Christchurch's Quake highlights the importance of Age Concern's Work

Date: 22 July 2011

Press Release: Age Concern

Christchurch's quakes have 'sharply exposed' the needs of older people says Age Concern National President Liz Baxendine.

Addressing a group in Oamaru, Mrs Baxendine reflected on having a new gratitude for even having the basic needs of food, water and shelter met. Age Concern works to inform and empower older people to live healthy, active and engaged lives.

For older people, having to leave their homes or having their home environment become less stable can be particularly difficult.

"Older people are keen to stay in their own homes, with their life’s belongings, cultural and social networks for as long as possible. We want to participate in our communities and keep contributing to them."

Often it's Age Concerns that, unpaid and unsung, are stepping in to serve these needs with information, transport, field workers, Accredited Visiting Services and other supportive services.

"As all of you here will know, it takes people of courage, conviction and drive to create one and then a huge commitment in time and energy to ensure it delivers and is accountable to the people it serves, year in and year out.

“Because our aim to 'serve the needs of older people' is a broad one, it is a big ask. Older people are a large and diverse part of our society, and one that is getting steadily larger."

Mrs Baxendine is calling for great respect for older people. She explains this may include being valued by their family; having medical needs taken care of and having some certainty around New Zealand Superannuation.

"For society as a whole it means achieving a more positive attitude to older people."

Age Concerns do many things to help retain and earn respect for older people in their fight to prevent elder abuse and neglect.

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