartons, rubbish bags, cereal packets and 25-year-old wallpaper found in the village chapel were used to make the intricate outfits. Some residents spent up to nine months working on their fashionable creations.

In May, 16 models took to the runway to debut their creations, with TV3 covering the sustainable glitz and glamour on The AM Show.

With the conclusion of the 2022 Longford Park World Of Wearable Art fashion show, many residents are already planning next year’s entry. We can’t wait to see them.

3. Ellie Gibson's take on the nursery rhyme Old McDonald Had a Farm.

6. High fashion cereal hat.

7. Carol Miller with a gown made from plastic table cloths, Heather Harrison uses traditional macrame knots, and Colleen Lockie gets colourful with bubble wrap.

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8. Intricate detail of rubbish bags used as an accessory.

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9. Thanks to Longford Park Village for having us, and to The AM Show for stopping by!

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� Quail Trail

Quail Trail �

Left A resident art piece has become an impressive and popular feature in the trail.

Opposite Resident Stephen Parr plays a key role helping to improve and maintain the Quail Trail.

Labour of love What was once a steep, muddy bank leading to a wasteland overgrown with gorse and invasive weeds, has been transformed over the years into a tranquil nature trail that Greenwood Park residents have come to love.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of residents, staff and volunteers over many years, the ‘Quail Trail’ (named after the quail population that inhabit part of it) now sings with birdsong as it winds its way past a native fernery, wetland and peaceful glade bursting with mature trees.

Resident and Chair of the Greenwood Park Environmental 8

The Villager � Winter 2022

Sustainability Group, Stephen Parr, said the Quail Trail has been a long labour of love with a rich history of collaboration, starting when the first stage of the village was completed in late 1985.

“The first Village Manager at Greenwood Park, who is now a resident, played an active role in encouraging residents to get involved with parts of the track,

and over the years more and more residents have ‘adopted’ their own parts of the trail.

“Sections of the trail extend from gardens of houses that border the track, so a lot of the residents that live in these homes have naturally adopted these areas,” says Stephen.

Stephen, who has been a Greenwood Park resident for around 18 months, now plays a key role in helping to improve and maintain the trail. An exforester, with a background in the restoration of native forests, he has a passion for sustainability.

“When the Greenwood Park Sustainability Group was formed late last year, it was clear that the Quail Trail would become the major focus for the next few years, so we are already involved in some longterm trail related projects.

“A feature of the trail known as the Arboretum Glade had the first stages of a new drainage system put into place recently, and this winter we're starting a multi-year enrichment planting project to introduce a greater range of trees, shrubs and ground cover species.

“This will reduce the invasive weeds, increase the birdlife, and generally, make the woodland and trail more sustainable."

Residents with a range of skills have been involved in volunteering and helping with the ongoing project.

“One of our residents is an ex-carpenter, so he planned and built a propagation shade house with the assistance of a group of keen residents. We now have a working nursery where we propagate seedlings and cuttings for the future. Recently, we held a training session where we

dug up 50 seedlings which we’ll nurture, before replanting them back into better positions in the woodland."

The trail also houses an impressive piece of resident artwork. “Another of our residents is an incredible artist who specialises in working with

clay. He came across a pile of logs from a fallen tree in the trail and from that created a piece of art that incorporates several clay pieces in the logs.

“It’s a work in progress, but it’s a really spectacular piece as it is, and has become a major feature of the trail,” says Stephen.

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� Jubilee

Jubilee �

A royal celebration

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Greenwich Gardens’ residents celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations last month in royal style.

Dressed in their finest, residents gathered for the singing of God Save the Queen and the New Zealand national anthem before enjoying an English high tea and toasting to Her Majesty.

Village receptionist and one of the event organisers, Michele Bartlett, said it was special to share her passion for the royal family with the village community.

“Ever since I can remember, Mum and I have always been royalists. No matter where we are in the world, everything stops for the Queen’s speech at Christmas. It’s something special we do together, and now working at Greenwich Gardens, being able to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee with 400 residents has been wonderful.”

Michele’s Mum, Gaylene Cheeseman, who is a resident at Greenwich Gardens, says her love for the royal family started at a young age.

“When I was seven years old, the Queen visited New Zealand and came past my school. We all went out and excitedly stood on Jervois Road and waved our flags as she went by. That’s where it all started,” says Gaylene.

As part of the Jubilee celebrations at the village, Gaylene showcased the scrapbooks, news clippings and memorabilia she has collected of the royal family since the 1950’s.

“It’s been a lifetime passion - celebrating the Queen. I think she is such a special lady and role model.”

Now, she says she hopes the Queen lives on for at least another four years.

“My husband and I are holding out for our Diamond wedding anniversary message from her!”

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4 1. George and Jeanette Squires at the Greenwich Gardens Jubilee celebrations.

2. Corgis were on the menu at Greenwich Gardens!

3. Pets were invited too at Dannemora Gardens.

4. Hibiscus Coast Assistant Village Manager Katie Elgar channels Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by Beefeaters.

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5. The Royal Family themselves were in attendance at Greenwich Gardens.

6. A Royal Procession gets underway.

7. Palmerston North Village staff practice their royal wave.

8 & 9. Marion Brown and Nancy Robinson channel The Duchess of Cornwall and Queen Elizabeth at Dannemora Gardens.

