Benefits of Shopping
Many older adults lead active, fulfilling lives that break down the stereotype of aging grandparents sitting passively on rocking chairs waiting for family visits. These older individuals are integrated, interactive participants in their communities, which in turn contributes to their wellbeing overall.
However, being active does not necessarily mean seniors need a full schedule of planned activities. Studies indicate engaging in daily life activities can have far-reaching benefits. Shopping, for example, is a daily life activity that can stimulate cognitive processes, provide physical benefits, and function as a leisure pursuit that promotes social engagement. This simple, daily activity may be a strong factor in quality of life for seniors who may not be as active or physically well as their counterparts.
Since shopping is an common activity, most people do not consider the cognitive processes involved in making everyday purchases. Shoppers must identify items needed, determine where the items can be obtained, evaluate and compare before and after purchase, and determine value as compared to cost. While engaging in these processes can sometimes be attributed to buying habits, seniors who regularly shop are stimulating the areas of the brain involved in the decision-making process.
The physical benefits are notable as well. Older adults who shop regularly may actually live longer than those who do not. One study of more than 1800 individuals aged 65 or over showed that participants who shopped every day, particularly men, had a 27% lower risk of death than those who did not. Researchers reason that it is possible that the physical activity (walking) involved in shopping, the opportunity for these older individuals to buy food and make buying decisions that positively affected good diet and health, and the social interaction may be key components of this decrease risk.
This last component, social interaction, is one that may affect life span because it affects life quality. Some studies of social engagement related to longevity show that older adults who are more socially engaged had 50% increased chance of living longer than those who were more isolated. The shopping experience can add to social engagement by allowing the older adult to meet and interact new people during the outing as well as using the outing as a social experience with friends and family.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of shopping as a life-enriching activity is that it can be enjoyed by most older adults, even those who may have health problems. With a little help from family, friends, or even caregivers when required, seniors with mobility or transportation challenges can experience the cognitive, health, and social benefits a day on the town can provide.
Manukau East Shopping Shuttle 0800 632 677
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.2% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.8% Nah - not for me
Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
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