Help for the aged

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33958, 26 September 1975, Page 8

Help for the aged

Most New Zealanders show a commendable willingness to provide old people in the community with adequate housing and the material needs for survival. But individual New Zealanders are, too often, much less willing to provide those less tangible benefits which allow elderly people to remain physically and mentally fit, which help them to retain their sense of dignity and independence, and which free them from the fears and loneliness which life In a city threatens to impose on those less able to fend for themselves.

Nearly 10 per cent of New Zealanders are aged 65 or more, and the proportion is increasing. About 30,000 of them live in Christchurch, the great majority in houses or flats, or with relatives. The admirable independence maintained by many elderly people does not always receive the support it deserves from their families. But sympathetic assistance and the sense of belonging to an appreciative community are provided by the Canterbury Aged People’s Welfare Council. At present, the welfare council is extending its suburban recreation centres — a new centre was opened in Sumner this week — and is attempting to offer a wider range of help, and access to wider interests and activities, for elderly people. The welfare council depends on the support of the community to make much of its work possible. Last year the council’s annual street appeal raised $6OOO. Its appeal today deserves even more generous support