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Above Michele Bartlett, Kethaki Masilamani (Newshub), and Gaylene Cheeseman look through Gaylene's scrapbooks of the royal family.

Left The Cheeseman's have always been big royalists. Gaylene's clippings of the royal family are displayed on the wall behind them.

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The Villager � Winter 2022

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� Friendship

Nurse profile �

“We get to The Shed around 9.30, sit down and have a chat and then get to work. We always plan to have a cup of tea but neither of us ever remembers to bring the milk!”

Friends for life When Martin Barnes and Neil Hingston stepped through the doors of Air New Zealand in 1963, they never imagined they’d become lifelong friends.

But now, the retired aircraft engineers live six houses apart at Metlifecare’s Crestwood retirement village, and have a treasure trove of shared memories. During their nearly 60 years of friendship, they’ve built kit cars together, holidayed around the world together, and for the past 36 years they’ve even celebrated Boxing Day together.

“Our extended families always get together for a Boxing Day picnic. Our wives Hillary and Pauline are great friends, our kids are similar ages - our sons even work together. It’s a lot of fun,” says Martin, before mentioning another longstanding tradition, the “old farts’ day out”, their annual Christmas shopping and lunch expedition.

Just 15 days apart in age, and with many shared interests, Martin and Neil have forged an unshakeable bond. And although their professional lives took different directions (Neil eventually left Air New Zealand to start his own business, while Martin spent his entire career with the airline), they’ve always remained “best mates”.

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The Villager � Winter 2022

“We bounce ideas off each other, we get on great,” says Martin. “We’re both easy going, and Martin does what I tell him!” adds Neil. After so many years of comradeship, it’s not surprising they’ve ended up in the same retirement village.

“We were on our old farts’ day out, and Neil and Pauline told us they were moving into Crestwood. A week later, Hillary and I signed up for the house at the other end of the block!”

They haven’t looked back. “It’s fantastic here,” says Neil. “Straight away it felt like home. You’re looked after, there’s no lawns or maintenance, and there are meals if you want them.”

Best of all, catching up with his best mate has never been easier.

“Every Friday night we have fish and chips and on Mondays and Tuesdays we meet at The Shed.”

‘The Shed’ is the recently opened workshop created for the village’s resident DIYers. Here the pair work on new projects (like building tables, crafting timber crosses to commemorate Anzac Day, and making plaque posts for the village orchard).

“We get to The Shed around 9.30, sit down and have a chat and then get to work. We always plan to have a cup of tea but neither of us ever remembers to bring the milk!”

Village nurse Ann Leggett on finding her ‘why’ Edgewater Village Nurse Ann Leggett has been nursing for nearly six decades! She says the highlights of her long and varied career have come through meeting many interesting characters; staff, residents and patients along the way.

Ann began nursing in the UK in 1966, before moving to New Zealand in 2005 to continue her passion for caring for others here.

“For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to be a nurse. I didn’t know why back then, but I just knew it was something I had to do.”

Ann first joined the Highlands Village team as Nurse Manager in 2014, before retiring briefly

and returning on a casual contract. She then moved to Edgewater where she took up the role of Village Nurse, which was meant to be for an 18-month contract.

“That was four years ago.

I keep talking about retiring permanently every now and then, but they won’t let me leave!”

Edgewater Village has grown and transformed over the past few years, with new apartments, a community centre and care facility being added. Ann says the construction and then Covid-19 lockdowns have caused some disruption, but it hasn’t been without a silver lining.

“During lockdown our residents were unable to get out

and see anyone. My team and I door knocked to check they were physically ok, but also just to say hello and have a chat. It not only brightened their day, but it would make my day too."

Ann says over the years she’s grown to understand just what her ‘why’ is.

“Nursing is life-changing.

It enriches your life. No matter what’s going on in your own life, you forget all that when you come to work and make a positive difference for someone else.

“It doesn't matter if its big or small, or whether it's just being there for a resident, a family member, or a colleague.

“If I can make just one person smile, isn’t that a good day?” metlifecare.co.nz

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� Personal journeys

Resident profile �

Left Vern Walker with two of his most iconic water colours.

Roger Bannister runs one mile in under four minutes. The gardens of Keukenhof.

No slap-dash art for me Being a watercolour artist is a precise taskmaster.

Most often you cannot hide a blunder or loss of perspective by hiding such a shortcoming by adding a darker layer of paint, as you can with oils.

by Vern Walker of Metlifecare Pinesong, Auckland I could be accused of being a fussy and precise artist. I could even be the male version of Mrs Bucket, of “Keeping up Appearances” fame, as she critically eyes a portrait and moves it a millimetre to the left to ensure it hangs perfectly!

The accompanying painting of mine, depicts one of the most spectacular gardens in Europe: Keukenhof near Amsterdam. My wife and I planned to be there in springtime when its bountiful boast is at its most colourful.

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The Villager � Winter 2022

Seven million bulbs planted in 79 acres. Sadly, my wife’s health took a turn and we had to return home, without visiting Keukenhof. Later, I said to her: “Sadly, we did not get to see Keukenhof. So I will paint it for you, have it beautifully framed and hung in our lounge so you can look at it every day.”

The painting I treasure the most captures my love of sport, and in particular my decade as a competing distance runner. The painting tested me to my limits.

