Youth week is for older people too –Age Concern

Age Concern Media release
22 May 2009

Youth week is for older people too –Age Concern
 

Age Concern New Zealand is looking forward to Youth Week, saying it's a good opportunity to build the links between the generations.

"We're asking grandparents and other older people to make time for young people," says Liz Baxendine, President of Age Concern New Zealand.

Youth Week 2009, which starts tomorrow and goes to the end of May, is promoting supportive relationships between adults and young people.

"They may both be surprised how much they have in common.  I know many older people who have a youthful outlook on life and love spending time with young people.  Many older people are vital parts of their families, as caregivers, counsellors, and kaumatua.

"Both the old and the young face prejudice and negative stereotypes. We want to change this and think that building good relationships and mutual respect through Youth Week activities is a great way to start.

"I love the Youth Week posters, which show white-haired older people and youths sharing hongi over the message 'Aroha'. That sums up positive relationships beautifully," Liz Baxendine says.

Young people benefit when caring adults have time to listen to them and give advice and support without judging them.

Grandparents and other older people benefit from knowing that a young person they care about has someone to turn to when they need it.

“Society as a whole benefits from increased respect and understanding between generations, so let's spend time with young people.”

Youth Week activities include a youth vs. seniors quiz in Kaikoura; two dinners cooked by young people for their elders - one in Kaitaia, the other a South Asian Indian group in Auckland; young people teaching older people how to text in Hastings; and in Manurewa, kaumatua and kuia are helping intermediate-age students build a medicinal herb garden.

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