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Gerontology Matters
April 2014
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The New Zealand Association of Gerontology
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A personal message from NZAG’s President
“Lest we forgetâ€
 I began writing this piece on ANZAC Day, 25th April 2014 in memory of those men and women who served New Zealand in a variety of military campaigns. In particular I dedicate my April message to my great grandfather, John William Gargett who served in World War I. My great grandfather was born in Durham, England 1886 and immigrated to New Zealand in 1908 where he worked as a farm labourer.
On 19th August 1914, Private Gargett enlisted and joined the Canterbury Infantry. His service records show he left for Egypt soon after. On 25th April 1915 he landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula. The aim of this campaign was to capture the Darandelles, the main access route to the Black Sea. He survived the landing but soon after he was wounded in his right arm, evacuated to a hospital ship and sent to a military hospital in the UK where he recuperated. On the 17th May 1916 he rejoined his regiment stationed on the Western Front at a place called Armentières in France, where he fought until 18th July 2016 when again he was wounded and hospitalised. Once again he was sent back to the Front until 18th August 1917 when he was gassed and as in previous times when recovered was sent back yet again to the Front to fight until 18th November 1918 when the war ended.
I never met my great grandfather as he died before I was born, but his memory remains alive in our family, as is the case for many other families. In my mind he, along with all the others was a brave men. He was lucky to survive the horrors of World War I, marry, have a family and meet his grandchildren. Consequently, ANZAC Day is a special day for me.
Regards,
 Stephen Neville
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The International Association of Geriatrics and Gerontology (IAGG)
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IAGG: Like to receive the IAGG Newsletter?
As an NZAG member, you are invited to register for the International Association of Gerontology & Geriatrics (IAGG) newsletter and stay up to date with international news.
You can register here for the International Association of Gerontology & Geriatrics newsletter or by sending your email contacts to IAGG contact@iagg.info
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Opportunities for NZAG members
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Call for Abstracts: IOF 5th Asia Pacific Osteoporosis Meeting
The 5th Asia Pacific Osteoporosis Meeting will be held in Chinese Taipei from November 14-16, 2014. Meeting themes include epidemiology of osteoporosis and burden in Asia, osteoporosis in men, secondary fracture prevention, horizon therapy and relation between muscle biology & clinical fragility as well as bone & diabetes.
Members of New Zealand Association of Gerontology are invited to submit their abstract for this meeting. This is a great opportunity to showcase their research at the leading educational and research forum for osteoporosis and related diseases in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Accepted abstracts will be published in a supplement issue of ‘Osteoporosis International’
- Top ranking abstracts will be selected for oral presentations at the Meeting
- Young Investigator Award valued at 1,000 USD, to 5 top ranked abstracts by authors 40 years of age or under
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Call for Abstracts: New Zealand Population Health Congress
Closing date: 29 May 2014.
The New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine, the Public Health Association and the Health Promotion Forum are pleased to issue the second call for abstracts for the first New Zealand Population Health Congress (6-8 October 2014).
We are inviting abstracts from all those who work in or have a passion for population health. This will include academics, researchers, Government department staff, DHB employees, those working for NGOs and those who work in MÄori, Pacific or Asian health. We encourage you to take this opportunity to present and discuss your work, research, or ideas for improving population health in New Zealand and globally.
Abstracts are invited for:
- Day 1 (Monday 6 October) – Focus on connecting with communities, particularly the indigenous communities of New Zealand and the Pacific, e.g. public health programmes and community-based initiatives
- Day 2 (Tuesday 7 October) – Focus on connecting with policy, business and culture, e.g. healthy public policy, health-promoting businesses, and national-level epidemiological studies.
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The Participation of Older New Zealanders online forum
Health and Ageing Research Team (HART)
The Health and Ageing Research Team (HART) invite NZAG members to provide feedback on the initial findings of the 2013 wave of the Independence, Contribution and Connection (ICC) longitudinal study.
