International Day of Older Persons 2018 - We can all Champion Human Rights and be Human Rights Champions – Take the Pledge!
International Day of Older Persons is a day to celebrate all older people – to highlight the value of all older people and to promote dignity and respect. The 2018 international theme is “Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions“.
This year Age Concern New Zealand want all New Zealanders to sign up as Age Concern Dignity Champions and stand up for the human rights of older Kiwis.
“There is no excuse for elder abuse, says Stephanie Clare, Age Concern New Zealand Chief Executive. I am appalled that we are still having to deal with cases each day where older people are taken advantage of.
“Just because someone is older it doesn’t mean they are less valuable, have less purpose or should lose basic human rights, the right to make their own choices and respect from those around them.
“Of the cases we see, 75% of alleged abusers are family members, either adult children or partners of adult children and that needs to stop!
“So come on Kiwis we all have a part to play. You can take a stand against ageism and join me by signing up today!” says Stephanie.
An Age Concern Dignity Champion pledges to:
• Reject stereotypes and focus on the uniqueness of every individual
• Speak up when they hear people speaking negatively about growing old
• Have the courage to question practices they feel are disrespectful to older people
• Not patronise older people
• Be patient, polite and friendly
• Have zero tolerance for abuse or neglect
• Build relationships – they combat isolation and loneliness by getting to know the older people in their lives.
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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40.9% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.4% No, I enjoy it
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1.7% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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39.9% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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23.8% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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33.1% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.2% I didn’t know online booking was available
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