Health Promotion Programmes

Below are a few of the health promotion programmes run by some Age Concerns, specifically Auckland and Northland. Contact your local Age Concern found through the Age Concern New Zealand website.

Safe With Age Driving Courses

Age Concern Councils throughout the Greater Auckland region are currently holding a number of Safe With Age driving workshops. Safe With Age has been designed by the Land Transport Safety Authority specially for older drivers and is thought provoking and informative whilst maintaining an air of informality. The sessions, held either in two parts or as a one-day session of 4-5 hours look at the problems faced by older road users and includes a thirty minute video offering drivers and walkers rules and tips and the second part investigates possible coping strategies. Participants receive a course workbook and certificate which includes a $30.00 discount voucher for a coaching and assessment drive with a Safe With Age approved driver instructor.

For more information for older drivers, including licensing information and very useful factsheets, visit the Land Transport NZ site.

For further information click here for your local Age Concern Council.

Click here to connect to the RoadSafe Auckland website, where you can keep up to date with information concerning Auckland road safety issues.

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Step Ahead Falls Prevention Programme

The Step Ahead Falls Prevention Programme is a new, dynamic, interactive course covering the prevention of falls for older people living independently.

This 4 session course is designed to cover Home and Community Safety, and includes Exercise and Balance, Stress Management, Managing Medicines, Relaxation, and Goal Setting, all of which help older people to stay on their feet.

The course is the result of a needs analysis carried out by the Arthritis Foundation, Sport Waitakere, Age Concern, Public Health Promotions and a Falls Prevention Consultant. It has been piloted very successfully showing the need for such a programme.

We are also seeking volunteer peer educators to train as facilitators for the delivery of this programme.

Who would make a good educator? People who have good communication skills, enjoy working with older people in the community and wish to learn skills for facilitation and leadership of groups.

Benefits: You are guaranteed to have some fun, learn new skills, and improve your own fitness and balance at the same time.

Facilitators Needed to Help Deliver Step Ahead Programme

The 6 half day facilitators course, conducted by facilitator trainers will consist of leadership techniques, Step Ahead course content, and presentation skills. The environment will be friendly and supportive with lots of laughs.

For certification, facilitators must attend all sessions.

For further information about facilitators courses, or to attend the Step Ahead Falls Prevention Programme, contact:

Sue Campin at Age Concern Auckland, telephone 09 820 0184.

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Eat Well -Live Well

Eat Well Live Well is a nutrition and wellness programme for older people and is ideal for people living alone and particularly widowed men who are facing the kitchen for the first time. The session runs over 5 weeks and covers issues like equipment that can make your life easier, safe food handling, food labels, recipes and the pleasure of sharing meals.

I have learnt so much about food, health and to make my life so much easier. We have had so much fun”. Pat

I found it very helpful being in a small group where we can ask questions, share ideas and have discussions”
Ruth

It has certainly been an eye opener for me.” Molly

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Ageing is Living

The attitude of society and our attitude of our own ageing, can affect our life view, our confidence, our relationships with others and our ability to adapt to life changes. A healthy view of these issues is important for positive ageing.

Positive Ageing is term that emphasises the dynamic and ongoing process that ageing is. It also highlights attitudes as a key factor in our ability to age well.

Much of the material for “Ageing Is Living” draws on the words and experiences of older people. During a series of seminars around the country in 1998 people identified obstacles to, and strategies for, positive living.

Strategies to promote positive ageing include identifying factors that can contribute to depression. One in seven people will develop depression at some point in their lives, but in older age it may go unrecognised, misdiagnosed or viewed as a natural part of growing old. This programme aims to promote a greater understanding of the challenge of depression in older age.

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Please Note Age Concern North Shore has tried to ensure that all information on this website is correct. However, Age Concern North Shore does not accept liability for any statements or advice contained on, or omissions from, nor endorse any suggested site on this website. Other websites referred to on this website are here for reference only. The information on this website should not be regarded as a substitute for professional advice and we do suggest that you consult with your health, legal or financial professional.

Website last updated 04/12/2008