Second series of advice to the elderly

Press, 23 September 1980, Page 15

Second series of advice to the elderly

Tomorrow afternoon on Network Two sees the return of a new series of “A Good Age,” Television New Zealand’s look at the lifestyle problems and potential of the elderly in New Zealand. The producer, Ross Johnston, sees the -programme as having three main objectives: to explore a broader, more independent and self-asser-tive role for the elderly in New Zealand; to explode some of the myths about ageing; to reveal to younger people the potential of their own old age so that they can prepare themselves accordingly. “A Good Age” looks at many different personalities, careers, incomes, and educational levels to provide images of individuals who are successfully growing older, thereby starting on a positive note which continues to run throughout the whole series. Some segments will present information relevant to the health concern of older people, concentrating on the -prevention, detection, and treatment of medical problems and where to obtain further information. There are also segments on money which aim to tell individuals how they might increase their basic

income as well as manage the income they already have. Post-retirement use of time is covered in the series, with a look at the programmes, services, and projects which are avails able to help older people successfully • use their time. <Coping strategies, such as how to make personal adjustments to illness, death of a spouse, divorce, and other adversities and obstacles are also explored. Cooking and preparing low-cost meals that are appetising and nutritious, housing alternatives, disco un t public-transport deals, transport for the handicapped elderly, consumer information for older persons, legal services and inadequate public policy for the elderly — all these subjects are covered in “A Good Age.” Some of the specific items included in this second series include profiles on a “Close to Home” actor, Charles Walker, and an artist, Sir Toss Wooloston; advice on post-re-tirement investment; a consumer test on wheelchairs; a look at self maintaining gardens; an examinationof pensioner flats; a look at the Christ* church Driving Assessment Unit; and simple cooking with a chef, Kevin Mills.