I was copying off a well-known

black and white photograph. To faithfully capture the detail I had to work in parts of a millimetre, and use a magnifying glass.

This painting depicts British athlete Roger Bannister breaking the tape in a defining moment in the history of athletics. Four laps of a 440yard track in less than four minutes. In 3m.59.4s of sweat and finally exhaustion, Roger Bannister became famous.

I captured this celebrated moment in time: 6 May 1954.

The grittiness of the cinder track.

The local cleric. The timekeeper looking down at his stopwatch.

The official with the clipboard.

The athlete in the heavy woollen tracksuit. As a bonus the caption carries the autograph of Sir Roger Bannister. This picture may be one of the few images in colour of this defining moment in the history of sport.

I often visit YouTube and connect with a world-renowned artist who conducts art classes in Europe. Born in Uruguay, Alvaro Castagnet is a slapdash watercolour painter.

He attacks his scenes with vigour. Initially it is a splotch of unrelated images. Then in the final sequences, a masterpiece suddenly appears. The exact opposite of my technique.

The requirements to become an artist are threefold: Never-ending patience. Be in the mood to paint, with a clear mind. Look at an inspiring scene and try to paint it.

Left Keith Meynell aboard his locomotive train at Minogue Park.

Below One of Keith's model train projects.

Full steam ahead When Keith Meynell moved into Forest Lake Gardens over a year ago, he was worried he would have to give up his hobby of 46 years. Instead, it has only grown.

Keith’s interest in model trains began unexpectedly in 1976, when out for a walk with his young son.

“I was pushing my son Clint in his pram down a street in Petone when we went past a hobby store.

He pointed at the window and said “train”, “train”.

We ended up buying a second-hand train set for $30 and that’s where it all started. Coincidentally, my son grew out of it, but I never did.”

Keith said he only got into the “big stuff” when he moved from Wellington to Cambridge 11 years ago.

“I would take my models along to the Hamilton Model Railway Exhibition every year, until my friend said you’ve been doing this for a while now, I’ll help you build an engine.”

The locomotive engine the pair built together weighs 200kgs and comes complete with two freight cars and a baggage van. When he can, Keith takes it along to the Hamilton Model Engineers Club and provides miniature train rides over a 1.6km track at Minogue Park, winding through bush, over six bridges and through three tunnels.

Keith’s current projects include building an 8m model railway (based on the Mariazellerbahn, a pilgrimage railway in Austria) and preparing to build a garden railway. The remote-control track, which will run across the front of his garden area, will also have a miniature station, buildings and island platform to complete it.

“Last Christmas at the village I put Christmas lights up outside for the first time in my life. At the same time I put a small garden railway out on my front lawn. It created so much interest from all my fellow residents.

“I’ve never had a garden railway before, so I’m really looking forward to it being a feature of the village, permanently. People love them. I don’t even watch the trains anymore, I look at people’s faces.”

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� Animal antics

Animal antics �

Animal antics!

Below Royston Brown and Neil Wadams with their beloved pooch Bostoux.

Opposite Royston and neighbour Dennis Horne at Pohutukawa Landing.

The power of pets The bond between people and animals has evolved significantly over time. What once began as a relationship based on service and protection, has turned into one of companionship and love.

Research shows there are many health and wellbeing benefits to owning pets too. Pets can ease loneliness, help establish a daily routine, and even help us socialise with others.

Pohutukawa Landing residents Royston Brown and Neil Wadams couldn’t imagine their lives without their beloved pooch. So much so, that bringing their French Bulldog Bostoux with them to their new village residence was, quite simply, a deal breaker!

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The Villager � Winter 2022

“We were living in the Beachlands area at the time, and we kept seeing advertising for Pohutukawa Landing featuring pets. When we found out we could bring our dog, we were sold,” says Royston.

Not being able to bring a pet, or being allowed to replace them, was something the couple weren't prepared to face.

“We wouldn’t be here otherwise. Pets are part of the family.”

Having owned a farm together in Mangatāwhiri and later a lifestyle block in Tamahere, animals have always been a big part of the couple’s lives.

“They are such great companions, especially as you get older. They get you out and about because they expect their walk, even when you don’t feel like it, they’re waiting at the door.”

“When I used to visit my dad in his later years, we would always take one of our dogs, and his face would light up. They bring so much joy.”

“They’re great for socialising too. We take Bostoux down to the marina every day, and we meet so many new people. Everyone wants to stop and talk to you when you have a dog.”

With Neil still working part-time, Royston says Bostoux provides great company when he’s home on his own.

“She’s a lovely little dog, she’s always making me laugh. She doesn’t answer back or complain about my music choice either!”

“Being able to bring their French Bulldog Bostoux with them to Pohutukawa Landing sold them on retirement village life.”

Right Bostoux with his friend Javert. metlifecare.co.nz

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� Animal antics

Animal antics �

Gail’s girls When Gail Smith moved into Powley last year, she brought with her two little dogs, Bene and Star, and cherished memories of those who came before them.

Gail reflects on her unexpected devotion to rescue animals.

Hanging in pride of place on her cottage wall are Gail’s ‘girls’.

Border Collie crosses Breeze and Storm, and rescues Tess, Enya and Ali, each with their own unique story.

