50’s FORWARD NEWS & VIEWS
Friday, 11th November 2011.
Hello everyone, the intention of this e-letter is to keep you updated on events, news
and trends, both local and overseas, that are relevant to an ageing population.
Please forward on to your networks where applicable.
If you belong to a group or club and have an upcoming event you would like to
advertise, please forward on the information to me at helenmacdiarmid57@gmail.com
and I will be happy to include it in the next 50’s Forward.
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AGE CONCERN
SENIORWATCH | KŌREROKAUMĀTUA
Seniors in the News
PUBLIC DIVIDED OVER RETIREMENT AGE
ONE News, 6 November 2011 http://tvnz.co.nz/election-2011/national-labour-poles-aparteconomic-growth-4504340
…The retirement age and asset sales were the hot issues debated between Bill English and
David Cunliffe on Q+A this morning. The poll shows the public is divided about the
proposal to raise the retirement age, with 47% backing the plan and 48% opposed.
The remainder didn't know. The economy remains the core political argument as the
country counts down to polling day, and with a debt crisis threatening several European
economies both main parties are vowing to balance the books. Labour is promising a
capital gains tax, compulsory savings, moving the retirement age to 67 and more
borrowing in the short-term. National is planning partial asset sales but says there's
no need to lift the retirement age and that it wants to cut spending rather than
borrow…
RADIOLOGIST IN A CLASS OF HIS OWN
Otago Daily Times, 7 November 2011
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/185478/radiologist-class-his-own
Radiology class of 1946 graduate Ian Grant, of Oamaru, at a Dunedin Hospital reunion of radiologists
on Saturday. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
A reunion of radiologists associated with the Dunedin Hospital unit gathered on Saturday to
remember their training and working links to the specialist department. About 112 people
registered for the event, with current and former radiologists travelling from as far afield as
the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia for the reunion, the event's co-ordinator, Liz
Holland, said. However, it was a former radiologist from somewhat closer to home who was
one of the most distinguished guests to attend, she said. Oamaru man Ian Grant (85) was
among the first graduates of the Otago School of Radiography in the inaugural class
of 1946. "I'm the sole survivor to make it back today. It's tremendous to be here to
meet everyone," he said. A self-described "keen" photographer, Mr Grant had many
albums of his past radiography colleagues and of the "way things were done" before
modern technology revolutionised X-ray practice. "It was all very labour-intensive, with
a lot of manual work," he said. After Mr Grant graduated, he took a job at Oamaru Hospital's
radiology unit, a position he held until he retired in 1986. It had been a privilege to be a part
of the hospital and profession, which had allowed him to meet many people and patients on
a "day-by-day" basis, Mr Grant said.
STILL SOME WAY TO GO IN AGED CARE
Manawatu Standard, 7 November 2011 http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatustandard/news/5919337/Still-some-way-to-go-in-aged-care
Fifteen out of 36 rest homes in the MidCentral Health region have only "partially
attained" the minimum level of standards required. Of the 15 rest homes that have
required extra monitoring in the past six months, four needed additional attention
from the district health board last month. However, MidCentral spokesman Brad
Grimmer said the issues with three of those homes had since been resolved.
MidCentral District Health Board said the quality of aged care had come a long way in the
past year, but there was still some way to go before rest homes in the region were all
operating at an acceptable standard. A number of routine and spot audits carried out jointly
between the DHB and the Ministry of Health have returned mixed results…
SCOOTERS ALLOW FREEDOM
Marlborough Express, 9 November 2011 http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlboroughexpress/news/community-papers/5928791/Scooters-allow-freedom
Lynne Nicholl has a love-hate relationship with her mobility scooter: "I hate it but I'd be lost
without it." Lynne is unable to walk after having a stroke and relies on her scooter to get
around Blenheim, go shopping and potter in her garden. "A mobility scooter isn't a toy – it
can be quite a dangerous thing. But if I didn't have one, I'd be housebound." Electricpowered mobility scooters are becoming more popular as an alternative to driving but
Lynne warns that mobility scooters are not for everyone, especially if they've lost their
licence for health reasons… “…it's important to get lots of practice before you go far." It is a
good idea to plan the best route into town or to regular appointments and stick to it
so you get used to handling the different run-ups (where the footpath comes down to
the road at intersections)… Lynne says her scooter gives her freedom and adventures
"as long as I keep the battery charged up".
ELDERLY TENANT'S BODY FOUND
New Zealand Herald, November 9 2011
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10764720
…The elderly woman lived at a Housing New Zealand complex in Symonds St but
hadn't been seen by neighbours or been in contact with her family for up to three
weeks. Her body was discovered about 9pm on Monday evening. Her death is believed to
have been from natural causes, but the fact that she lay undetected for so long has horrified
neighbours. One resident, who asked not to be named, said: "It's very sad for all the
neighbours, as a result of what happened we are all feeling very guilty. "We should
have been looking after her. It's so important that neighbours look after each other"
… Housing New Zealand regional manager Denise Fink said staff were looking into
the situation and were in contact with the woman's family and police…
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SAVE ENERGY IN YOUR HOME WITH FREE
COACHING
Get expert advice free of charge to help you make energy-saving changes to
your home.
