| |
| |
| From Minister for Seniors Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall |
 With summer on our doorstep, Christmas is almost here. What a year it has been. I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and joyous New Year as we say goodbye to 2021 and welcome in 2022.
We have had quite the year with the emergence of the delta variant in New Zealand, and heightened COVID-19 alert levels - including lockdowns.
It’s been all hands on deck as we worked swiftly to contain the virus and protect New Zealanders. I know this year has been hard for many people, and I want to thank you for doing your bit to help us fight the virus.
Hopefully by now you will have your Vaccine Pass. It’s an official record of your COVID-19 vaccination status, for use in New Zealand. This is an important tool for reducing the spread of COVID-19. It includes a QR code that can be scanned at venues. You can print the certificate, save it to your phone, or request a copy to be sent to you.
You might need to show it to get into places such as events, bars and restaurants, retail shops, and faith-based gatherings. You will not be required to show proof of vaccination to access essential services such as supermarkets, health services, pharmacies, food banks and petrol stations.
My Vaccine Pass is available through the My Covid Record website or by calling 0800 222 478.
I hope you’re enjoying the new layout and look of our Seniors newsletter. We’ve had some great feedback and are pleased many of you have taken to the new design.
On another note, it’s important you stay hydrated this summer. There are some handy tips in this newsletter, on how to keep up your hydration and stay safe and cool during the hotter months. It’s also a great time to apply for the Warmer Kiwi Homes grant, which covers 80 percent of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation. Summer is the best time to apply, to avoid the risk of a wait in winter.
I hope you all enjoy reading our final newsletter for 2021, and we will see you in the New Year. |
| |
| |
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
| Nelson Tasman Community Transport Trust |
| |
|
| |
Established in 2018, the Nelson Tasman Community Transport Trust (NTCTT) provides access to affordable and reliable community transport to many seniors in the Tasman and Nelson townships and rural areas.
Led and organised by volunteers, the NTCTT service assists residents who are isolated across the region, many who live without any public transport options at all.
NTCTT founder Kate Malcolm committed herself to advocating for sustainable transport in the Nelson Tasman Region when she moved there several years ago.
With no bus services provided for rural areas and the five townships in the Tasman District, Kate noticed a reliance on private cars for commuting, accessing services and recreation.
The impacts for older people who do not have access to transport is very real. Older people can be isolated and disconnected from the community, which has a negative impact on their wellbeing. Simple tasks such as grocery shopping or attending medical appointments can become difficult.
Kates initial response was to draw up a petition for a bus service from Nelson to Wakefield. She reached 1,000 signatures and took it to the Tasman District Council. In response, a report commissioned by the Council concluded that a service between Wakefield and Richmond would not be used enough to be financially viable.
Frustrated by the outcome, Kate and other members of the community formed NTCTT in 2018. The group was fortunate to receive an Office for Seniors Age friendly Fund grant and other generous investment which they used to research transport needs.
Two years since the groups formation they have established:
- The Wakefield Community Bus which runs once a week between Wakefield and Richmond.
- The Māpua Willing Wheels, an on-demand car service for people to attend medical appointments, shopping and other services they need. The inspiration for this service came from locals supporting locals during lockdown, picking up and delivering prescriptions, groceries and other things stuck and stranded residents needed.
- The Moteuka Community Bus which runs three times a week between Motueka and Richmond.
You can find more about the NTCTT on their website. |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
|
Vaccine Pass
My Vaccine Pass is an official record of your COVID-19 vaccination status for use in New Zealand. Over 400 chemists across New Zealand are now participating in generating vaccine passes, you can find the list on the healthpoint website: COVID-19 Vaccination • Healthpoint
Anyone who isn’t able to get their pass online can pop into a participating pharmacy with their NHI number - no ID is required. The pharmacy will ask the individuals full name, date of birth and address. Pharmacy staff will either email the pass or print it out for you. Vaccine passes can also be requested by calling 0800 222 478.
You may be required to show it in a range of public settings. This could include: events, hospitality, retail, sport and faith-based gatherings.
You will not be required to show proof of vaccination to access essential services like supermarkets, pharmacies, health services and petrol stations.
If you have already got yours check those around you and see whether they need any help in getting their pass.
You can also call on behalf of someone else if you have their permission and they provide you with their details, they also don’t need to be with you for you to request it on their behalf.
Rollout of booster shots
Booster vaccine doses are also now available for those who have completed their primary vaccination course at least 6 months prior to their planned booster dose. Two doses provide good protection, including after 6 months, and booster doses are not urgent.
The Pfizer vaccine is the primary vaccine being used in New Zealand for booster doses, regardless of what vaccine was used for earlier doses.
Traffic light system
As you will have heard the traffic light system (also known as the COVID-19 Protection Framework) is now in place and introduces a new way of managing COVID-19 in the community. The system involves three settings: Green, Orange and Red.
Each setting details how we stay safe, where we can go, and places that require vaccine certificates. You can find out more detail about each setting by visiting the official COVID-19 website link below. |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| Fish scientist shares water wisdom |
| |
|
 |
|
| |
| |
|
 For many older New Zealanders having a hobby or passion brings joy, helps improve their mood, cognitive skills and increases overall happiness.
