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Welcome to the June 2021 edition of the SuperSeniors Newsletter.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) takes place this month on 15 June. Minister for Seniors Ayesha Verrall talks about the significance of this day and we profile one of the unsung heroes of the Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) and learn more about the help the service offers.
We also chat with Dr Doug Wilson, 2021 Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau, and Andrea Gaskin, Director and Founder of charity organisation Connect the Dots, about how she’s making the art scene in Auckland accessible to seniors.
In this issue there’s advice on how to eat healthy (while not breaking the bank) and why getting tech savvy is a good thing – especially for seniors. On the subject of online technology, Netsafe CEO Martin Cocker shares a message about staying safe and how to get help.
There’s a reminder about where to find information about the COVID-19 vaccine and details on free bowel cancer screenings and changes to laws for renters and landlords.
And finally, the mailout system we use to send out the SuperSeniors newsletters has changed. This means that our emails will now show up as being from “The Office for Seniors” instead of “SuperSeniors”. So, make sure our new email address is on your ‘safe sender’ list so we don’t end up in your junk folder.
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From Minister for Seniors Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall |
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As Minister for Seniors, I am responsible for advocating for the interests and rights of older people.
Sadly, one issue that impacts older New Zealanders across the country is elder abuse.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) takes place on 15 June every year and it’s an important opportunity to acknowledge the role we can all play in putting an end to elder abuse.
Roughly one in ten people aged 65 and over will experience some form of elder abuse.
It can be difficult to identify elder abuse because there is no single 'type'. Some forms are more subtle than others and are often hidden in plain sight. It can be psychological, as well as physical. More often than not, people experience more than one type of abuse.
Given the economic uncertainty of last year, due to COVID-19, one form of abuse that is common but difficult to spot is financial abuse.
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Financial abuse accounts for more than half of all instances of abuse. These situations may start with an abuser trying to control how or where the victim spends their money, or even spending their money without permission.
WEAAD is about taking the time to understand what elder abuse looks like and raising awareness for how those affected by elder abuse can get the help they need.
It can be hard for those experiencing elder abuse to speak out as often the one committing the abuse is someone they trust and rely on. That’s why we all need to speak out against it.
Support is available, whether you are concerned about how you or someone you know is being treated. The Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS), includes a free 24-hour confidential helpline which anyone can call.
So, if you have any concerns about yourself, a loved one, a friend or even a neighbour call 0800 32 668 65 (0800 EA NOT OK). If you are in danger, call 111 and ask for the police. You can also text 5032 or email support@elderabuse.nz for help.
Elder abuse- it’s not OK. Now is the time to make sure the older people in your life are safe and well. We all have a role to play in putting an end to elder abuse and to help support the health and wellbeing of the older people around us. Not just for WEEAD, but always.
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day |
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New Zealand registered social worker Febe Camacho is one of the many people behind the scenes of the Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS).
As a co-ordinator for EARS, Febe investigates claims of abuse and neglect towards older people by conducting interviews with seniors, assessing their needs, and checking any safety plans that are – or should be – in place.
“Normally if we receive a referral, for example, from the police, we contact the individual directly,” Febe explains.
“Sometimes, even talking over the phone, you can sense that something's not right.”
Febe says her job is about raising awareness, and “to empower and educate people about the abuse they're experiencing, for them to know that we're here to support and advocate for them on their journey”.
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Despite the confronting nature of her role, Febe thrives working in an environment that challenges the abusive situations that the seniors she works with might see as ‘normal’.
It’s especially rewarding when there’s a ‘good outcome’, for example, a senior putting a safety plan in place, such as a protection order. It’s a sign, she says, “that they're doing something about the situation and ending the cycle of abuse”.
However, the job comes with challenges. Febe explains that while she can outline options for seniors who are being abused, they sometimes opt not to do anything. Worse, in some cases, she’s unable to communicate openly with the senior as their abuser is their primary caregiver - something that is very common with elder abuse.
Febe also ensures the work she does is accessible to the Māori community.
“I also needed to help myself to have a Māori perspective at EARS. So, I enrolled myself in Te Wānanga for a 36-week course of Te Reo language lessons.”
“It helps me communicate with Māori better. It’s appreciated as well, even if it's just a basic sentence, that you took the time to study.”
