Older persons' health

If you are worried about your own drug taking, or a friend, get in touch with the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787... read more about Alcohol Drug Helpline»

When taken correctly with regular reviews by your doctor, medications can improve your health and prolong your life.... read more about Are your medicines right for you? How to find out»

Providing personal care to someone can make a huge difference in their life. It is also a big responsibility for you.... read more about Being a caregiver at home…»

Whether you are choosing to become a carer, or have a family member who needs care, there is a lot to think about when... read more about Carers: Where to find more info»

Many general practices charge lower fees if you have a Community Services Card (CSC). If you have a CSC, the most you... read more about Community Services Card = cheaper GP fees»

Having a health condition or injury might seem limiting, but it doesn't mean you have to stop doing all the things you... read more about Everyday activities can be hard. Here’s how to keep going»

The Ministry of Health and district health boards fund several services for older people to help support you as you... read more about Find support to stay healthy and live comfortably»

We’ve got some tips to help you get a good, refreshing night’s sleep as often as you can. Good sleep habits will... read more about Get a great night’s sleep, here’s how…»

Getting a flu jab is your best defence against influenza and 100,000 Cantabrians have now received theirs. If you... read more about Getting a flu jab is your best defence against influenza»

During and following this COVID-19 Omicron outbreak, influenza vaccination is more important than ever. As our borders... read more about Getting your flu shot early is more important than ever this year»

Keeping active is one of the best things you can do to manage your osteoarthritis. It also helps with many other health... read more about Got arthritis? Stay active!»

Live Stronger for Longer research shows people over 65 are very sensitive to being told what to do, and don't want to... read more about Help your older family members stay safe from falls»

It is important to get back into activities with other people after an illness, injury, or surgery – but it can seem... read more about How to get back into the community after an illness or injury»

A cold, damp home is the last thing you need in the Canterbury winter. And it isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s bad... read more about How to keep your home warm & dry»

Mild memory loss is very common as people get older. These strategies can help you make changes to your environment... read more about How to minimise the frustration of memory loss.»

Keeping active is one of the best things you can do for your health. Being active can reduce your chance of cancer,... read more about Keeping active: every bit of movement counts»

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ramon Pink shares some advice about keeping yourself safe during... read more about Keeping yourself safe during COVID-19»

Depression is not a normal part of ageing and it is not a character weakness. It is a medical illness and there are... read more about Older people can get depressed too. Find out how to manage it»

When people take high doses of opioids, it can lead to an overdose, with the slowing or stopping of breathing and... read more about Overdosing on opioids»

Winter can be a really tough time to navigate, and COVID-19 and a very contagious flu strain have made this year particularly challenging.

read more Pacific Health»

There are some simple things you can do to reduce your chances of getting the Big C. It’s up to you how many of these... read more about Reduce your cancer risk»

To renew a prescription, you usually need an appointment at your health clinic to review your health and check how your... read more about Renewing prescriptions»

If you or a family member is thinking about going into a rest home or hospital care, you may be eligible for government... read more about Rest homes & retirement villages: make an informed choice»

There are a lot of services and support available for older people with different needs. The Needs Assessment Service... read more about Support and services for older people in Canterbury»

The Ministry of Health is responsible for implementing the End of Life Choice Act 2019 (the Act). This includes making... read more about The End of Life Choice Act 2019 and the Assisted Dying Service»

Falls are the most common cause of injury for people 65 years or older, and falls make up two thirds of all ACC claims... read more about This is the most common injury for people 65 years and older»

If you have symptoms such as blood in your faeces or unusual bowel movements that continue for weeks see your GP team... read more about This little test could save your life!»

Staying active is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing. Even if you are getting older, or... read more about This one simple thing will help you live longer, happier, and healthier»

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis caused by natural wear and tear to the cartilage and joints over time. It can... read more about What’s the difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis?»

For some people, collecting things grows out of control. Their homes become cluttered, often causing a fire or health... read more about When collecting becomes hoarding. Is it a problem?»

We all have individual ideas and beliefs about how we want to be treated at the end of our life. Talking about what you... read more about You can choose how you want to be treated at the end of your life. Here’s how»