HOPE Foundation News November 2014

Posted by on 1 November 2014

Establishing the Hope Foundation, setting the aims, sourcing funding and keeping going has often seemed an impossible task.

The vision, leadership and perseverance shown by Professor David Richmond have led to the Foundation being in an optimistic and sound state to grow and further our aims. Thank you David for all your work and leadership. It is my pleasure to be taking over the Chair of the Hope Foundation and hope to build on this work with the support of the Board and Friends.

The vision, leadership and perseverance shown by Professor David Richmond have led to the Foundation being in an optimistic and sound state to grow and further our aims. Thank you David for all your work and leadership. It is my pleasure to be taking over the Chair of the Hope Foundation and hope to build on this work with the support of the Board and Friends.

The vision, leadership and perseverance shown by Professor David Richmond have led to the Foundation being in an optimistic and sound state to grow and further our aims. Thank you David for all your work and leadership. It is my pleasure to be taking over the Chair of the Hope Foundation and hope to build on this work with the support of the Board and Friends.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done . . .” – Nelson Mandela

We are certainly not “done”, but David’s recent retirement from the Chair was an opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved over the last 20 years. His retirement was held at the Northern Club and was graciously hosted by Joan Mary Longcroft and the Friends Committee led by Carolyn Ward.
Over the last 20 years the HOPE Foundation has funded over 30 scholarships at Masters and PhD level and a similar number of undergraduate summer studentships. We have held a variety of public meetings and seminars on varied topics from helping businesses get ready for an ageing workforce and market, to practical caregiving.

We have commissioned independent research on how well District Health Boards were applying ageing policies as well as identifying different groups of older people from a marketing perspective to guide businesses. If they are not aware of the differing needs, lifestyles and preferences of people within the aging population, there is a risk that services and products will be poorly conceived, designed and developed. They will fail to meet the needs of an ageing population. It is a surprise to some people that not all old people are the same!

I was encouraged to see this research quoted in the Ministry of Social Development’s report “the Business of Ageing – Realising the economic potential of older people in New Zealand: 2011–2051. This outlines the positive opportunities the aging population will bring. This is a small example of our aim to prepare New Zealand for an aging future.

My sense of optimism was really reinforced by the HOPE-Selwyn Knowledge Exchange for Research on Ageing held recently at the University of Auckland. Over 80 researchers from a wide variety of disciplines presented their work, networked and had the opportunity to share and cross pollinate their ideas.
I have rarely been at such an enthusiastic and successful meeting. It was particularly encouraging to see the mix of young and experienced researchers, including several recipients of HOPE awards.
We will certainly be holding similar meetings in the future and there is interest in developing a wider consortium of researchers that we will be fostering. It is encouraging to see a critical mass of researchers developing.

There is still a huge need for more factual information to guide our policy makers in New Zealand so all New Zealanders can enjoy a meaningful and worthwhile old age. There is still more for the HOPE Foundation to do.

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope.
Helen Keller – Optimism

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