Gayle Chambers has hit the ground running in her new role as national president of Grey Power New Zealand Inc.
Eager to embrace her new presidential role, Gayle Chambers says her first thought after election at the recent annual meeting in Wellington was: “What the hell have I done!” But three weeks later she’s “feeling really positive.”
“Working 30 to 40 hours a week is a challenge I welcome. I don’t see this as work, it’s enjoyment. I’m assisted by a great team with a lot of experience. What’s more, I’m one of that team and I see us working well together. Our combined talents, and fresh leadership, will help to achieve goals set out at conference.”
Among those goals, Gayle is committed to seeing health care improvements for the elderly.
What’s more, she applauds the Minister of Health, Dr Shane Reti’s decision to replace the Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand board with a commissioner
“Thank goodness the Government has recognised the chaos within our health system. Grey Power welcomes change but will be keeping a very close eye on whether improvements actually eventuate especially for seniors.”
Having worked within the rest home and in-home care sectors for several years, Gayle says she has seen shortcomings due to staff shortages, training deficiencies, low pay and people with the right qualities for the job.”
“Sadly, there are many areas within the health system which fail seniors,” she says. “Take, for example wait times for elective surgery.
Who, ‘elects’ to have a dodgy knee or a painful hip?
“Waiting lists are long, very long, and while seniors wait for a specialist and then surgery months later, their quality of life can deteriorate rapidly.
“They have to carry on with pain and hampered movement which may result in isolation, depression and other body parts breaking down while they favour their original condition – it’s called the run-on effect!”
While there is a raft of elderly health concerns to address, such as the overall lack of GP’s and access to a regular GP, Gayle says improved retirement income, especially superannuation, also needs urgent attention.
“It is extremely difficult to cover everyday costs if living purely on superannuation,” she says. “Some people have minimal or no additional savings and the Super just does not keep pace in any way with rising rates, power, insurance and other regular bills.
“Furthermore, when confronted with car repairs, doctor’s bills, home maintenance, replacement of a major appliance or the many incidentals often unaccounted for, the pressure is immense.
Incredibly, the Government seems to think a whole $4.30 per fortnight, for some couples on Super will help; it won’t even buy one cup of coffee.”
Aside from lobbying government, our role is to encourage people to remain active and interested in life.
Of course, Gayle admits these are just some of the major issues confronting Grey Power’s commitment to helping the elderly age successfully.
“When troubled by health and money issues, it’s hard to stay positive and to enjoy life,” she says.
“Aside from lobbying government, our role is to encourage people to remain active and interested in life.
“Not everyone is out-going, or keen to mix, but it’s important to stay connected with one’s community even if this just means keeping in touch with neighbours. And, while being active might mean walking or joining an exercise class, equally it could mean learning to paint, enjoying a jigsaw or playing scrabble with a friend.”
Although embarking on a new journey, working for Grey Power is not new to Gayle. She and husband, Jeff, joined Grey Power when they were just 50 and, soon after, Gayle joined the Grey Power Marlborough committee.
Very much a ‘deeds not words’ person, she has been secretary, vice-president, and, for the past three years, president of her local branch whilst also serving as the Zone 5 Director.
Her wealth of governance experience also includes working for not-for-profit groups such as the Cancer Society, Marlborough Hospice Trust, and St John Ambulance.
“I guess you could say my strength is caring about the elderly and disadvantaged,” Gayle concludes.
“I’m a strategic person who likes to know that whatever I take on is not only worthwhile but achievable. I’m a team player and grateful to be part of a team which is so keen to achieve measurable gains for its members.”
