Age Concern Wellington Region contributed to Wellington City Seniors’ Week this year by hosting many events, including a special Seniors’ Seminar Day. The aim was to develop an event to spotlight Seniors’ Week and help seniors connect with one another while learning some new things.
Several experts presented talks on four separate topics of interest to an assembly of more than 60 participants at the Johnsonville Uniting Church on 28 September. The event was free and even included lunch!
The topics covered were:
- Better banking and how to avoid scams in which representatives from ASB covered the need for strong passwords and the development of two stage verification procedures where larger amounts of money were involved. Presenters and participants shared experiences of the types of scams that are prevalent. The main message was that banks will not ask for your ID and passwords over the phone and to avoid any proposal to fix a problem by remote control.
- Information on Enduring Powers of Attorney was presented by Porirua and Kapiti Community law. The presentation stressed the advantages of nominating someone trustworthy to legally make decisions on your behalf if or when you are unable to do so.
- Dementia Wellington ran two Brain Health seminars, outlining aspects of dementia and the benefits of identifying activities that sufferers enjoy plus providing support for them to continue with these interests for as long as possible.
- Te Whatu Ora / Health NZ and Age Concern Wellington Region then closed the day with a seminar on Advanced Care Planning or planning for end-of-life care. The presentation advised on the benefits of setting out your values and likes with respect to how you would prefer to be treated by carers and other health professionals in later life.
Each of the seminars was well attended with lots of interaction from the audience. Discussion also continued during the session breaks.
In addition, a representative from the Stroke Foundation was on hand to provide free blood pressure checks.
Feedback from participants indicated that the sessions were all greatly appreciated and that attendees had gained knowledge and information from the presentations. They also had the ability to meet with the staff of Age Concern Wellington Region and learned more about the organisation and its aims.
By Mick Calder
Age Concern Wellington Region Office Support volunteer