Kaumatua travel from far and wide to Wellbeing Day

Kaumatua groups came from far and wide, including Patea, Parihaka, Puniho and Opunake, to enjoy a day of fun activities that focused on improving health and wellbeing.

The event, organised by Mahia Mai A Whai Tara in partnership with New Plymouth injury Safe, provided an opportunity for kaumatua to have a health check, flu vaccination and mirimiri (massage) in a specially set up 'wellbeing clinic'. Nurses from Piki Te Ora and Age Concern were kept busy all day with a steady stream of kaumatua who also took the opportunity of a short mirimiri session with Karangaora.

Service providers from local health organisations were also available all day to provide advice and answer questions. Those who attended included Taranaki DHB's Public Health Unit, Te Hauora Pou Heretanga (Kaumatua services & Elder Abuse prevention), Work and Income NZ, Better Homes (insulation & retrofitting), Manaaki Oranga, Taranaki Disability Centre, Stroke Foundation, Problem Gambling Foundation, Arthritis New Zealand, Neighbourhood Support and Volunteering New Plymouth ... among many others!

Activities on offer during the day included Tai Chi, Keep Fit, Line Dancing, Singalong, Raranga (weaving) and live music.

The event is one of a series of Wellbeing Days that have been held to support falls prevention work that is happening locally. The Wellbeing Days encourage older people to give different kinds of exercise a go, and to sign up for local classes, with a particular focus on Tai Chi. The involvement of a wide range of local health providers highlights the important role that good health and wellbeing also plays in falls prevention.

For more information about local Older Persons Wellbeing Days, please contact Channa Perry on 06 753 7777 x8792.

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