Wellington City Council has teamed up with Home&dry under the Home Energy Saver
programme to help Wellington households assess their homes and take practical
action.
Households are eligible for a free, impartial home energy assessment by a trained
coach, a detailed action plan tailored to your household’s needs and budget, and
subsidies on a range of energy-saving products.
The home coach will look at everything from heating, insulation, lighting and water
use to how you dry your clothes and dispose of household waste – and answer your
questions about how to make your home warmer, healthier and more energy efficient.
The assessment takes about two hours and is free. The coach will bring a range of
products, including low-flow shower heads, energy-efficient light bulbs, hot water
cylinder wraps and draught stoppers, which they can install on the spot if you want
them to.
Wellington households are eligible for 50% off the costs, up to the value of $115.
To book a Home Energy Saver coach or find out more, contact Home&dry direct:
Email: enquiries@homeanddry.co.nz Phone: 0508 466 363
The Home Energy Saver programme is part of the Council's 2010 Climate Change
Action Plan.
Homecoach is part of the New Zealand Green Building Council's Homestar system
assessment.
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COMPASSION CENTRE ~ WOMEN’S LUNCH
Enjoy some Girls-Only time over lunch at the Compassion Centre.
Date: Wed 16th November 2011
Time: 12:00pm ~ 2:00pm
Venue: The Compassion Centre
132 Tory St, Wellington
Decorate Christmas boxes and take part in a cupcake competition.
Every woman gets an entry into our free raffle to win prizes!
All women are welcome.
For more information, come in and see the Compassion Centre or contact:
Angela Phone: (04) 385 9299
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MATERIAL ART SHOW
Gala Evening - 24TH November 2011
Come along to The Material Art Show a showcase of some of Wellington’s finest
quilts and knitted items, all hand-made by volunteers and for sale in support of
Wellington Children’s Hospital. All sizes, all varieties, all for sale.
GALA EVENING
Thursday 24th November, 6.30pm
At Wellington Hospital
Every year volunteers create more than 7,000 items for use in the hospital wards
and NICU. This year, volunteers have put in many long hours to produce additional
quilts for the fundraising Show. The Gala Evening is your first opportunity to
purchase a Show quilt and even if you don't take one home, you will be amazed at
the skill and variety on offer.
PLUS Tango dancers will be performing with 4xTango "The Little New Zealand
Tango Orchestra"
Tickets $35 - includes canapés, mocktails, entertainment and a donation to
Wellington Children's Hospital.
Available from The Gift Shop, Level 2 of Wellington Hospital, by phoning 04-3895610 or online at www.materialartshow.co.nz
Brought to you by Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation the official charity for
Wellington Children’s Hospital.
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MIND YOUR MIND!
Learn how to keep your brain active, so you stay sharp into older
age and reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Sessions coming up:
Kapiti Community Centre, Paraparaumu – Tuesday 15th November
St Johns Centre, Wellington – Friday 18th & Wednesday 23rd November.
For more information refer to the attached posters
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CARERS NZ NEWSLETTER
Supporting fair access to medicines for rare diseases
The Muscular Dystrophy Association, Lysosomal Diseases NZ and the NZ
Organisation for Rare Disorders, are gathering at Civic Square in Wellington at noon
on Wednesday 16th November to march to Parliament seeking fair access to
specialised medicines for rare diseases. You are invited to join them to support their
cause.
Leading the campaign for an orphan drug access policy are patients with Pompe
disease, a serious muscle wasting disease that without treatment will result in
respiratory and cardiac failure. There are just a handful of Pompe patients in NZ.
Four have had their funding applications for Myozyme declined because Pharmac’s
decision criteria assess this new treatment against treatments for common diseases.
The disease rarity puts this treatment at considerable disadvantage when cost
comparisons are considered. Fairness and equity have not been addressed by
Pharmac in these decisions.
There is good evidence that Myozyme can improve muscle function in patients with
Pompe disease and halt the decline of this degenerative and life-threatening
disease. This case offers a test for future access to innovative treatments that may
be developed for other diseases that are currently untreatable.
