Agewell Health promotion for older people in New Zealand
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Agewell Health promotion for older people in New Zealand
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MobilityWith our communities getting bigger and more spread out these days it is more important than ever to be able to get around to see friends and relatives and to do the things we want to do. As we get older, for one reason or another, we often need to rely on others to get around. This page of the website attempts to give some practical information on how to meet the challenges of transport and mobility as we get older. Getting there - on foot, by cycle; Road Safety till 1010 Coping without a Car - Report released Keeping Mobile - Mobility Scooters Medical Tips for Older Travellers Accessible AccommodationThis very useful and easy to use website which advertises accommodation suitable for individuals with disabilities, be they wheelchair bound or have inhibited mobility. The Ministry of Tourism also has information on their website for people with special needs. Advice for PedestriansBeing a pedestrian is nothing new however New Zealand statistics show that pedestrians are killed and injured every year. We have included a few pointers and items of interest that you may wish to use next time you are out to reduce the risk of injury and increase your safety.
Coping Without A CarThe report of a study about Coping Without a Car is available from the Office of Senior Citizens. The study asks “How does lack of private transport affect the lifestyle and quality of life of older people, and how do older people who do not have access to private transport meet their transport needs?”. The report looks at situations of older people living without a car and at the strategies people use to cope. It then suggests some solutions. How will you get around when you stop driving? The Office of Senior Citizens has also produced a brochure with ideas on planning for your future transport needs now, so stopping driving isn’t a big problem later. Click here to view pdf copy of How will you get around when you stop driving? Keeping Mobile - How to use your mobility scooter or power chair - safelyTopics covered in the booklet include knowing your legal responsibilities, planning your route, tips for a safe journey, park, tips for riding on the road. This booklet is produced by Land Transport New Zealand, and updates the original brochure produced by Age Concern Flaxmere. View a copy on line at Land Transport New Zealand. Age Concern Whangarei has produced a very useful brochure with useful information on how to purchase a second hand scooter. Click here to view as a pdf file. If you would like to contact the Land Transport New Zealand click here. They have an extensive range of resources and information for older drivers. The New Zealand Road Code Rules are available on the internet. These are the road rules section from the official New Zealand Road Code. It can help you understand New Zealand traffic law and become a safe and courteous road user. You'll need to consult the appropriate Official New Zealand Road Code for specialised information relating to cars, motorcycles or heavy vehicles. You can buy a copy from any good book store or driver licensing agency. New Zealand Transport Agency Factsheets - available online for older drivers
Medical
Tips for the Older Traveller
Dr Kathy
Powell is a Dunedin GP who has recently completed postgraduate training in
travel medicine. She has compiled a
number of common sense suggestions for older travellers.
Did you know
that around 10% of all New Zealand residents over the age of 75 years (over
27,000 people) travelled overseas in 2001.
Its great to see so many people getting out and taking holidays, visiting
family or going on adventures. Older
travellers went to more than 50 countries in 2001, with 18490 going to
Australia, 2478 travelling to Western European countries and 1143 travelling to
North America. Most of the
remaining rravellers went to the Pacific Islands.
Here are
some of the simple health planning suggestions for older travellers.
It's a good
idea to discuss your detailed travel itinerary with your GP well in advance of
travelling
Visit your
dentist and make sure you teeth are okay.
Ask you GP
to prescribe you plenty of medication for any existing medical conditions you
have and carry it in your cabin luggage. Be
aware that some medications (eg Insulin) can deteriorate in the heat and should
be stored in a cool vacuum flask.
Travelling
through multiple time zones can be a challenge for people who need to monitor
their medication level frequently - such as diabetics and people who need
careful monitoring of a heart condition.
Ask your GP
for a letter outlining any significant medical history - with the dosages and
generic names of any drugs you are on.
Wear a
medicalert bracelet if you have one.
Talk about
prevention of leg clots with your GP - moving around the airline cabin is not
recommended by the airlines as the risk of injury if the airplane hits an air
pocket outweighs the benefits.
Remember to
take a spare pair of spectacles as well as the prescription for your spectacles
or enough contact lens solution for the whole journey - and spare batteries for
any hearing aids.
Take a good
first aid kit and know how to use it.
Get as fit
and healthy as possible before you go - travelling is often hard work!
Get all your
vaccines checked - including the flu and think about malaria as well depending
on where you are travelling.
Think about
the climate that you are heading for - older people who may be overweight or
have heart of diabetes problems are much less tolerant of hot climates and need
to take care with extra fluids. Don't
forget about sunburn.
Beware of
diarrhoea - older people need to know how to treat diarrhoea. And the reverse - beware of constipation.
Ensure you
have travel insurance covering pre-existing conditions and it's a good idea to
know how to get hold of your GP back at home.
With these
simple precautions you can set out to have a great time. Kathy Powell. Mobility Parking Permit Scheme (Disability Stickers
for Cars)
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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. ©Age Concern North Shore 2001-2007. E-Mail us dianem@acns.co.nz about the website. Website last updated 30/06/2010 |
