Benefits of Shopping
Many older adults lead active, fulfilling lives that break down the stereotype of aging grandparents sitting passively on rocking chairs waiting for family visits. These older individuals are integrated, interactive participants in their communities, which in turn contributes to their wellbeing overall.
However, being active does not necessarily mean seniors need a full schedule of planned activities. Studies indicate engaging in daily life activities can have far-reaching benefits. Shopping, for example, is a daily life activity that can stimulate cognitive processes, provide physical benefits, and function as a leisure pursuit that promotes social engagement. This simple, daily activity may be a strong factor in quality of life for seniors who may not be as active or physically well as their counterparts.
Since shopping is an common activity, most people do not consider the cognitive processes involved in making everyday purchases. Shoppers must identify items needed, determine where the items can be obtained, evaluate and compare before and after purchase, and determine value as compared to cost. While engaging in these processes can sometimes be attributed to buying habits, seniors who regularly shop are stimulating the areas of the brain involved in the decision-making process.
The physical benefits are notable as well. Older adults who shop regularly may actually live longer than those who do not. One study of more than 1800 individuals aged 65 or over showed that participants who shopped every day, particularly men, had a 27% lower risk of death than those who did not. Researchers reason that it is possible that the physical activity (walking) involved in shopping, the opportunity for these older individuals to buy food and make buying decisions that positively affected good diet and health, and the social interaction may be key components of this decrease risk.
This last component, social interaction, is one that may affect life span because it affects life quality. Some studies of social engagement related to longevity show that older adults who are more socially engaged had 50% increased chance of living longer than those who were more isolated. The shopping experience can add to social engagement by allowing the older adult to meet and interact new people during the outing as well as using the outing as a social experience with friends and family.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of shopping as a life-enriching activity is that it can be enjoyed by most older adults, even those who may have health problems. With a little help from family, friends, or even caregivers when required, seniors with mobility or transportation challenges can experience the cognitive, health, and social benefits a day on the town can provide.
Manukau East Shopping Shuttle 0800 632 677
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
Poll: Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?
There's nothing worse than strolling around the streets in your neighbourhood and seeing dumped rubbish.
Have you noticed this in your area? What could we do to combat this around the country?
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43.4% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
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56% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
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0.6% Other - I'll share below
Poll: What special qualities should a 5-star New Zealand airport hotel at our largest international airport have?
Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport is New Zealand’s only 5-star airport hotel, given its incredibly close proximity to the airport, the convenience of walking to the airport is a major highlight but there are plenty of other features that make it special.
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5.3% Unmatched runway views with a private lounge
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45.9% Exceptional service from arrival to departure
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5.3% Gourmet dining featuring New Zealand's finest, celebrating Te Ao Māori kai
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36.3% A soundproof oasis with all desired amenities
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7.2% Māori culture reflected throughout, creating an architectural marvel
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