The Participation of Older New Zealanders online forum is asking for direct feedback from older adults and those interested in ageing issues, particularly around housing decisions, internet use, volunteering, employment, and social connections.
This forum reports the initial findings from the Independence, Contribution and Connection (ICC) research project. HART is interested in other people’s views of these results. This will allow people’s views of the study findings, and importantly, their own experiences of these issues to be discussed in more detail. This information will enrich the study findings, which will be reported back to the government.
The goal of the ICC study is to gather information about factors that contribute to older people’s participation in society. This study was funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and run by researchers at Massey University. Information was collected in 2013 from a nationally representative sample of 3,200 older New Zealanders, aged between 63 and 78 years. The initial results are now provided on an online forum for discussion.
Please check out the ICC study results at the Participation of Older New Zealanders forum.
The greater the numbers contributing to the forum, the better the understanding will be of the key issues facing older New Zealanders.
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Information relevant to NZAG members
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Aim to make Hamilton 'age-friendly'
19 April 2014 - Waikato Times
The following is from the Waikato Times:
A new group tasked with helping transform Hamilton into an "age-friendly city" will start from the ground up - literally.
Members of Hamilton City Council's older persons' advisory panel held their inaugural meeting this week to discuss the new body's role and purpose.
Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker said a core function of the 10-member panel was to be the council's "eyes and ears" on matters affecting the elderly.
Hamilton's economy was growing fast and the council was focused on supporting growth as well as taking into account the city's changing demographics, she said.
A recent demographic profile of the Waikato region projects the ratio of elderly (65+ years) to children (0-14 years) to increase rapidly from its present 0.6 (six elderly for every 10 children) to 1.1 by 2031 (11 for every 10).
You may also find these links interesting...
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Project under way to develop a patient reported measure of care coordination for older people (UK)
21 March 2014 - Health Improvement and Innovation Resource Centre (HIIRC)
The following is from the HIIRC:
Five leading independent health care organisations have launched a new 18 month project aiming to capture older people’s experiences of care coordination.
The project comes amidst intense policy interest in better joining up health and social care in England. It will be delivered by the Nuffield Trust, Picker Institute Europe, The King’s Fund, International Foundation for Integrated Care and National Voices.
The project, which is funded by the Aetna Foundation, is designed to help health and care providers to improve the coordination of care. To do this, a survey tool will be developed to measure how older people and service users experience care when it is delivered by multiple organisations.
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2030 vision The best - and worst - futures for older people in the UK
Independent Age
This report by the Independent Age charity examines whether or not the UK will become better or worse for older people by 2030:
The speed at which the world is changing is both inspiring and alarming. We know more; we do more; there’s simply more in the world as we accumulate more ‘stuff’. We’ve even invented a whole other world we can retreat to, just in case the business of life gets too boring: the digital world - literally a new dimension to modern life.
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Over-medication study funded
12 March 2014 - Otago Daily Times
The following is from the Otago Daily Times:
Research looking at ways of reducing over-medicating in rest-homes is among 33 University of Otago projects boosted by almost $2 million in Lottery Grants Board funding.
University of Otago researchers gained just over $1.9 million in funding, making up more than half the $3.89 million distributed in the Lottery Health Research 2013-14 funding round.
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More funding for elder abuse services
08 April 2014 - 3 News
The following is from 3 News:
Three "high need" areas around the country will now have access to elder abuse and neglect prevention (EANP) services because of additional government funding.
Two new sites, one in Wairoa and one in Rotorua which will also cover Kawerau, will receive $170,000 of funding, Senior Citizens Minister Jo Goodhew says.
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Media Release: Politicians agree on ageing with dignity and respect
08 April 2014 - Age Concern
Media Release:
At Age Concern New Zealand’s national conference, held in Wellington, Hon Jo Goodhew, Minister for Senior Citizens, announced $170,000 of contestable funding for two new specialist elder abuse and neglect prevention services in the areas of Rotorua and Wairoa.