The patient groups are seeking commitments from all political parties to an orphan
drug access policy that will give fair consideration for very rare diseases. Most of the
major parties have agreed to meet the march at Parliament and state their policy
relating to treatment of Pompe disease and the development of an orphan drug
access policy. For more information see www.mda.org.nz www.ldnz.org.nz
www.nzord.org.nz or Facebook
Heart Foundation ~ Have a Go ~ Springfest
Date: Saturday 12th November 2011
Time: 10:30am ~ 2:30pm
Venue: Waitangi Park, Wellington
With heaps of activities like an organised walk, volleyball, jump rope, zumba, the
action packed Maori ball game Ki o Rahi and a Pasifika-style warm up, you‟ll be sure
to get in the zone.
Bring your friends, family and a picnic to this smokefree event.
Healthy food will be on sale.
Come along and give it a go, we‟ll show you how!
For more details, please contact:
Julie McLeod Phone: 04 472 2780 Email: juliem@heartfoundation.org.nz
Website: www.heartfoundation.org.nz
Show your appreciation by bringing a koha/donation for the Heart Foundation!
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Wellington City Council Web Alert
News
08 November 2011
Pacific Wave Tsunami Exercise
We're gearing up for the international tsunami exercise Pacific Wave this Thursday and
want local schools, childcare centres and businesses to take part too - by heading for
higher ground if necessary.
New Mountain Bike Trails
Fancy doing some hard labour building tracks in your lunch hour?
Run in the Senshu Marathon
If you are a serious, long-distance runner and have always wanted to visit Japan then
we would like to hear from you. We are offering an all-expenses paid trip to Japan - all
you have to do is run a marathon and be an ambassador for Wellington.
Santa's Coming to Town
We're expecting more than 60,000 mums, dads and children at this Sunday's Santa
parade so get there early if you want a good spot to watch.
New Floats in Sunday's Santa Parade
Santa Claus is coming to town for the 62nd parade through the streets of Wellington.
10 November 2011
Wellington's First 'Pop-up' Garden in Kilbirnie
This Saturday morning, 12 November, Kilbirnie residents are invited to 82 Yule Street for
a planting party at Wellington's first pop-up community garden.
11 November 2011
City Council and Wellington College jointly fund artificial turf sportsfield
The community and school sport will both be winners with a new artificial turf field being
installed at Wellington College in partnership with Wellington City Council.
Meeting: Strategy & Policy Committee - 17 November 2011
Agenda now available online
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WHAT’S ON
IN NEWLANDS
Hello everyone, and what a gorgeous day it is today - and it's 11-11-11~!
Attached is our What's On for the week ended 18 November 2011.
Just a few things to mention which we have coming up at the Centre over the next
few days: OneRoof Entertainment is holding a Community Bingo Night at the Centre
tonight from 7pm - 11pm, with food and entertainment and you're all welcome along
to that; Yummy Mummies are having a Christmas Jumble Sale tomorrow from 9am 3pm; The SPCA is having an Adopt-A-Pet day here at the Centre on Sunday from
1pm - 4pm; and on Monday 14th November Anne Haddon is conducting a free
computer information session in the Drop-in Lounge from 1pm - 3pm.
Newlands School also has their annual Fair on Sunday 13th of November from 10am
- 2pm - so lots to do in Newlands over the weekend~!
Have an awesome weekend, and I'll catch up with you all again next week~!
Kind regards,
Donna
WHAT’S ON
IN ISLAND BAY
Kia ora koutou,
What a beautiful day in Island Bay! Please find attached our What's On for the week
ahead.
The Community Centre is an advanced polling station for the General Election for
the next two weeks. So, if you are going to be away from the electorate on election
day pop down on a Monday, Thursday or Saturday between 9am-1pm. You can also
meet the local candidates in this year’s general election at Wellington South Baptist
Church at 7.30 on Wednesday November 23rd.
The Wellington South Time Bank is up and running after the fantastic opening at
the Island Bay Community Centre last Saturday. If you would like to become
amember ($10, or $5 if you are a community card holder) give Hannah a call on
Mon, Tues or Weds 389 0514 or email her wgtn.timebank@gmail.com
I hope you all have a lovely weekend,
Nga mihi,
Rose & Helen
Rose Swindells
Community Facilities Advisor (City)
Wellington City Council
E: rose.swindells@wcc.govt.nz
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MARY POTTER HOSPICE
Support Mary Potter Hospice and help with fundraising
Strawberry Festivals
Delicious spring strawberries served with ice cream & topping
~ $5.00 per serve
Strawberry Angel 2011 for your Christmas tree ~ $10.00 each
Saturday 19th November
~ Maclean Park, Paraparaumu from 10:00am
Wednesday 23rd November
~ Top of the Cable Car from 8:00am
Saturday 26th November
~ Outside Pak „n Save, Porirua from 8:00am
For More information:
http://www.marypotter.org.nz/?StrawberryFestival2011.htm
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CONTACT ME...
If you or your group has news or views you would like to share OR if there is there a topic,
or information you would like to know more about, please contact me…
Helen MacDiarmid
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