International Day of Older Persons celebrations

Age Concern New Zealand media release - 30 September 2008

International Day of Older Persons celebrations tomorrow
 

Age Concern is leading New Zealand celebrations of the International Day of Older Persons tomorrow.

"Older people are healthier, more numerous, and more vital than ever before. This is a day everyone can celebrate ageing, older people, and the enormous contribution they make in our communities," Age Concern New Zealand president Liz Baxendine says.

New Zealand is always the first country to begin the worldwide celebrations, and local Age Concerns have organised events to celebrate the day. These include expos on positive ageing, get-togethers, awards, walks, sports days and competitions.

Age Concern New Zealand is adding to the celebrations with two new initiatives benefitting older people.

The first is the inaugural Patron's Award. This will be awarded in 2009 to the person or company that best uses the media to communicate positive attitudes about older people. All New Zealand journalists, public relations companies and advertising agencies will be invited to enter.

"Positive attitudes breed positive behaviour, and the media has the power to change attitudes about older people and ageing."

In the second information-related move, a new Age Concern New Zealand website will be launched tomorrow. It has been completely renewed to better serve the needs of older people.

"Older people's main concerns are health, money, happiness, safety, their homes, and being able to get out and about, so that's precisely the focus of our new website," Liz Baxendine says.  

"Information is one of the most important services offered by every local Age Concern.  Our website is a valuable resource to help older people get the most out of later life, get the support they're entitled to, and take up opportunities to contribute to their communities.

"International Day of Older Persons is the ideal day to launch these new projects." Liz Baxendine says.

Visit Age Concern New Zealand's Bulletin Board for a full programme of IDOP events, www.ageconcern.org.nz

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