Access to doctors, geriatric surgeries, and removing cognitive tests for driver licences at 75 are among the issues driving Grey Power national president Gayle Chambers.
She was in Ashburton for the first time recently to speak about happenings at national level and hear concerns from within the provinces.
She spoke to Toni Williams ahead of the meeting.
‘‘Grey Power is diligently working with parliamentarians and ministers trying to get our point across on what they need to do for seniors,’’ Gayle Chambers said.
There were a number of big-ticket issues needing addressed including rates rebates, accommodation supplements and doctor waiting times.
‘‘One of the big ones is geriatric surgery waiting times, that’s hips, knees, shoulders and cataracts,’’ Chambers said.
‘‘Another big one is 75 years and over driving tests – why do they need to have cognitive testing as the primary test?’’
Grey Power is an advocacy organisation for New Zealand seniors.
It raises awareness of issues facing older adults and advocates for policies and practices to meet their needs.
The issues faced were as varied as its members and many included access to health professionals.
There was also a restructure proposal under way to go to the (annual general meeting), and a strategic plan, she said.
Chambers said getting members help with dentistry costs had seen a funding grant increase from $200 a year, to $1000 a year, but for people with real oral problems it needed to be more.
‘‘What we are trying to do is get it out there that if you have problems with your teeth and your gums, it’s not only affecting your mouth but also affecting your internal organs, so it’s really important that we are able to get people who can’t afford dentistry work, to be able to get a grant.’’
Chambers, 67, hails from Blenheim and has been in the role for about eight months.
Her visit included a stop at Timaru – also her first – the following day.
‘‘What I love about coming to small centres is, is that the people are so passionate about what they do and Grey Power.
‘‘It’s so amazing and I feel privileged they asked me to come here,’’ she said.
Grey Power Ashburton president Cath Carr said top of the list in Mid Canterbury among its 900 financial members and 200 non-financial, was access to free shingles vaccine from age 65 and over, removing memory test for drivers, and learning more about the organisation’s restructuring plans.
