Third Age Health NZ

08/10/2025

💚 As our population ages, it's important to keep older adults in the conversation about mental health. Their experiences are often overlooked, yet the WHO reports that 14% of adults aged 60 and over live with a mental health condition. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and memory-related challenges are among the most common.

🤝 This Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, under the theme Top Up Together, we’re encouraged to reconnect and recharge through community-based social connection. Activities like volunteering, shared learning, movement, and cultural participation have a proven impact on wellbeing. Let’s make sure older adults are part of that connection. Explore what’s happening near you on Mental Health Awareness Week: https://mhaw.nz/whats-on

30/09/2025

🚀 We're thrilled to announce our new partnership with the New Zealand Aged Care Association - ACA - a collaboration focused on delivering high-quality care and support to older New Zealanders.

🌟 This partnership marks a meaningful step forward in our mission; building on the strategic groundwork laid by our outgoing CEO Tony Wai to drive stronger outcomes through collaboration.

🤝We’re confident this partnership will bring lasting value to the communities we serve and look forward to the impact we can create together.

Pictured (R-L): Tony Wai, Third Age Health CEO, Hon. Tracey Martin, ACA CE, Niomi Fleming, Third Age Health Acting GM (ARC) and Kelly Wallace, ACA.

21/09/2025

📣Building on the positive response to the Navigating Wellness Guidebook, supported by the Aged Care Fund, we’re pleased to introduce the ‘Navigating Wellness Health Checker’ — a free, quick, and confidential digital tool designed to help older adults prepare for more effective health appointments.

✅The Health Checker tool allows individuals to explore one or more of nine key topics, from nutrition and mobility to memory and hearing. After answering a short series of yes or no questions, users can opt to receive a summary by email. This simple tool helps ensure conversations with GPs are focused, informed, and person-centred, all in under 10 minutes.

🤝It reaffirms the importance of accessible, supportive health information for older people and their care providers.
Try the Navigating Wellness Health Checker today: https://thirdagehealth.formsbyair.com/forms/self-assessment or read more online here https://www.stuff.co.nz/wellbeing/360766544/new-online-tool-designed-maximise-gp-visits

17/09/2025

📢We’re proud to share that we’ve been working on the development of a new standard for aged care, the ‘Residential Care Medical Service Provider Standard’. This new benchmark is aimed at improving the quality and consistency of healthcare for older New Zealanders.

Many older aged people experience fragmented care, service delays, and poor continuity between general practice, aged residential care, and home support. These standards set to address these long-standing gaps by:
✅Providing a consistent framework for healthcare providers
✅Promoting patient-centred practices
✅Ensuring services for older people align with current health needs

Read more here and learn about our next steps - https://thirdagehealth.co.nz/third-age-health-leads-new-standards-to-support-quality-care-for-older-aged-new-zealanders/

Photo: Third Age Health team L-R Lucy Wu Clinical Change Lead, Tony Wai CEO, and Niomi Fleming ARC National Practice Manager.

28/08/2025

🌼Daffodil Day reminds us that no one should face cancer alone. With one in three New Zealanders likely to be diagnosed in their lifetime, it’s a moment to stand together with empathy, support, and hope.

✅For over 30 years, the generosity of donors and volunteers has helped the Cancer Society fund vital work in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

💪This Daffodil Day, let’s stand together and give what we can to help brighten someone’s journey. Find out how to get involved at daffodilday.org.nz

12/08/2025

📢 Women’s Health Week is all about celebrating and encouraging women to put their health and wellbeing first.

💚 To mark the occasion, the team at Third Age Health is proud to be supporting The Selwyn Foundation.

📆 We’ll be at Selwyn Village, Point Chevalier this Thursday, 14 August with a pop-up clinic offering blood pressure checks, ear health checks and helpful health information along with a range of activities from 10am-1pm.

👋 Come along, say hello, and take this opportunity to support the important women in your life. Click the link to find out more about the event.

Aug 14, 2025. Free blood pressure testing, ear health checks and general health promotion information

07/08/2025

💚Our team is growing and we’re looking for experienced GPs and NPs to bring compassionate care to aged residential care facilities across New Zealand, with opportunities currently available in Taranaki, Blenheim, Tauranga and Whāngarei. Whether you’re based locally, willing to travel, or considering relocation, we offer flexible roles that put you in control of your schedule.