To contact EARS call 0800 32 668 65 (0800 EA NOT OK). If you’re in danger, call 111 and ask for the police.
A text, and email service is now available. Text 5032 or email: support@elderabuse.nz
Find out more about elder abuse on the SuperSeniors website.
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Budget 2021 includes funding for the Government’s commitment to establish an Aged Care Commissioner. |
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The Commissioner will give older people and their whānau greater confidence in the quality and safety of aged care, in the investigation of their complaints, and will provide leadership on much-needed systemic change.
The Government has allocated $8.1 million over the next four financial years towards this initiative.
Detailed policy work on establishing the Aged Care Commissioner is well underway, and announcements with more detail about it will be made soon.
This year’s Budget also includes almost $2 million over four years for the implementation of the Better Later Life - He Oranga Kaumātua Strategy, which was launched in 2019.
The strategy is focused on making New Zealand a great place to age and this funding will go towards taking action in three priority areas of housing, employment, and digital inclusion so older people are given the opportunity to engage with others online.
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The COVID-19 vaccine rollout is the biggest vaccination programme in New Zealand’s history. |
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The Pfizer vaccine is free and available to everyone aged 16 and over. There are enough doses available for everyone aged 16 and over to get the two doses they need to be protected.
The Pfizer vaccine is a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine that does not contain the virus. It can't give you COVID-19, affect your DNA nor does it contain any animal products.
Each district health board (DHB) around New Zealand is managing the rollout of the vaccine in their area. Exactly how and when people are contacted may differ between regions.
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If you're not sure which DHB provides services for your area, check the Ministry of Health website.
The population has been divided into four groups; Border and managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) workers (group 1), High-risk frontline workers and people living in high-risk places (group 2), People who are at risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 (group 3), and everyone else (group 4).
The Unite Against COVID-19 website has the latest updates, an online tool to help you find what group you’re in, and information on how to book a vaccine appointment.
Getting the right information matters. Be aware of incorrect or second-hand information about the vaccine on social media and other places. You can get accurate and trusted information at www.Covid19.govt.nz and www.health.govt.nz, or talk with your doctor.
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Senior New Zealander of the Year |
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Scientist and author Dr Doug Wilson, 83, has been named 2021 Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
Attending Otago Medical School and gaining his PhD from the University of London, today Dr Wilson is an internationally recognised medical academic in the fields of biomedicine and pharmaceuticals.
Dr Wilson says winning the award is “humbling and unexpected”.
“It is rare to be uncovered from the crowded world when you're in your mid-80s.
“You need to recheck yourself in the mirror.”
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Becoming an author at 70, Dr Wilson achieved a life-long dream, and has penned eleven children’s books to date. His turn as a writer is one of many career changes and diversions, having also worked as the first United States head (and subsequently global head) of medical research for a major international pharmaceutical company.
Dr Wilson is also a leading expert on ageing and is the author of “Ageing for beginners”, as well as a podcast of the same name, and has recently published a follow-up titled “Ageing Well”. He believes we can all improve our health status at any age – as long as we commit to it.
He outlined his recipe for a healthier life as “a sensible diet, avoid weight gain, formal exercise programme, social relationships and clubs”.
“Foster your personal relationships with a partner. Keep your brain active with games, research, reading. Learn to sleep well and stop smoking.”
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Dr Wilson says he’s currently working on finding ways to move New Zealand to be healthier and reduce health concerns as one of later life’s serious burdens.
“We can gain extra years,” he says, “and these can be positive, fruitful, and happy.”
In celebration of his award, Dr Wilson shared a bottle of bubbles with six close friends.
“They made nice cooing noises about the award, then concentrated on the Champagne.”
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Embracing the Digital Age |
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Better Digital Futures training |
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Embracing today’s technology and skilling up for the digital age can open up a world of possibilities, from sorting out your finances in seconds, to storing photos to having video chats with family.
Tena is a trainer at the Tairāwhiti Technology Trust (Taitech) in Gisborne. Taitech is one of the many local providers delivering Better Digital Futures, a free programme supporting seniors to get digitally literate across Aotearoa. The programme is part of a project that recently won an IDC Smart Cities Award.
