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The president of Warkworth Grey Power says the influx of seniors into Warkworth following the completion of the first stage of The Oaks on Neville provides enormous opportunities.
Carol Greenwood, 75, says the fact that people are living longer means that there are many seniors with decades ahead of them looking to see how they can usefully contribute to society as a whole.
She adds that this older generation is healthier and – thanks to ready access to the internet – likely better informed than any before it.
“Their minds are active. I know this because I watch The Chase on TV and know most of the answers,” she jokes.
She says coupled with their extensive life experience, seniors provide an invaluable resource for organisations smart enough to take advantage of their skills.
Carol says some examples that spring to mind are seniors helping children with difficulty reading at Warkworth School and volunteering as grandparents for troubled youngsters at Springboard Community Works.
After arriving in New Zealand in the 1960s, Carol says she knows all about trying to bring up children without grandparents and the invaluable role they can play.
Other opportunities include offering practical help and advice to fellow seniors through organisations such as Age Concern.
And given the wide range of services offered by local libraries these days, Carol thinks seniors would make excellent volunteers there, too.
Taking her own advice, Carol is hoping to enlist more seniors from the Oaks to take an active part in Grey Power itself, and says there are plenty of issues they can advance in Warkworth to ensure seniors get a fair deal.
These include affordable housing for seniors and access to adequate medical services, public transport and recreation opportunities.
