Grey Power November 2015

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18 NATIONAL GREYPOWER MAGAZINE » NOVEMBER 2015 Flags do NOT require change Japan is embarking on major changes to its obligations under the treaty signed with the Americans at the end of World War II. The agreement forced Japan into a pacifist roll and prohibited it from having armed forces save for self defence whose roll was solely to protect its people. The upshot of the legislative changes passed by the Japanese parliament, the Diet; is that defence forces will be able to join the Americans in peacekeeping roles around the world. In addition, be available, as is New Zealand, to protect other countries in situations such as have arisen in Iraq and parts of Africa. The changes are controversial but one thing is certain, that when implemented the Japanese flag; The Rising Sun; could fly again around the world. Its flag embodies a history of Japanese imperialism in whose name mass murder was committed and systematic brutality was used by its forces in World War 11. There is no overt move to change that flag which is symbolic of its history in modern times. Just as New Zealand’s flag embodies a history which is not immune from inglorious moments. At one time both flags flew over forces united in a common cause, the defeat of the Kaiser’s Germany. Decades on during World War 11 New Zealand’s flag flew along with those of its allies, forces bent on preserving free speech and the right to dissent, the preservation of democracy, and indeed still does. Both flags embody the past and modern histories of their nations and will do so in the future. Neither flag requires changing and should continue to represent their pasts and their hopes for the future. Don Robertson 3586928 Access to profits using Grey Power Over recent years I have become increasingly concerned and disappointed about the character and values of Grey Power as portrayed by the glossy magazine. As a very early member I clearly recall the intent of Grey Power was to be an effective political lobby requiring governments to treat older citizens with greater respect and fairness. There is no doubt the Wellington lobbyists uphold this tradition and I have no problem with the editorial content of the magazine. However it is clear that the advertising is giving a completely undesirable view. It is apparent that certain advertisers are using Grey Power to greatly improve their access to profits. My particular concern is the use/misuse of the magazine to advertise retirement villages and their ilk. Originally such developments were strongly opposed by Grey Power as the organisation recognised the growing fleecing of the elderly of their lifetimes earnings to line the pockets of developers, often overseas. (Farming and ghettoising old people.) All too often these developments were less than honest with the money with which they were entrusted. I was horrified when an advocate for retirement villages was a speaker at last year’s conference. To see Grey Power now allowing these developments to use the Grey Power profile to their advantage is surely contrary to our policies. Furthermore the amount of advertising of health products, some of dubious benefit gives, along with the villages, the notion that the elderly are wealthy and sick and need more than their share of the public purse. I would be happy to receive a much less glossy magazine and read the truth rather than have the public perception that we are greedy and needy. This view has extended to the associations where too often, speakers at meetings are selling health products, death services and boring aged facilities rather than the local and government policy makers from which we should be hearing. Let Age Concern do their job and leave us to do ours. Elizabeth Foster Warkworth Rating system article inspires Re: “Rick Caddick’s” article on property-based rating system—Page 20, September issue, Grey Power Magazine, is an illuminating and informative article. So much so, that I was inspired to track down Rick and invite him to speak on the topic at a meeting of more than 50 people in rural South Marlborough. In this historically traditional farming and drought-prone district we are struggling under a land value-based rating system administered by the Marlborough District Council which is unbridled in its empire building at the expense of the few and scattered people who reside in the more remote areas. In the last five years our rates have gone up by 70 percent. Compare that with the bleating from Auckland, and we don’t grow grapes. Our council, of course has its own agenda and is a past master at First World War naval battle tactics, e.g. laying smoke screens repeatedly to confuse the gullible, sleep walking public. Yes, we the public, have a tendency to sleep walk through life and simply put up with these so-called, life’s expenses, hoping it will get better. Believe me it won’t, as we are traditional cash cows, to be milked for life, through old age to the grave. Rick is an inspiration. He is 84-years-old and still battling along, taking the trouble to share his knowledge and experiences of life with us. He deserves 100 percent support of all Grey Power members. A big thank you, Rick. John Elliott MPs’ travel costs 2015 on us Periodically the news media highlights the ever increasing cost to the New Zealand taxpayer with regard to MPs’ costs, particularly general expenses including internal and external travel. Cabinet Ministers are regularly required to travel extensively overseas as well as throughout New Zealand, however it would appear that back bench MPs, including opposition party MPs, also travel overseas on a regular basis. Examples in 2015 of MPs travelling overseas include a party led by the Prime Minister to the All Blacks versus Samoa Rugby International in Apia, Western Samoa while opposition leaders (Labour and NZ First) attended the Coronation of the Tongan King. These trips followed a Parliamentary delegation, led by the House Speaker, to Europe and Ireland in April while the Prime Minister and the two opposition leaders travelled to Rarotonga for the 50th Anniversary of the Cook Islands independence during early August. In April, May and June 2015, the current 121 MPs in Parliament cost the NZ taxpayer more than $1.8 million on travel and accommodation as well as receiving substantial salaries. In retrospect it would appear that MPs, as well as being well paid, are a privileged group of NZ Citizens with the ability to travel extensively within NZ and overseas - all paid from the NZ Consolidated