“Before moving to Powley, I had a farm up north near Kaiwaka. I had Breeze and Storm at the time and wasn’t looking to add anymore dogs.

“But the neighbour’s farm dog kept getting out, and he said to me ‘the next time she gets out I'm going to shoot her’. I said you can’t do that! I’ll take her. When I got home the next day Tess was snuggled up in the kennel alongside Breeze and Storm.”

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The Villager � Winter 2022

German Shepherd Enya was next to find her forever home on Gail's farm. Too timid for the police force, she was rehomed to a colleague of Gail’s.

“Unfortunately, my work mate couldn’t control her, and she was rehomed again. When I heard that her new family were having trouble with her too, I said, ‘if she comes to me when I call her, I’ll take her, and if not, I won’t.’”

“She came of course, so in a way, Enya chose me.”

A carer by nature, it was through her work as a support person at a local hospital that Ali found her way into Gail’s life.

“The hospital bought Ali as

a therapy dog to help patients. I said at the time, she was going to be too big for the job. And of course, she was.”

“She was an expensive dog, so I said to my employer, I’ll trade you some of my gym equipment for her. And that’s how Ali joined the family.”

Gail’s passion for giving animals a second chance at life didn’t stop at dogs.

“I also had a cockatiel named Chopper who I rescued, and Snowflake the rabbit.”

“I took Snowflake in when he wasn’t allowed to move with his family into a new rental property. It was sad, and their kids were devastated. So, I would arrange for Snowflake to go for visits to see them.”

It is Gail’s five ‘girls’ though, that hold a very special place in her heart.

“Tess was the last to pass away. As I was getting older and looking to down-size I knew I couldn’t have another big dog.

“So, I got two little dogs.”

And while Bene and Star keep her company, Gail says she misses all her animals.

“I keep busy with the dogs, taking up new hobbies and working part time”.

“But I miss my girls a lot too.

I keep them with me always, in my memories and in my heart.”

New animal shelter creates a safe haven for pets Situated in an undisclosed location in Auckland, the Pet Refuge shelter doesn’t look much different from the other buildings that surround it, and it certainly doesn’t look like an animal shelter. But it’s designed that way. For the pets that stay here and for their families, safety and security are paramount.

Research shows 53% of NZ pet lovers in abusive relationships delay leaving a violent home out of fear for their pet’s safety. Pet Refuge was set up to help change this by providing animals with a safe place to stay while their families find refuge.

Since opening their doors a year ago, the shelter has provided over 10,000 safe bed nights to more than 150 pets who needed it.

Learn more at www.petrefuge.org.nz

Calling pet lovers

Left Gail's girls: Breeze, Storm, Enya, Tess and Ali.

Do you love animals and enjoy paid holidays? Are you looking for companionship and furry cuddles without the long-term commitment? Then consider becoming a trusted Animal Aunt.

Pet & Property Services Ltd, owned by The Poynton resident Alice Oborn, is looking for active Animal Aunts to live-in and care for animals and their homes while their owners are away. Becoming an Animal Aunt is a unique opportunity to care for pets, earn some money and maintain your lifestyle!

Above Gail with her dogs Star and Bene at Powley.

You can find out more at www.animalaunts.co.nz or email Alice at petpropertysv@gmail.com metlifecare.co.nz

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� Resident profile

No burglaries on John’s watch

Opposite above John Parker as a young man in the police force.

Opposite below John (third from left) shares a social moment with his team.

Left John sits proudly with his truncheon at Greenwood Park.

Greenwood Park resident John Parker shares his story of sport, leadership, and becoming a man in blue.

In pride of place on the dresser in John’s lounge sits a ceremonial wooden truncheon.

Carved with Māori designs and inlaid paua shell detail, it is a beautiful piece of work in its own right. But it is the attached plaque on the front of the stand that holds real significance. The inscription reads: Sen. Const.

JOHN PARKER in appreciation from Rotorua Sports & Social Club, March 73-May 97.

Presented to John on his retirement from the police force, the truncheon represents not only his 25 years as a police officer, but also an active sporting involvement, which began during his school days.

Reminiscing on those early days, growing up on the east

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The Villager � Winter 2022

“John was given the title of Enquiry Officer and then appointed as Rotorua’s first Community Constable. John prided himself on there being no night-time burglaries while his team was on duty.” coast of England in the Norfolk countryside, John attended the local school where his leadership potential was spotted early. At high school he was appointed head boy, captain of both the soccer and cricket teams, javelin thrower champion, and long-jumper.

John began his career as an apprentice electrician with the Power Board. On marrying wife Judy, the couple and their young daughters decided to relocate to Rotorua, New Zealand to experience life abroad.

It was two years later, that a football friend suggested to

John that on account of his height, he should consider joining the police force. He did just that. On qualifying as an officer, he was posted back to Rotorua. “It was ideal,” he recalls, “Everything was ticking along nicely.”

His very first experience in his new role however was not so nice. He was barely half an hour into his first job when he was called away to assist in a serious motor accident. A fatality involving a car and a milk tanker.

Despite this incident being the worst of his career, John recalls the lighter aspects of

the job: playing jokes on new and nervous recruits and taking a police car for a night-time spin to test its speed.

John was given the title of Enquiry Officer and then appointed as Rotorua’s first Community Constable. John prided himself on there being no night-time burglaries while his team was on duty.