Mrs Goodhew was one of five MPs participating in a panel discussion on the questions
“How should government engage with older people, and what is your party’s commitment to older people?â€
Also present on the panel, Kevin Hague, Green Party Spokesperson Older People, said that “everyone deserves a good life and a fair future. Human rights start in small places close to home.â€
Rt Hon Winston Peters said “New Zealand First considers that older New Zealanders must be treated with respect, not as a burden†and that New Zealand First is committed to protecting the vulnerable, by ensuring systems and resources are in place to prevent elder abuse and financial exploitation.
Hon David Cunliffe said that there are currently “unacceptable levels of elder abuse†and promised that Labour would work with the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Health to put in place a contract model to ensure there will be no gaps in Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services across the country.
Hon Peter Dunne promoted ageing with dignity and the idea of older people living an “empowering lifestyleâ€.
The new funding is welcomed by Age Concern, which deals with over 2,000 cases of elder abuse and neglect every year.
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Press Release: Plan ahead and keep moving
07 April 2014 - New Zealand Government
The following is a Press Relase from the New Zealand Government:
Senior Citizens Minister Jo Goodhew has today welcomed the release of the revised and retitled brochure, No car? No problem! Getting around your community without a car.
“People stop driving for a variety of reasons. Adjusting to life without a car doesn’t mean losing your independence and freedom,†says Mrs Goodhew.
“The key is to plan for your future transport needs now, so stopping driving isn’t a big problem later. Ensuring that people are informed about their transport options keeps them connected to their communities, family, and friends.â€
Different solutions suit different people, depending on their circumstances and needs. Some possible solutions include:
- getting lifts from family or friends
- using taxis
- walking more often
- using a mobility scooter
- keeping your car, to make it easier for others to give you lifts
“In some areas of New Zealand, there are also transport options available through the SuperGold Card,†says Mrs Goodhew.
The brochure has been produced by the Office for Senior Citizens and the New Zealand Transport Agency, in consultation with the Volunteer Community Coordinators.
The brochure is available from the Office for Senior Citizens, or it can be downloaded from the Ministry of Social Development website.
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Grandparents can help fight childhood obesity
17 March 2014 - NZ Nutrition Foundation
The following is from the NZ Nutrition Foundation:
Parents and Grandparents can greatly influence the environments that children grow up in and many of the experiences that they have.
Research is now showing the food preferences children develop are determined by a combination of both environmental and genetic factors. For instance there is evidence genetics affect such things as appetite, the speed of eating, responsiveness to feelings of fullness (satiety) and even the enjoyment of food.
However the environmental factors, that also play an important role in modelling eating behaviours, need consideration.
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Get physical and feel good - Kia kori, kia ora
Age Concern
The following is an information sheet from Age Concern:
"Age Concern information sheet for older people who want to be fitter and happier."
Whatever your age, having a daily routine that keeps you physically active can do wonders for body and mind. Even small amounts of exercise can make a difference - what counts is that it’s regular and varied.
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Toolkit of Gerontology Resources for Advanced Practice Nurses
Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA)
The following is from the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association, based in the US:
GAPNA’s Education Committee has launched their newly revised “Toolkit of Gerontology Resources for APRNs (Advanced Practice Registered Nurses)â€. This toolkit has links to many websites on Healthcare Resources for Gerontological Education and Preceptor Resources and Guidelines.
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Media Release: New Vice-President for Age Concern New Zealand
10 April 2014 - Age Concern
Peter Oettli, who has served on the Age Concern New Zealand Board since 2012, has now been elected Vice-President of Age Concern New Zealand at Age Concern’s 40th AGM in Wellington on 10 April 2014.
Ruth Carter, currently Chairperson of Age Concern Wairarapa, has been elected to the Board as a new member.
National President Evelyn Weir was re-elected unopposed.
Mrs Weir, who now begins her second term as National President, says that "My vision for older people is the three 'V's - older people are visible, valued and vital".
The Board is responsible for the governance of the organisation, overseeing the performance and outcomes achieved by Age Concern New Zealand management. The Board sets and monitors the strategic direction, and is accountable to member Age Concerns.
