[ { "post_id": "429", "post_category_id": "27", "post_title": "Medicines and Falls: What Older Aucklanders Should Know About “FRIDs”", "post_content_short": "Falls are one of the biggest threats to independence as we age. In Aotearoa, about 1 in 3 people over 65 will have a fall each year<\/strong>,\n\tand the impact can be serious — from sprains and fractures through to hospital stays and a loss of confidence that makes it harder to stay\n\tactive.\n\n

\n\tWhat many people don’t realise is that falls aren’t only about slippery paths or weak legs. Medicines (or combinations of medicines)\n\tcan also increase the chance of falling.<\/strong>\n\n

\n\tThese medicines are sometimes called FRIDs<\/strong> — Fall-Risk Increasing Drugs<\/em>. It doesn’t mean the medicine is “bad” or\n\tthat you should stop taking it. It simply means it can increase falls risk for some people, especially when other factors are also present\n\t(like balance changes, low blood pressure, poor sleep, or illness).\n\n

⚠  Important: Do not stop any medicine suddenly without speaking to a doctor or pharmacist first.<\/strong>", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/media\/website_posts\/429\/FRIDS-falls-risk-blog-image.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/blog\/medicines-and-falls-what-older-aucklanders-should-know-about-frids\/", "post_date": "2026-04-15 04:40:55" }, { "post_id": "412", "post_category_id": "27", "post_title": "Smart Home Maintenance for Older Aucklanders", "post_content_short": "Choosing tradespeople safely, doing the easy bits yourself, and preventing bigger bills later A good home is like a good friend: if you\n\tcheck in regularly, it’s far less likely to surprise you with a dramatic incident at the worst possible time. For many older Aucklanders,\n\thome maintenance is about more than keeping things tidy. It’s about staying safe, staying independent, and keeping costs\n\tpredictable<\/strong>.\n\tThis guide covers two things that make the biggest difference:\n", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/media\/website_posts\/412\/blog-image-fix-it-square.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/blog\/smart-home-maintenance-for-older-aucklanders\/", "post_date": "2026-03-03 02:40:00" }, { "post_id": "402", "post_category_id": "27", "post_title": "A gentler start to the year: practical ways to support your wellbeing in 2026", "post_content_short": "The start of a new year often comes with a lot of noise. Messages about big goals, major changes, and “new year, new you” plans can feel\n\tmotivating for some — and exhausting for others.\n\n

\n\tAt Age Concern Auckland, we take a different view. Starting the year well doesn’t have to mean doing more. Sometimes it means doing things a\n\tlittle more gently, at your own pace, and with the right support around you.\n\n

Here are a few simple, practical ways to approach the year ahead without pressure.", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/media\/website_posts\/402\/a-gentler-start-new-years-2026.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/blog\/a-gentler-start-to-the-year-practical-ways-to-support-your-wellbeing-in-2026\/", "post_date": "2026-01-08 01:38:36" }, { "post_id": "394", "post_category_id": "27", "post_title": "A Simple, Stress-Free Christmas: Low-Cost Ways to Make the Season Meaningful", "post_content_short": "For many older New Zealanders, Christmas brings a mix of joy, pressure, and sometimes a little sadness. The cost of living is high, families\n\tare busy, and not everyone has the energy (or budget) for a big traditional Christmas.\n\n

\n\tBut here’s the good news: the heart of Christmas has never been about spending money — it’s about connection, kindness, and simple moments\n\tthat make us feel part of something.\n\n