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“Learning digital skills benefits not just seniors, but their family and friends,” Tena explains.
“With the ability to engage with others through technology, they can see their loved ones via Skype or Facetime and not just make phone calls.”
The Better Digital Futures Programme for Seniors has four ‘pathways’: Introduction, Essentials, Engagement, and Safety. When all pathways are completed, seniors will be able to confidently choose a device that’s right for them, shop and bank online, and stay safe online.
Former movement therapist Claire, 70, is a participant who signed up after being gifted an iPad.
“I’ve learned loads,” she says, “for example, I now know how to spot scams.”
“I absolutely love taking lots of pictures of the people in my life, so it’s important to know how to store them - and find them again!
“I’ve also learned about deleting images, and the difference between uploading and downloading.”
Claire adds she is more adventurous and less intimidated by her technology.
Tena says she’s seen some amazing transformations with the participants as they progress through the pathways, such as quickly picking up jargon and negative self-talk turning into confidence.
To sign up for free, head to www.steppingup.nz
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The National Bowel Screening Programme, a free initiative that helps detect bowel cancer, is being offered every two years to eligible people aged between 60 to 74.
Those who are diagnosed early have a 90% chance of long-term survival.
If the cancer is found at a later, more advanced stage, it is harder to treat.
Bowel screening is currently offered in 17 out of 20 District Health Board (DHB) areas, with the nationwide roll out expected to be completed by December 2021. Those eligible will be sent an invitation letter and a consent form during the first two years of the programme starting in their DHB.
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A bowel screening test kit with instructions will also be sent out. The test is easy to do and can be done at home.
Information on who is eligible for the programme, or how to opt out if you wish, is available on the Ministry of Health website or by phoning 0800 924 432.
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A message from Martin Cocker, Netsafe |
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Who could have predicted that just a few decades ago that things like banking, socialising, reading - even looking for recipes - would change so significantly? |
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These things have all migrated online and Netsafe was founded more than 20 years ago to help internet users connect safely to the new opportunities and challenges of digital technology.
We remain committed to helping keep everyone in New Zealand safe online, and that includes the older members of our community, as ‘silver surfers’ are the fastest-growing group of users.
In 2020, there were 22,705 online incidents reported to Netsafe.
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Martin Cocker, Netsafe CEO |
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People aged over 65 made up 21.3 percent of this figure.
Generally, any new internet user is more likely to encounter risks and challenges. It’s important that anyone embracing the opportunities can adopt safe behaviours along the way as this will help them avoid or minimise possible harm.
Netsafe has developed self-help advice for seniors on a range of topics including scams, protecting your ‘digital footprint’ (the ‘breadcrumbs’ you leave behind online) and devices, tips on how to shop safely and online dating. You can find our Top Tips for Older People at www.netsafe.org.nz/olderpeople
As we head into winter, people are likely to spend more time online. Mostly this is a positive experience, but it does mean that you might be more susceptible to risks. We know that older people are defrauded out of larger sums of money than the rest of the population.
Netsafe has much experience supporting people with online scams, which can take many forms, and we can talk to you about the ways you can stay safe. We also provide a service under the Harmful Digital Communications Act to help people dealing with serious or repeated harmful communications.
Whether you’re dealing with harassment, scams or need advice about another issue for yourself or someone else, we can help.
Our service is free, non-judgemental and available seven days a week.
Call us toll-free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723) or send an email to help@netsafe.org.nz. You can also text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282 or complete an online contact form on our website: www.netsafe.org.nz
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Eat well, eat healthy, eat cheaply |
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Eating healthy is cheaper, easier, and more important than you might think.
“Nutrition is one of the major determinants of successful ageing,” says a spokesperson from Senior Chef, a provider of culinary education for the over 60s.
“Eating well gives our body the fuel we need to do the things we enjoy. It can also help to prevent or manage lifestyle diseases like heart disease, diabetes and reduce the risk of some cancers.”
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So, what should seniors be eating? According to The Nutrition Foundation, older people need 25% more protein than younger adults.
“Not eating enough protein can make your skin more fragile, as well as slow down wound healing, which means longer recovery times and lead to decreased immune function.”