In this issue we hear from 73 year old fish scientist Laith Jawad. Laith’s career and lifelong passion studying fish spans over 45 years. Laith obtained his Master of Science in fish taxonomy from the University of Bristol in the UK back in 1980. He continued as a fish taxonomist at Basrah University, Iraq, where he worked for more than 20 years.
During this time, Laith has published over 400 scientific papers and book reviews in leading scientific journals and is also the author and co -author of several textbooks in biology published in Arabic.
“Studying fish is a huge world and is such an interesting realm." he says.
"It was my professor that directed me to the study of fish. Knowing the secret of the characters that diagnose each fish species attracted me very much. Also, knowing by heart the complicated scientific names of the fish species fascinated and bounded me to go deeper and deeper.”
As a fish taxonomist he examines the characters of the fish, the shape of their bones, scales, and other body measurements. Recently he helped scientists working at the Waikato City Council to recognise certain freshwater fish species. This is one of many examples where Laith’s vast expertise is often called upon.
Laith has called New Zealand home for the last 24 years and is married with three daughters and three granddaughters. He came to New Zealand in 1997 and lived and worked in Auckland for six years before moving to Wellington where he worked at Te Papa and the National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research.
Laith has had a vast career over four decades and has a real passion for what he does. Today, he is currently working on a book titled “The Dangerous Fishes of New Zealand”.
His advice to seniors?
“Each human being is born with a certain talent and such ability needs to be taken care of exactly like a plant. I am certain that every senior in New Zealand has a talent. Do not consider that your role in society has expired. Many young people are waiting for your expertise and talent to learn and pass it to the next generation.”. |
| |
| |
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
| Stay hydrated this summer |
| |
|
| |
Summer is here and it's a great time to enjoy the sunshine and get outdoors.
However, for older people summer can present some unique health risks. Seniors are at greatest risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Taking extra steps to stay hydrated during the summer is important. Here are some easy suggestions for staying cool and hydrated during these warmer months:
1. Set a daily drinking schedule. Post it on the refrigerator. It doesn’t have to be super regimented. It can be as simple as having a full glass of water first thing in the morning, a beverage after a daily walk, while reading the newspaper, between each meal or after working in the garden
2. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Keep a handy list of water-rich fruits and vegetables to incorporate into meals and snacks such as a cucumber salad, watermelon or frozen bananas
3. Be creative. You can experiment with new flavours of water by adding various berries, lemon and cucumber to a pitcher or glass of water
4. Wear loose fitting and breathable clothing
5. Keep out of direct sunlight and rest in a cool place if you are feeling overheated.
You can find more tips for a healthy summer at the Ministry of Health Website. |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
 As we get older, it’s important we maintain social connections and take up activities that benefit our overall wellbeing. Croquet and bowls are one way a lot of people choose to keep active later in life. Edgeware Croquet Club in Christchurch is one of many clubs throughout New Zealand.
The Edgeware Croquet Club first started as a Bowling Club way back in 1913, not long after that it became a combined club and had its own clubhouse built for £100 in 1915.
In 1964 the Croquet Club separated from the Bowling Club and became it’s own establishment, later adding a ladies division.The club has had a presence in most parts of New Zealand’s history. In the World Wars members made papier mache splints for the wounded. After the Napier Earthquake members raised and sent one guinea to help restore croquet greens.
The club has been a place of social gathering and connection among many seniors in the Christchurch region. Some of the club’s oldest members are in their 90s. In 2013 they celebrated their centenary and are now the oldest building on St Albans Park.
Over the years membership has fluctuated from around 30 – 50 people at a time, but what has remained constant is the camaraderie, companionship and care they show for one another. The club has always had a strong link to card games (possibly from having to wait for the rain to stop during play) and there is also a group who play Mah-jong in the clubrooms off season.
The clubs most intense competition is “The ladder” where players challenge each other to move up from the rankings. There are also informal weekly competitions, Canterbury wide competitions and lots of historical cups and trophies awarded at the end of each season.
If you are in the Christchurch area and have ever considered taking up something new, pay a visit to the club, they are always looking out for new members. Email – jancoone@gmail.com
For those living elsewhere around the country, check out what other activities are available in your area by contacting your local council, Citizen Advice Bureau or keep an eye out on your community noticeboards.
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
| Warmer Kiwi Homes |
| |
|
| |
Now is the best time to plan and ensure your home is warm and insulated for the winter.
Warmer Kiwi Homes grants are available for eligible homeowners covering 80% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, as well as efficient heaters. In some parts of the country there is no charge for insulation for eligible homeowners.
To find out if you are eligible for a grant use the Warmer Kiwi Homes tool or call 0800 749 782 for a free, no-obligation quote from a Warmer Kiwi Homes service provider. |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
| |
| |
| Hardship income threshold increase |
| |
|
| |
The Government has increased the income limits for hardship support for people who are struggling to meet essential costs such as rent, heating, and food.