\n\tThis year, give yourself permission to make Christmas easier, calmer, and more meaningful<\/strong>, whatever that looks like for\n\tyou.\n", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/media\/website_posts\/394\/ChatGPT-Image-Dec-3-2025-04_09_40-PM.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/blog\/a-simple-stress-free-christmas-low-cost-ways-to-make-the-season-meaningful\/", "post_date": "2025-12-03 03:24:00" }, { "post_id": "384", "post_category_id": "27", "post_title": "Summer by the Water: Staying Safe and Active as We Age", "post_content_short": "There’s nothing quite like a New Zealand summer spent near the water. Whether it’s a dip at the beach, a few gentle laps at the pool, or\n\tpaddling with the grandkids, water is one of the most enjoyable ways to stay active and connected.
\n\t
\n\tFor older adults, being around water offers enormous health benefits, improved mobility, stronger hearts and lungs, and a lift in mood and\n\tconfidence. But it also comes with risks that change as we age. By understanding these risks and taking simple precautions, we can enjoy the\n\tbest of summer safely.\n", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/media\/website_posts\/384\/Older-couple-Auckland-beach-water-safety..png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/blog\/summer-by-the-water-staying-safe-and-active-as-we-age\/", "post_date": "2025-10-29 21:15:01" }, { "post_id": "373", "post_category_id": "27", "post_title": "Top Up Together: Nurturing Mental Wellbeing in Later Life", "post_content_short": "6–12 October is Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 in New Zealand<\/strong>, and this year’s theme — “Top Up Together”<\/strong>\n\t— is a timely reminder that wellbeing grows stronger when we nurture it together<\/em>.\n\n

\n\tWe often talk about mental health in younger people, but it’s just as vital in our later years. Across Auckland, we meet older adults\n\tcarrying quiet burdens: grief, loneliness, or simply the feeling that life has slowed down around them. Too often, those feelings are\n\tbrushed off as “just part of getting old”. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.\n", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/media\/website_posts\/373\/blog-image-Imental-health-squaremental-healt.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/blog\/top-up-together-nurturing-mental-wellbeing-in-later-life\/", "post_date": "2025-10-07 01:11:01" }, { "post_id": "360", "post_category_id": "27", "post_title": "Menopause Brain: How Midlife Changes Can Shape Brain Health Later", "post_content_short": "Forgetfulness, foggy thinking, or losing your train of thought — many women notice these changes during perimenopause and menopause. While\n\tit can be unsettling, science now shows these experiences are not just “in your head.” They reflect real changes happening in the brain.\n\n

\n\tAnd while menopause arrives earlier than the age groups Age Concern Auckland usually focuses on, it’s a stage of life that can have powerful\n\tripple effects. What happens in midlife — and how we respond to it — may shape brain health for decades to come, influencing dementia risk\n\tand long-term wellbeing.\n", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/media\/website_posts\/360\/Brain-fog-menopause-1200px.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/blog\/menopause-brain-how-midlife-changes-can-shape-brain-health-later\/", "post_date": "2025-09-24 12:00:00" }, { "post_id": "358", "post_category_id": "27", "post_title": "Talking About Dementia: How to Approach an Assessment with Care", "post_content_short": "Dementia Awareness Day may have passed, but for many families in Auckland the questions and concerns continue every day. If you or someone\n\tclose to you is noticing memory changes, it can be hard to know how to raise the subject, or where to go for help.\n\n

\n\tThis guide is written for both older people who may be worried about their own memory, and for adult children or carers who are concerned\n\tabout a parent or loved one.\n", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/media\/website_posts\/358\/Demenia-two-article-Dad-and-son.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/blog\/talking-about-dementia-how-to-approach-an-assessment-with-care\/", "post_date": "2025-09-22 03:29:47" }, { "post_id": "354", "post_category_id": "27", "post_title": "Why Older People's Wellbeing Lifts Everyone — Including Young People", "post_content_short": "When older Aucklanders retire in a strong position and have good health care and support, the benefits ripple far beyond the individual.\n\tFamilies are less stretched, whānau relationships are stronger, and younger people often get more time, stability, and opportunity. In other\n\twords: investing in older people is a smart economic investment in the whole of society.\n\n