John’s work also included attending serious incidents.

One of which was carrying out a search warrant with the armed offenders’ squad following a bank robbery.

Following this, John trained as a Police Negotiator dealing with hostage situations.

He soon got to know the offenders in his area and could identify a likely offender from a given description. This was instrumental in the successful apprehension of a serial stealer of bicycles, who regarded stealing 52 bikes as a bit of a game!

He remained in the role as Community Constable until retirement, followed by the move to Tauranga.

“I enjoyed my life as a police officer,” John reflects, “We had fun on the job, alongside the more serious tasks.” metlifecare.co.nz

21

� Events

Events �

Village events 1. Parkside Village retired nurses celebrating International Nurses Day.

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2. Cheers to 7 Saint Vincent resident Joan Mary Longcroft and Village Manager Nicky Rijns.

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3. CEO Earl Gasparich stops by for morning tea with residents at Pāpāmoa Beach Village.

4. 7 Saint Vincent nurses celebrating International Nurses Day. 5. Palmerston North Village enjoying an evening of Pink Gin.

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6. Highlands residents enjoy ice cream at Mission Bay.

9. Dannemora Gardens' residents visit Highwic, a grand 19th-century house in Auckland.

7. Crestwood Maintenance Supervisor Daryl wins player of the day at staff vs residents bowls competition.

8. Waitakere Gardens residents enjoy a concert from The Madeleines.

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10. Dannemora Gardens' residents explore the colonial mansion - Alberton House.

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11. Judy & Gavin Trethewey inspect their new home at Pohutukawa Landing.

12. Residents from The Poynton hit the runway.

13. CFO Jonathan Wilde attends morning tea with residents at Pāpāmoa Beach Village.

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The Villager � Winter 2022

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14. Hillsborough Heights resident Elizabeth Morey enjoys Mother's Day lunch.

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metlifecare.co.nz

23

� Tech to connect

Tech to connect �

Phishing emails Don't take the bait These days, scammers are going to all lengths to gain people's trust and confidence. They could be imposing as a police officer, a legal representative, a bank or even a tax official. They are opportunists. They target people when they are most vulnerable, or leverage on a crisis or pandemic like COVID-19.

Not all scams are obvious.

Especially when it comes to phishing emails. A phishing email is a fraudulent email sent from a scammer, but it appears to be from a legitimate source.

They aim to lure you in, get money and access your personal details.

Every day someone in New Zealand becomes a scam victim.

That's why it's so important to know how to stay safe online. Learning about the common scam may prevent you from being their next victim.

Robert Thompson, our resident tech guru from The Poynton, is here to keep you safe. Rob knows all about phishing emails. He’s listed below some common scams to look out for to ensure you don't take the bait on a phishing email.

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Suddenly you receive an email from a person who looks like a friend you knew some time ago. The introduction could start like this - I am stranded overseas because my wallet was stolen, and all my credit cards were taken. I need money to get home. If you could transfer some money to me, I promise to repay you as soon as I return. There are several variations of this type of scam. Most of us would know if our friends are travelling. Again don't reply.

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The Villager � Winter 2022

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You receive an email from Inland Revenue Department (IRD) informing you that you have a refund waiting to be claimed. This is an old scam that has been around for years. These emails can look exactly like an IRD email, except they ask for your credit card or bank details directly in the email. Delete this email immediately or don't open it.

You receive an email from a courier company advising you that they have a package for you at their depot. For you to obtain this package, you must pay the delivery charge. Again, the scammers are after your bank details. It may seem like it’s from a legitimate company, but the sender's email will give them away.

When you see an email titled "You're a winner". Make sure you look carefully at the sender's address, and if it is from an unknown source, don't open it, delete it. The email looks for people who will open the email and click on their site. This site will tell you, you have won a large sum of money. But then ask you to provide your bank or credit card details so that they can withdraw your money.

You receive an email that looks like it's from your bank.

Again, check the sender's

email address before replying. Banks will never ask you for your login or password. If these questions arise via email or the internet, exit the site and delete the email.

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You receive an email from a bank that you don't use advising you of some unusual activity on your account. They are trying to get your details. Delete it.

“Banks will never ask you for your login or password. If these questions arise via email or the internet, exit the site and delete the email.”

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You receive an email advising you that your internet security subscription has expired, and you need to renew immediately.

In many cases, it is not the security provider you use. Press Delete.

Get the best out of your technology with SeniorNet SeniorNet Federation Executive Officer Heather Newell gets inundated with calls from seniors bewildered about how to access services, pay bills, fix technical problems, and connect with friends and family online.

“I worry constantly about how our seniors are coping in the digital world,” says Heather.

Luckily, help is at hand.

“Every day SeniorNet runs a technology learning and social session for seniors from around the country. Complete novices through to techie experts get together each morning to share, socialise, learn and discuss using digital technology.

No previous experience is necessary so long as you know how to access the internet.”

The sessions are a big hit.

“This is my daily lifeline to the outside world!” says one village resident.

Aptly named SeniorHangouts, participation is currently free and topics of interest include recognising scams, online banking, managing photos, buying a new smartphone, useful apps, government services, accessing health information, plus a bunch of other handy tips and tricks.

