Popular place to retire

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33066, 6 November 1972, Page 21

Popular place to retire

In the last two decades Geraldine has become a very popular retirement centre, attracting people in their later years from many parts of New Zealand.

The friendly atmosphere of the townspeople, the beauty of the surroundings, and the ready access to the main centres have contributed to the appeal of Geraldine when people are choosing a place to retire.

Because of its much larger proportion of senior citizens than most other towns, about 10 years ago steps were taken to form a Geraldine Aged Persons’ Welfare Association, with the principal aim of looking after the interests of senior citizens.

After its formation the association set up the Geraldine Aged Welfare Council, which meets quarterly, and on this are represented 1000 individual members, as well as the Geraldine borough and county councils, the Returned Services’ Association and the four Geraldine religious denominations.

Soon after its formation the association formed a Friendly Club, with aims to provide monthly socials for the older citizens, and in this project it has the co-opera-tion of many of the district’s women’s organisations, which willingly provide entertainment and afternoon tea.

Another extremely successful venture by the association is a meals-on-wheels scheme. A separate committee was set up and last year this committee organised the delivery of 1750 meals to elderly people in their homes. With care of the aged uppermost in its plans, the association has in the last decade successfully raised funds for the establishment of a home for the elderly in Geraldine.

This project will come to fruition early in January, 1973, with the opening of a modern 24-bed home (illustrated) which is now being finished and furnished, ready for the opening.