Join the team that’s making a difference, view open roles now: https://thirdagehealth.co.nz/job-opportunities/

Connect with Jill directly for a confidential conversation at jills@thirdagehealth.co.nz

16/06/2025

At Third Age Health, we’re committed to supporting older adults to live with respect and safety.

Elder abuse can take many forms—physical, emotional, financial, or even neglect—and the most confronting reality is that the majority of reported cases involve family members. Recognising the early signs is key to prevention, and creating safe, open environments—particularly in healthcare settings—can make a world of difference.

Be part of Awareness Week and help spread the word about Concern NZ’s upcoming workshops and events. 🔗 Learn more about them here: https://www.ageconcern.org.nz/Public/Public/News_and_events/Campaigns/World_Elder_Abuse_Awareness_Day.aspx?hkey=a66d916d-3b0d-44cf-8b67-29ec83dab3dd

23/04/2025

We’re excited to celebrate a milestone in our Navigating Wellness Guidebook journey! The Third Age Health team, CHT Care Homes, and contributors recently marked the launch of our new digital self-assessment tool.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated supporters and team members —Tony Wai, Madelaine Young, Carriann Hall, Dr Diane Leach, Lucy Wu, Ngaire Kerse, Joanna Hikaka, Emily Preston, Jo Pannabecker, Janine Bycroft, Bruce Waldin, and Selwyn Village residents Terry and Trevor—along with many others whose insights and commitment helped bring this valuable resource to life.

Designed with simplicity, this easy-to-use tool empowers older adults and their families to monitor health and wellbeing over time, identify changes early, and feel more prepared for conversations with their GP.

Explore the Navigating Wellness digital self-assessment tool and see how it supports older age New Zealanders through their wellness journey: https://thirdagehealth.formsbyair.com/forms/self-assessment

01/04/2025

The aged care sector is changing fast—how do we ensure quality care while addressing clinician workload and the complex needs of older adults?

In partnership with Health Informatics New Zealand (HiNZ), our team has taken part in three insightful eHealth Talk podcasts. From the changing roles of GPs and nurse practitioners to the rise of telehealth and the importance of holistic palliative care, these conversations tackle key challenges and opportunities in the sector.

Catch up on all three episodes here:
📌 Working in Aged Care: challenges and opportunities by Lucy Wu and Dr Diane Leach: https://ehealthtalk.buzzsprout.com/1717287/episodes/15353184-ep-50-working-in-aged-care-challenges-and-opportunities

📌 Telehealth in Aged Residential Care by Tony Wai: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1717287/episodes/15691427

📌 Providing holistic and palliative care by Dr Carol McAllum and Anneke Barkwith: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1717287/episodes/16258320-ep-53-providing-holistic-and-palliative-care

18/03/2025

As older adults experience life transitions, changing social networks, and health challenges, their moods and behaviour can shift in ways that may be difficult to navigate. This New Zealand Aged Care Association - NZACA webinar offers practical insights into recognising and addressing these changes, while also highlighting the importance of caregiver resilience and staff well-being.

Led by Orquidea Tamayo Mortera, President of the New Zealand Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapists Inc. and National Therapeutic Recreation Lead at Summerset Group Holdings Ltd., this session is open and free to all.

📅 2:00 PM | Friday, 28th March 2025
✍️Register here:

Event details 2:00 – 2:50pm | Friday 28 March This webinar will focus on coping with mood and behaviour changes in older adults, addressing unmet needs with empathy and insight....

11/03/2025

We understand that creating a joyful engagement and connection is essential for well-being in aged care. Visits from loved ones can be a highlight for residents, but sometimes, finding ways to make those visits extra special helps to brighten their day. Bringing along a game, a favourite book, or simply sharing stories can make all the difference. Whether it’s a simple conversation, some home cooking, or even a short walk, can have a big impact on emotional and mental well-being.

Aged care is about more than just medical support—it’s about the relationships that bring joy and comfort. Here are some ideas to make your visits special: https://healthify.nz/hauora-wellbeing/r/rest-homes-visiting-ideas