Participants are encouraged to ask questions and add their comments into a live conversation. (And if you don’t know how to do that yet, you will do after you’ve attended one of the sessions!).

SeniorNet also runs formal learning sessions for members in more than 50 learning centres nationwide. Membership is affordable and usually allows participants to ask questions and get technical help as part of the membership.

Better still, tutors are seniors themselves so fully understand the learning needs of their peer group!

To join SeniorHangouts or find out more about what’s on offer at your nearest SeniorNet learning centre email Heather on Execofficer@seniornet.nz or visit www.seniornet.nz.

metlifecare.co.nz

25

� Menzshed

Rosedale Park restoration �

Left Ian Mathews, Ian Calder, Peter Yee, George Forster (seated) outside the Menzshed.

Far left Ian Calder with some of the letterboxes the group have made for Coastal Villas.

Menzshed – not just for ‘handy’ men With a background in social work, Coastal Villas resident Ian Calder has always recognised the value that comes from shared activities. That’s why, when an unused crafts space became available, he helped turn it into a ‘Menzshed’.

“There were a lot of activities that were aimed at women, or for men and women, but nothing specifically for men at our village.

“So, one morning a group of blokes got together in a garage, and we decided to create something just for us.”

With several retired builders, carpenters, woodwork teachers, and general handymen in the village, they decided to put their skills to good use.

Over the years, the group have tinkered away on a range of projects, including the restoration and repair of furniture for residents, and the construction of birdfeeders and planter boxes.

The group recently finished making over 50 letterboxes for the village, using supplied plywood and other materials.

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The Villager � Winter 2022

The group isn’t just for those who know what they are doing, either.

“There’s a running joke that my job is to bring the tea and biscuits. I’m not a handyman by any stretch, but I’ve learnt a lot from the others.”

The shed provides more than just tools too.

It’s a place to congregate, meet others and work on projects together. The group meet every Wednesday morning, but Ian says it’s the first half hour, that’s most important.

“We spend time catching up, discussing what’s happening around the village and putting the world right before getting to work.”

While there is a group of five men who are the ‘backbone’ of the group, the Menzshed is open to anyone who wants to join in. “None of us knew each other beforehand, but we’re all good mates now. There’s a lot of value in that.”

“We spend time catching up, discussing what’s happening around the village and putting the world right before getting to work.”

Rosedale Park Restoration Project

Below Robert Fairbairn, Alan Dunn, Jan Knight and Grant Klenner.

Babysitting 3500 native plants may not be your typical grandmotherly duty – but then Greenwich Gardens resident Jan Knight isn’t your typical grandmother.

A passionate conservationist and lifelong gardener, Jan has devoted much of her life to enhancing and improving the world around us, and now she is playing a leading role in a groundbreaking sustainability project to restore Rosedale Park.

The five-year initiative kicks off shortly, and will see 4000m2 of the park and the adjacent Alexander Stream restored and revitalised using bio-organic principles. The brainchild of the North Harbour Hockey Association (NHHA), a large number of community groups are also contributing to the project, and Jan and Metlifecare are among them.

“The Rosedale Park Restoration Project is a wonderful way to connect conservation with this village - we must all play our part in helping in the community, especially in helping nature,” says Jan, who was approached by the Auckland Council to participate.

The pilot scheme aims to increase the ecological value of the land and stream, and give locals a more congenial place to socialise and connect with nature.

Not only that, but it will give those contributing to the project - including local iwi, businesses, kindergartens, schools, and of course Metlifecare residents and staff – a strong sense of purpose and belonging. And although Jan has worked on numerous other conservation projects (including Northcote’s Tuff Crater Restoration Project and native forest restoration work in Campbells Bay’s Centennial Park), she reckons this one is her most exciting yet.

“The end results will be a breakthrough in preparing and planting of Council land. I have never seen a project like this where spraying will not be undertaken and all preparation will be done organically. Once successfully completed, this project can be rolled out elsewhere.”

Jan’s first task is to “babysit” 3500 native plants until they are ready to be planted. Six other residents have also put their hands up to help, and in a village

brimming with keen gardeners, Jan expects many others to follow suit.

As a key stakeholder in the project, Metlifecare is delighted to be supporting the initiative.

The organisation has amped up its sustainability focus in recent times and the Rosedale Park Restoration Project is a perfect opportunity to bring their environmental values to life.

Says Greenwich Gardens Village Manager Grant Klenner, “When Jan first told me about the project, I felt that it was exactly what Metlifecare were focusing on and, at a village level, could have a major impact.

“It is a simple project to be a part of, and everyone can be involved in some way – whether that’s actually helping to move the plants in, or even just telling the story to families. I believe residents will see great value and benefit in us not just helping to enhance the local area, but also in making the place better for generations to come.” metlifecare.co.nz

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� Recipes

Recipes �

Winter warmer recipes From potato peeling and dishwashing his way through his teenage years at his parents’ restaurant in Rotorua, to winning national accolades for his cuisine and prowess, Stephen Barry’s journey to chef, restaurant owner and now Food Services Manager at Pāpāmoa Beach Village has been full of flavour.

After 14 years running the iconic Mount Bistro, he was ready for a change of pace and place. This role with far more sociable hours came up last year, so Stephen jumped. He says he has a great team alongside him and just loves the village community spirit.

