Walk the Talk - Healthy active ageing is Age Concern's goal

September 28, 2011

Walk the Talk - Healthy active ageing is Age Concern's goal

Age Concern New Zealand President Liz Baxendine wants as many older people as possible to enjoy healthy, active aging.

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, “Walk the talk, keep connected within the community and never stop learning – keeping physically and mentally active is the key for healthy ageing.”

However, Mrs Baxendine acknowledges this isn’t always quite so straight forward.

"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 Ray*, 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. Through attending the class Ray made new friends and together they decided to meet on a regular basis for a cup of tea and a chat.

Ray also became interested in other Age Concern activities and now she attends these regularly.

Age Concern aims 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 and where and we can give people the information they need to access health promotion services,” Mrs Baxendine says.

* Name changed for confidentiality

ENDS

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