Fund. Bill Stirling Levin Horowhenua Please continue Advocacy report I have read the latest Grey Power magazine with interest. Could I say I appreciated the section dealing with discussions with Government and other organisations and the benefits obtained. I hope you will continue this section of the magazine. The full reporting of these discussions (as appropriate) keeps the membership well informed of the work done at National level. It could well form the basis of increasing the membership of the society. M D Parker Silverstream New chief executive for Cure Kids Frances Benge is returning to New Zealand from Hong Kong to take up the role of CEO at Cure Kids in December. Having enjoyed a long and successful career with Pfizer, and as a former nurse, Frances relishes the opportunity to embrace Cure Kids’ vision to achieve a healthy childhood for all New Zealanders. Most recently Frances has been the regional cluster lead for Pfizer South East Asia, having joined the organisation in a sales role in 1999. Before this international role Frances was country manager for Pfizer New Zealand for five years. Her career in the pharmaceutical industry spans 26 years with leading roles in sales, marketing and brand management within Pfizer, Roche and Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals. Known for its sector marketing leadership in the form of songs featuring celebrities (‘Feel inside’; ‘Team, Ball, Player, Thing’) and long lasting campaigns such as Red Nose Day, Cure Kids enjoys a high profile as a loved charity brand. Cure Kids chairman Roy Austin said the board was delighted to have attracted Frances to the role. “We welcome Frances’ passionate leadership, her vision for future growth of investment in research in child health and her experience in leading successful commercial organisations,” he said. Frances has received the Trevor Eagles Memorial Award for AMCHAM Member of the Year and has been a finalist in the Women on Boards Awards. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Business and completed the Macquarie Graduate School of Management, Strategic Leadership Programme. Taking your next step in life? What are your best options? We help you find what you need! www.eldernet.co.nz or for a FREE handbook ‘Where From Here’ call us on 0800 162 706 (quote GP2015)
NATIONAL GREYPOWER MAGAZINE » NOVEMBER 2015 19 Do what young people do: The key to senior health Older person advocate and founder of the senior citizen hip hop dance group the Hip Op-eration crew, Billie Jordan says the more youth-oriented activities older people do, the younger they will become. ADVICE FROM ‘THE GRANNY WHISPERER’ “When I set up my hip hop dance group three and a half years ago, with members aged 68 to 96 years old, people were worried the members would fall over and injure themselves or wouldn’t be able to learn a dance style only young people do. However, not only did they perform at the World Hip Hop Championships in the USA eight months later, but all members are still alive today and their doctors say they’re healthier now than they’ve been in years,” says Billie. With many international campaigns telling senior citizens to keep safe, avoid falls and take part in activities that remind them of their youth, Billie Jordan’s approach is the exact opposite - earning her the name ‘The Granny Whisperer’. “From my experience working closely with older people - especially those in their eighties and nineties, the key to keeping young is to go outside of your comfort zone and take part in activities that are traditionally youthoriented. If people only do activities that are already familiar to them; there is no personal growth, no challenge, no goal to aim for and limited stimulation. Also you will only meet like-minded people and other old people - so the social value is very restrictive as well,” says Billie. Determined to encourage senior citizens all over the world to maximise their full potential and live a healthier and happier life, Billie has established an adventure travel tour company called Discover Me Travel for the young-at-heart. “Our tours are designed to help senior citizens extend themselves while having the best time of their life. In addition to fun sightseeing activities, one to two days of each trip is dedicated to learning a new skill. They learn how to be stunt car drivers and hip hop dancers in New Zealand, elephant mahouts in Thailand and self defence street fighters in the USA. They don’t need to have a high level of physical fitness on any of our tours. For example, in our tour to Nepal and the Himalayas, they only need to be able to walk for ten minutes at a time,” says Billie. Traveller, Kara Nelson, aged 95, urges senior citizens to focus on what they can do, rather than what they can’t do. “The quickest way to grow old is to do nothing new, think the best years are behind you, and only travel on cruises and coach tours where you are removed from local life. The reality is, if you can manage your health issues, being over 65 can be the best time of your life,” says Kara. “When you retire, you can live this amazing life as you have no work pressures, your children are independent and you answer to no-one. Your sole aim can be in the pursuit of happiness and fulfilment,” she says. Billie Jordan “Over the past three and a half years I have noticed huge changes in the members of my hip hop dance group. Physically they look about ten years younger and mentally they’re a lot happier, joyous, confident, self assured, positive and excited about their futures. They’re completely different people. “If any of them get sick, their recovery time is very quick because they don’t want to miss out on performances, rehearsals or any events we have Continued on page 23 Underwear for bladder leakage, that looks like underwear. Until now, the options to manage bladder leakage were purely functional, and not in the least bit stylish. Confitex underwear looks great on your body while the 3-layer textile technology rapidly transfers moisture away from your body, breathes and then dries. Meaning you can wear it all day with confidence, (and it’s available in both men’s and women’s styles). 25% OFF FOR A LIMITED TIME BOTH MEN’S AND WOMEN’S CONFITEX UNDERWEAR* JUST QUOTE THE CODE: GP100. OFFER ENDS 18 DECEMBER 2015. TO BUY YOUR WASHABLE CONFITEX UNDERWEAR GO TO WWW.CONFITEX.NZ OR PHONE 0508 003 507 *See website for terms and conditions. OCTOBER 2015 1015CFX014
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Grey Power November 2015

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