“It really is like working at a holiday resort, with something different happening every day, like special events, themed dinners, hosting resident cooking classes or catering for happy hours. The residents often want reassurance that I have no plans to move on and my reply is that I am here until I have trained someone up to look after me when I move in as a resident!”

Lamb Tagine

Seafood Chowder Serves 4 Ingredients: 60g butter 2 cups fish or vegetable stock 1 carrot, diced 200ml white wine 1 stalk celery, diced 4 prawn cutlets ½ leek, diced 8 scallops 1 onion, diced 200g salmon, skinned and diced 1 large potato, diced 200 grams white fish, diced ¼ Tsp curry powder 4 mussels to garnish 100ml cream 60g flour Method: • In a heavy based pot, sweat off carrot, celery, leek and onion in the butter for about 5 minutes • Add potatoes and curry powder and flour • Stir well to coat the vegetables, and cook for a further 2 minutes. Take care not to let the mix catch on the bottom of the pan • Add fish stock and water, bring to the boil stirring consistently • Simmer 15 minutes or until the potato is cooked • Add the seafood and simmer until cooked, about 6 minutes • Finish with 100ml of cream and serve.

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The Villager � Winter 2022

Ingredients: 2kg boneless lamb shoulder 4 Tbs Moroccan seasoning 4 cloves garlic, crushed ¼ cup olive oil 1 onion, diced 2 preserved lemons, drained and cut into thin wedges (or finely grated zest of 2 lemons) 1 x 410g can diced tomato 250g dried apricots 100g dried cranberries 100g pitted dates 100g prunes 50g sliced almonds Method: • Dice the lamb into 3-4cm chunks • Rub the meat with the Moroccan seasoning and crushed garlic and oil. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours, preferably overnight • Heat oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 5 • Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large flameproof casserole dish and brown the lamb in small batches over a high heat until lightly coloured.

Transfer to a bowl each time a batch is browned • Once all the meat is coloured, heat 1 more tablespoon of oil in the casserole dish add the diced onion and cook until the onion is translucent. Return the lamb to the casserole dish. Add the lemon, tomato and dried fruit, chopped tomato and 1 L water • Bring to a simmer stirring occasionally. Cover with a lid and transfer to the oven for 1.5 - 2 hours until the lamb is moist and tender • Top with sliced almonds and fresh coriander • Serve with couscous or basmati rice.

Gooey Chocolate & Feijoa Pudding Ingredients: 200g butter, plus extra for greasing 300g caster sugar 4 large eggs 75g plain flour 50g cocoa powder 400g feijoa, peeled & diced 100g plain dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids) Method: • Heat oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 5 • Lightly grease a roughly 20 x 30cm shallow ovenproof dish. Put the butter in a large saucepan and place over a low heat until just melted. Remove the butter from the heat and stir in the sugar until well combined • Whisk the eggs together in a large bowl.

Gradually add the eggs to the butter and sugar, beating well with a wooden spoon in between each addition. Sift the flour and cocoa powder on top of the egg mixture, then beat hard with a wooden spoon until thoroughly combined • Pour into the prepared tin or dish and nestle the feijoa pieces into the chocolate batter. Put the chocolate on a board and cut into chunky pieces roughly 1.5cm with a large knife. Scatter the chocolate pieces over the batter • Bake in the centre of the oven for 30 minutes or until the mixture is crusty on the surface and lightly cooked inside. Do not allow to overcook, as the cake will become spongy rather than gooey in the centre.

Serve warm with cream or ice cream.

Note: If feijoas are out of season you can replace with a 410g tin of sliced pear, tamarillo or frozen diced mango. metlifecare.co.nz

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� Quiz and crossword

Brain teasers

Quiz and crossword �

Curios Crossword

Crossword

Sit back, relax and enjoy a cup of tea as you ponder these brain teasers.

Guaranteed to get you thinking!

Quiz

QUIZ ANSWERS 1. Vivian Leigh and Clark Gable, 2.

Jenny Shipley, 3. Steve Parr, 4. South Island (nine vs three), 5. South Pacific, 6. Rowing (14), Athletics (10) and Canoeing (10), 7. 2100 (2074), 8. 1967, 9. Complimented – it means beautiful, 10. Auckland, from 1841-1865.

The Villager � Winter 2022

2

Can you t a guess whe? these ar

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CROSSWORD ANSWERS Across: 1. Oblong, 5. Tattoo, 10. Osmosis, 11. Amnesia, 12. Rakish, 15. Heresy, 16. Similar, 17. Dank, 18. Jeer, 19. Deceive, 20. Dash, 22. Bars, 25. Success, 27. Twirls, 28. Terror, 31. Suffice, 32. Placate, 33. Albeit, 34. Svelte. Down: 2. Bumpkin, 3. Obsess, 4. Gash, 5. Team, 6. Tender, 7. Obscene, 8. Horrid, 9. Lawyer, 13. Hideous, 14. Silence, 15. Harvest, 20. Detest, 21. Skilful, 23. Abreast, 24. Shriek, 25. Sluice, 26. Sedate, 29. Best, 30. Apes.

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1

CURIOS ANSWERS 1. Cast iron shoe last. Shoe lasts were used by shoe and boot repairers to steady the shoe while working on it. They come in various sizes depending on the shoe size. The word last comes from the Old English “laest” meaning footprint.