\n\tWith Auckland's 65+ population projected to almost double between 2018 and 2038, early action prevents crisis-level costs and builds a more\n\tresilient city for all generations. Below are five evidence-based ways older people's wellbeing boosts outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi, and\n\tworking-age adults — plus practical actions we can take as a city.\n", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/media\/website_posts\/354\/blog-image-grandparent.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/blog\/why-older-peoples-wellbeing-lifts-everyone-including-young-people\/", "post_date": "2025-09-12 02:40:26" }, { "post_id": "352", "post_category_id": "27", "post_title": "Alzheimer’s Awareness: What You Need to Know", "post_content_short": "September is World Alzheimer’s Month<\/strong>, a time to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding dementia. At Age\n\tConcern Auckland, we know that understanding the basics can make a huge difference for older people, their whānau, and the wider community.
\n\t
\n\t
\n\tHere are some key things to know about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and what we can all do to support brain health.
\n\t", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/media\/website_posts\/352\/dementia-blog-image.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/blog\/alzheimers-awareness-what-you-need-to-know\/", "post_date": "2025-09-01 03:35:07" }, { "post_id": "348", "post_category_id": "27", "post_title": "Smart Money Tips for Older Aucklanders This Money Month", "post_content_short": "August is Sorted Money Month<\/strong> — a nationwide campaign dedicated to helping New Zealanders boost their money skills and feel\n\tmore confident about their financial future.
\n\tAt Age Concern Auckland, we know that financial wellbeing plays a huge role in living well as we get older. Whether you’re on a fixed\n\tincome, supporting whānau, or planning for the years ahead, small money moves can make a big difference.
\n
\nHere are some practical tips to help you make the most of your money — starting today.\n

", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/media\/website_posts\/348\/Budget-couple-money-month.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/blog\/smart-money-tips-for-older-aucklanders-this-money-month\/", "post_date": "2025-08-11 22:32:11" }, { "post_id": "338", "post_category_id": "27", "post_title": "Winter Wellness Tips for Seniors in Auckland: Stay Healthy and Warm", "post_content_short": "When the first chilly morning arrives in Auckland, many of us instinctively reach for an extra blanket and think, \"Here we go again.\" But\nwhat if this winter could be different? What if, instead of simply enduring the colder months, we could learn to embrace them as an\nopportunity for renewal, connection, and self-care?", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/media\/website_posts\/338\/winter-wellness-blog.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/blog\/winter-wellness-tips-for-seniors-in-auckland-stay-healthy-and-warm\/", "post_date": "2025-06-30 04:45:19" }, { "post_id": "336", "post_category_id": "27", "post_title": "Preventing Elder Abuse in our Community", "post_content_short": "As we observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th and Elder Abuse Awareness Week through June 22nd, Age Concern Auckland stands\nwith communities across New Zealand to shine a light on a serious issue that affects thousands of older people in our country every year.", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/media\/website_posts\/336\/elder-abuse-blog.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/blog\/preventing-elder-abuse-in-our-community\/", "post_date": "2025-06-09 05:03:56" }, { "post_id": "335", "post_category_id": "27", "post_title": "Navigating Health Services for Seniors: An Auckland Guide", "post_content_short": "Finding your way through Auckland's healthcare system shouldn't feel like solving a puzzle. Our straightforward guide helps seniors and\ntheir families access the right services, understand entitlements, and navigate hospital visits with confidence. Discover practical tips and\nlocal resources to take control of your healthcare journey.", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/media\/website_posts\/335\/health-systemblog.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/blog\/navigating-health-services-for-seniors-an-auckland-guide\/", "post_date": "2025-05-14 03:20:00" }, { "post_id": "334", "post_category_id": "27", "post_title": "How to Support the Older People in Your Life — Practical Tips for Whānau and Friends", "post_content_short": "Whether it’s a parent, neighbour, or older friend, knowing how to truly support someone as they age isn’t always easy. Many of us want to\n\thelp but don’t always know what to do. Here are some practical tips to guide you in providing meaningful support to the older people in your\n\tlife.\n", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/media\/website_posts\/334\/old-person-support-blog.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/blog\/how-to-support-the-older-people-in-your-life-practical-tips-for-whanau-and-friends\/", "post_date": "2025-05-05 04:42:00" }, { "post_id": "333", "post_category_id": "27", "post_title": "What Age Concern Auckland Does — and Why It Matters More Than Ever", "post_content_short": "We are a group of caring individuals with diverse specialties and skills who cater to various needs. For some older people, it’s about\nfinding more social connection or combating a decline in health; for others, it may involve addressing serious issues like elder abuse. Either way we're here to help.", "post_icon": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/media\/website_posts\/333\/why-it-matters-blog.png", "post_content_type": "page", "post_content_url": "https:\/\/www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz\/blog\/what-age-concern-auckland-does-and-why-it-matters-more-than-ever\/", "post_date": "2025-05-05 04:06:00" } ]