Judge Ken Mason continues as Age Concern New Zealand’s Patron and Jock Nicolson as its Honorary Solicitor.
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Perceived factors which shape decision-making around the time of residential care admission in older adults: A New Zealand qualitative study
23 April 2014 (updated) - HIIRC
The following is from the HIIRC:
Abstract: This qualitative study aimed to understand the perceived factors that shape decision-making around the time of residential care admission in older people. The authors used telephone interviews and face-to-face interviews with older people and their family carers for a cohort of 144 older people discharged from medical wards in a New Zealand subacute assessment, treatment and rehabilitation facility.
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Ageing across the Tasman Sea: The demographics and health of older adults in Australia and New Zealand
23 April 2014 - HIIRC
The following is from the HIIRC:
Abstract: Describes the demographic and health aspects of ageing populations in Australia and New Zealand in terms of health policy in each country. Both countries will experience a greater than 80% increase in the population aged 60-plus years between 2013 and 2050. The authors suggest that Australia and New Zealand need to continue to monitor health trends, unravel the major population attributable risks, and identify preventative and other interventions that can stimulate and support declines in disability in older populations in the future.
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Dementia Strategy
10 April 2014 - Alzheimers New Zealand
The following is from Alzheimers New Zealand:
Alzheimers New Zealand has launched Dementia: A Strategic Framework, which replaces the national Dementia Strategy 2010-2015. The framework supports collaboration across government, DHBs, service providers, health and social services professionals and Alzheimers New Zealand and its members and reflects broad consultation across the New Zealand dementia community.
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Conferences - New Zealand
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Resilient Communities Summit
15 May 2014 - Wellington, NZ
The Resilient Communities Summit will report back on findings from the two-year programme Community Resilience and Good Ageing: Doing Better in Bad Times. It’s an opportunity for you to give feedback on the work before final reporting in September 2014.
This research looks at how older people and their communities can manage and recover when confronted by natural events such as floods, storms, extreme weather and earthquakes.
New Zealand has both an ageing population and unique exposure to seismic and extreme weather events. Around two thirds of NZ communities are at risk of severe adverse natural events. By 2051, one million over 65s will live in vulnerable communities.
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Person-Centered Care for Diverse Populations in Aged Residential Care
01 July 2014 - Tamaki Innovation Campus, University of Auckland
The School of Nursing is hosting the above conference on the 1st of July 2014.
It is being held in Tamaki Innovation Campus, University of Auckland, 261 Morrin Rd, St Johns, Auckland.
This is a conference for gerontology leaders, qualified nurses, caregivers and all healthcare professionals with an interest in residential aged care and the care of older adults.
For more information, download the flyer.
For registrations, please click here.
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New Zealand Association of Gerontology Conference
12-14 September 2014 - Dunedin, NZ
The organising committee received a wide range of topics from workshops and mini-symposiums on oral health, spatial analysis for building aged care systems, publishing in scholarly journals, Maori health, and current community falls prevention programmes, along with many abstracts covering a range of subjects covered under our main themes. We are also pursuing funding to offset registration costs for students, care workers and community attendees. Don’t miss out on what is looking to be an informative and exciting conference.
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Dementia: the future is now
November 2014 - Rotorua, NZ
We have come a long way in the 30 years since the first Alzheimers group was formed in New Zealand and the dementia community started to focus on helping people affected by dementia.
We are now at a watershed moment with exciting developments in research, diagnosis, prevention, support services and treatment options, both here and internationally.
The biennial Alzheimers New Zealand conference "Dementia: the future is now" showcases these exciting developments and is a must attend for members of Alzheimers NZ, people affected by dementia, health professionals, community, home based and residential providers, primary health care professionals, educators, researchers and policy makers.
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 Conferences - Overseas
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Global Disability, Ageing & Healthcare Conferences Online Guide
See a more comprehensive listing of conferences at our web site
For more information click here. |
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