Good sources of protein are pulses like beans and chickpeas, fish, chicken, eggs, dairy, meat, nuts and seeds.
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Seniors should also be dining on plenty high-fibre fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains, as well as calcium-rich foods to look after their bones like dairy products and canned fish with bones (salmon, sardines).
The experts also advise drinking plenty of water and enjoying foods with plant fats (peanut butter, avocados) and minimising animal fats.
Being healthy doesn’t have to be expensive if you include plenty of vegetables with some protein. It’s always a good idea to have frozen veg and fish fillets to hand. A well-stocked pantry should have a good supply of grains, canned food, and dried herbs and spices. You also can’t go wrong with flour, pasta, cooking oils, dried fruit, and eggs.
If you’re looking for inspiration, download some recipes from www.5aday.co.nz, found under the Health Professionals tab.
Cantabrians can go to the Senior Chef website or call 0800 333 405 about their free eight-week cooking programme. The Nutrition Foundation’s four-session programme, JUST COOK, is available in Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Nelson, and Otago, with more locations planned for later in the year.
If you want to learn how to cook ad you live outside of these areas, there are plenty of courses on offer throughout Aotearoa. You can contact your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau for information on community classes, or your local adult education centre.
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Profile: Connect the Dots |
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Connect the Dots is a charity organisation and recipient of a Community Connects grant in 2019 for their Make Moments programme.
Established in 2014 by Andrea Gaskin, with friend and colleague Selina Anderson, it aims “to more broadly connect with any groups or individuals that experience access challenges to high quality arts programmes,” Andrea explains.
After developing programmes for young women and women of migrant and refugee backgrounds, the duo decided to focus their attention on older people and people living with dementia. A demographic, Andrea says, “who can often face multiple barriers to engaging in the arts and in their communities”.
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The Make Moments art workshops and tours aim to tear down these barriers, connecting seniors with the diverse arts and culture scene in Auckland.
The programme includes art conversations, supported art making, and an afternoon tea.
“Academic research shows that engaging in arts discussion and art-making can provide older people and those living with dementia, tangible benefits,” Andrea says.
“To be involved in the local community not only provides an opportunity for social connection and personal expression, but also offers a reduction in loneliness, isolation, and symptoms of early-stage dementia, helping to increase feelings of self-worth.”
“Participants always return and, for those with some hesitation, we encourage them to relax, enjoy a coffee and observe until they are happy to give it a go.”
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Thanks to the Community Connects grant from the Office for Seniors, Andrea says that the charity has been able to deliver Make Moments to those who have English as a second language, removing yet another barrier.
“Although the arts are a visual medium, our workshops use conversation as a warm-up and it’s important that all participants have the opportunity to engage in this fully,” she says.
Find out more about Make Moments at the Connect the Dots website.
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Housing can have a significant impact on wellbeing as we age.
Older people can face a range of housing issues such as affordability, accessibility, location, insecurity of tenure and even homelessness.
There are more older people renting now than ever before and home ownership rates for those aged 50 to 64 are still steadily decreasing.
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Earlier this year, the Government made changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 which covers the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants in New Zealand.
The changes aim to make things easier for those living in rental properties and by improving the security of tenure and allowing minor alterations, so they can make their house a home.
Tenants can now ask to make changes to the rental property and landlords must not decline if the change is minor. Landlords can, however, set reasonable conditions.
Full details on what minor changes are and templates to help you request these changes in writing can be found on the Tenancy Services website.
Landlords can no longer end a periodic tenancy without cause. This gives tenants more security that they can stay in their home long term.
Notice can only be given in specific situations. For example, landlords can give at least 63 days’ notice if a family member will be moving into the property as their main residence within 90 days from the end of the tenancy; or at least 90 days’ written notice if they are selling, demolishing, or extensively renovating the property.
The full list of changes to the Act is available on the Tenancy Services website.
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SuperGold Card special offers |
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Disclaimer: The SuperGold Card programme enables independent businesses to offer discounts and benefits to older New Zealanders. The Ministry of Social Development is not associated with any seller and does not guarantee any representation made by a seller and any future dispute will need to be taken up with the seller not the Ministry of Social Development. Offers range in size and nature and cardholders should always check to see if a better offer is available locally. |
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