Information on the increased income limits for a Special Needs Grant, Recoverable Assistance Payment or Advance Payments of Benefit is available.
Find out more about the increases, and if you are eligible on the Work and Income website.
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
| Health Insurance – Simple fixes to reduce cost |
| |
|
| |
If you’re a Senior with a health insurance policy after age 65, you may be thinking it’s getting less and less affordable.
Most insurers have options available to help policyholders bring the cost down by a little or a lot. Here’s a few potential fixes that you might want to talk to your insurance company or adviser about.
Adding or increasing the excess
The excess is the amount you would contribute towards the cost of a claim before the insurer steps in to pay the rest. Health Insurers in New Zealand usually require the excess to be paid just once in a year that you claim (per person). So, you can make a claim, pay an excess, and then make as many claims as you need to for the rest of that year.
If you’ve had your cover for a very long time, or you got it as a benefit from your past employer, it’s not uncommon that you have a very low or nil excess.
For most policyholders over age 65, it makes sense to add or increase the excess. Most policyholders that do this find the annual saving they get is more than the new or increased excess.
You’re guaranteed to pay your premiums every year but not guaranteed to claim.
(Talk to your adviser or insurer. It may not be wise to do this if you are about to make a claim.)
Updating to the latest policy
Most insurers regularly improve the cover they offer to remain competitive. These improvements will often increase claim limits, add extra covered conditions, and reduce the cost. However, insurers sometimes don’t pass these improvements on to their existing policyholders.
You may find that there are options to upgrade your policy without reapplying or providing any new health information. Surprisingly, better policies with more benefits can cost you less.
Trimming the ‘Bells and Whistles’
Knowing that you have cover when that major health issue arises is why most people hold on to their health insurance. However, many policies still cover minor expenses like GP visits and prescriptions or optical and dental. These extra benefits are usually a big part of the cost. They don’t always provide value for money over the long term so could be reviewed. Get some advice about the impact of deleting some of these extra ‘bells and whistles’.
Before making any changes, you should discuss your situation with your adviser or insurer. |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| Funding for elder abuse prevention |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
The Office for Seniors has received $200,000 from the Joint Venture for Family Violence and Sexual Violence to fund projects that support the violence prevention needs of older people (aged 65+) in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This funding will be distributed by the Office for Seniors as one-off grants (of up to $25,000) for innovative community-based initiatives that raise awareness of elder abuse across diverse groups within the older population including Māori, Pacific, ethnic, LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities.
As many as one in ten older people in New Zealand will experience some kind of elder abuse. The majority of cases will go unreported. The abuse can be psychological, financial, physical or sexual. It may be intentional or unintentional. It affects people of all ethnicities, genders and socioeconomic groups. Abusers are often someone the older person trusts and depends on for support or care.
The Elder Abuse Prevention Fund will open from early February. More information will be available in the new year on the Office for Seniors website. |
| |
| |
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
| Heart attack warning signs |
| |
|
| |
Heart attack is a leading cause of death in New Zealand. It’s important to recognise the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack, so you know what to do if you see or experience them.
A heart attack may not be as dramatic as you think. If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be having a heart attack: heaviness, tightness, pressure, discomfort/pain in any of the following areas; chest, shoulder, jaw, arm, neck or back. You may also experience sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness.
If you think you are having these symptoms you need to stop, rest, and tell someone nearby. If symptoms continue for more than 10 minutes you must call 111 and ask for an ambulance.
Too many New Zealanders die or live with permanent disability because of the lack of awareness of heart attack warning signs and delays in seeking medical help. Even if you have had a heart attack, you may experience another - and next time, the symptoms can be different.
For more information on heart health, conditions, treatments and warning signs visit the Heart Foundation website. |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| |
| Te Reo for the holiday season |
| |
|
| |
Here are some Christmas greetings in Te Reo that you can use this festive season:
Meri Kirihimete – Merry Christmas
Meri Kirihimete ki a koe – Merry Christmas to you (1 person)
Meri Kirihimete ki a kōrua – Merry Christmas to you (2 people)
Meri Kirihimete ki a koutou – Merry Christmas to you (3 or more people)
Pass me the pavlova please – Homai te pavalova, ngā mihi
Thank you for this lovely present – Ngā mihi nui kia koe, mo tou taonga
Summer is here – Kia tae mai te raumati
You can find more kupu (words) for the Christmas season at the Māori Language Commission website. |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
| |
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.
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| You’re receiving this email because you’ve agreed to receive emails from MSD. Please add us to your address book or safe sender list to make sure you receive our emails. |
| This email is sent from an account we use for sending messages only. If you want to contact Office for Seniors, please don’t reply to this email – we won’t get your response. Instead please contact us. |
| If you’ve changed or are changing your email address, please let us know using MyMSD if you’re registered, or contact us. |
| Remember, we’ll never ask you for your account or login details by email. You can find out more in our privacy statement. |
Ministry of Social Development
56 The Terrace, Wellington 6011, New Zealand |
|
|
|
|
