Age Concern and Miss Daisy – A driving force!

By 2020 nearly one million New Zealanders will be aged over 65, therefore strong links between organisations serving the needs of older people are pivotal.

This call comes after Age Concern NZ Chief Executive Ann Martin addressed the 'Driving Miss Daisy' Conference in Wellington today.

Driving Miss Daisy is a transport provider with a focus on older people.

Ms Martin says one of the key reasons she chose to speak at the conference is that anybody transporting older people has the chance to be much more than a driver.

"Inevitably, by helping people into their houses, hearing their problems, seeing the things that perhaps they can’t see, you can help steer them in directions they might want or need to consider taking in the future."

Ms Martin urges both Miss Daisy drivers and members of the public to speak up if they notice an older person struggling with their health, finances, chronic loneliness or is potentially being abused.

"You may wonder 'what do I do now?' I'd like to reassure you that your local Age Concern is here to help."

Age Concern was formed more than 60 years ago to improve the welfare of older people. There are now 33 Age Concerns around the country which work with a national office to serve needs in their communities.

Local Age Concerns are a first port of call when an older person and their family or whanau need information, advice, referral and support.

For more information about the services Age Concerns provide, visit www.ageconcern.org.nz

ENDS

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