2. Darning mushroom. A darning mushroom is a mushroom-shaped tool usually made of wood.

The sock is stretched over the curved top of the mushroom and gathered tightly around the stalk to hold it in place for darning.

3. Hay-bale hook. Used in hay bucking on farms to secure and move bales of hay, which are otherwise awkward to pick up manually.

1. Who played Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler in the 1939 film Gone with the Wind?

2. Who was New Zealand’s Prime Minister between Jim Bolger and Helen Clark?

3. Quite literally sliding onto New Zealand TV screens, who hosted Sale of the Century when it launched in 1989?

4. Are there more national parks in the North Island or South Island?

5. The song Some Enchanted Evening is from which musical?

6. Which three sports have been New Zealand’s most successful at the Olympics, accounting for 34 gold medals?

7.

To the nearest 100km, is the drive from Cape Reinga to Bluff 2100km, 2300km or 2500km?

8. In which year did New Zealand change to decimal currency?

9. If a woman is described as being pulchritudinous, is she being complimented or insulted?

10. What was New Zealand’s capital before Wellington?

Across 1. Rectangular (6) 5. Military musical display (6) 10. Absorption of ideas, knowledge (7) 11. Memory loss (7) 12. Jaunty (6) 15. Violation of a religious code (6) 16. Alike (7) 17. Cold and damp (4) 18. Mock (4) 19. Mislead (7) 20. Sprint (4) 22. Prohibits (4)

25. Victory (7) 27. Spins (6) 28. Extreme fear (6) 31. Satisfy (7) 32. Pacify (7) 33. Although (6) 34. Delicate or slender build (6) Down 2. Yokel (7) 3. Fixate on something (6) 4. Deep cut (4) 5. Side (4) 6. Soft, delicate (6)

7. Lewd (7) 8. Dreadful (6) 9. Attorney (6) 13. Repulsive (7) 14. Absence of sound (7) 15. Reap (7) 20. Loathe (6) 21. Adept (7) 23. Side by side (7) 24. Piercing cry (6) 25. Drain (6) 26. Tranquillize (6) 29. Overcome (4) 30. Imitates (4) metlifecare.co.nz

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� John Carr

Laugh your way to longevity John Carr is comedian, cartoonist, children’s writer, and senior citizen.

I do a bit of stand up comedy, even at my dignified age of three score and 8! I earn money from telling jokes. Not always good money but then again, they’re not always good jokes.

Some people hate getting up in front of a crowd, but I love it.

I have some skepticism about laughter always being the best medicine, but I have no doubt that it does wonders for my physical and mental wellbeing, and the research seems to back that up.

A Norwegian study followed over 50,000 men and women over a 7-year period and concluded that adults who scored in the top quarter for humour appreciation were 35 percent more likely to live beyond 70 years than those in the bottom quarter. As a 68-year-old who uses laughter as his main source of physical exercise, I am reassured by that.

Other such research tells me that laughter increases my blood flow, releases endorphins that reduce my stress levels and consequently lowers my blood pressure. It can also boost my fitness and energy levels and my immune system.

Personal experience has also revealed to me, on at least one occasion, that loud uncontrollable laughter can also be useful as a mild diuretic.

The great thing about laughter is that you don’t need a prescription to access it and much of it is free. With a positive state of mind it can be found almost anywhere, even the most painful of circumstances as anyone who has ever done a beginner’s yoga lesson will testify.

My advice to fellow seniors is to be proactive about promoting laughter in your lives. Seek out the company of those who make you laugh and buy them a drink during happy hour if you have to.

Look at it as an investment in your own longevity.

If you are on your own include some comedy in your reading, viewing and listening choices.

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The Villager � Winter 2022

29 JULY 2022 Don’t just ask Siri or Alexa to deliver the weather forecast, get them to tell you a joke. Watch a Benny Hill clip on YouTube and laugh about the fact that you used to laugh at that stuff or push your tush down to the village recreation area and do a line dancing session or two.

Finally, spend as much time as you can in the company of children and young adults. A good percentage of my laughter comes from playfully challenging the stereotypes and expectations such people often have of old people, and the laughter cuts both ways. For example, try and keep a straight face while asking one of your millennial grandchildren to help you to adjust the radius on the Tinder app on your smart phone.

Don’t worry if you don’t know what that means, they will, and their reaction to the request will have you laughing for the rest of the day. In my case the grandchild in question didn’t laugh at the time, but I know he will when he is telling the story at my funeral, and so will everyone else.

FOR ALL METLIFECARE RESIDENTS

‘Cheers’ to Friendship!

To celebrate International Day of Friendship, we’re inviting all our residents to NZ’s Biggest Happy Hour! Whether you enjoy a cheeky vino, refreshing beer or something deliciously non-alcoholic, join us to say ‘cheers’ to old friendships and new, as we celebrate together across all our Metlifecare villages.

Date 29 July 2022 Time 4pm arrival for a 5pm united ‘cheers’ to friendship If you haven’t already, RSVP your spot with your village team Visit metlifecare.co.nz/happyhour to find out more

Old friend For Ray, what sealed the deal on moving to a village was bringing his old mate Teddy, who helps make every day better.

Forthe thelife lifeyou youwant wantto tolive live For metlifecare.co.nz | 0800 909 303 metlifecare.co.nz