Healthy active ageing is Age Concern's goal

Age Concern Awareness Week: 25 September – 3 October 2010

Age Concern New Zealandmedia release 29 September 2010

Healthy active ageing is Age Concern's goal

“We want as many people as possible enjoying healthy and active ageing,” says Age Concern New Zealand President Liz Baxendine.  

Age Concern is using its Awareness Week to highlight the health promotion and educational activities offered by local Age Concerns around the country. 
Mrs Baxendine is keen to share the benefits older people can get from keeping active.

She says, “regular exercise, lifelong learning and keeping connected to others are all ingredients for healthy ageing. Together they keep us mentally and physically fit.

“But we know that making the effort to look after ourselves isn’t always easy.
"Life-changing events – moving house, losing a spouse, or giving up driving – can throw older people off course. When this happens we may need a bit of help to get motivated again. That’s why Age Concern's health promotion and education activities are so valuable."

For Vera*, discovering her local Age Concern turned her life around. Over time, she'd become more isolated and lonely. Joining an Age Concern exercise class was the first step towards a healthier and happier life.  During the six-week course Vera made a new friend who introduced her to a local walking group.  She also became interested in other Age Concern activities and now she attends these regularly. 

Age Concern say their aim is to be older people’s first port of call. Age Concerns around the country know what their local communities can offer and can help make links.  

“We know what’s on where around town and are well equipped to give older people the information they need to access the services they need for healthy and active living,” Mrs Baxendine says.

* Name changed for confidentiality
 

ENDS

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