Positive Ageing - A Chance To Chat

Maintaining social contact can become increasingly difficult as people reach the latter stages of their life, especially when health and mobility begin to fail.

The Totara Marlborough programme, run by Presbyterian Support’s positive aging services, offers a friendly, relaxed opportunity for dependent, elderly people to spend time outside their home in the company of others.

Five days a week (10.00 am-3.00 pm) the programme hosts elderly people at its Muller Road rooms, where there’s opportunity for conversation, some entertainment, perhaps a game of cards, and for those who’re interested and able, even a chance to do some light gardening.

It provides a stimulating morning in the company of others for those who’d normally be living in fairly dependent circumstances, probably with family at home. At the same time it allows those who care for such people some respite time.

Transport can be provided and morning and afternoon teas and a home-cooked lunch are served.

Families can talk to their GP or NMDHB Support Works (Ph: 579 2187) if they have an elderly relative who might benefit from attending the Totara Programme.