Skip to main content
Loading
Print page
Email page
Connect with us »
Sign In
Create Account
Cart
Keyword Search
Connect with us »
Donate Now
Home
Local Age Concerns
Services
Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention
Accredited Visiting Service
Local services
Information
Resources
Wellbeing
Housing and care
Staying put
Home support
Retirement villages
Common questions about residential care
Lifetime design
Neighbours
Moving
Repairs and maintenance
Money matters
ASB- Keeping your money safe
Enduring Power of Attorney
Going guarantor
Income
Scams
Policy and Research
Latest submission
Research into loneliness
Research into elder abuse
Dignity Champions
Become a Dignity Champion
International Day of Older Persons
About Us
Vision, Mission and Values
History
He Manaakitanga Kaumatua
Staff
Contact Us
Vacancies
Supporters
Board
Skip breadcrumb navigation
Food for thought on Customs and Culture
Customs and culture are like herbs, they deliver a distinctive flavour and colour to life, and can have healing and health-giving properties.
We all have a “culture” - a set of beliefs, values, stories, traditions and customs that we feel most comfortable with. Most of us function quite happily in other cultures, but our own is where we feel ‘at home’, where we understand others and they understand us, where we can truly be ourselves.
Acknowledging the culture we come from and honouring its customs gives us strength, comfort, healing, sharing and meaning.
Don’t spare the herbs in your recipe for life:
•
Tune in to your culture: respect it, celebrate it, cultivate it and pass it on.
•
Preserve your memories of ‘home’ – and tell stories that pass them on.
•
Take part in the ceremonies and rituals that you enjoy.
•
Keep your language alive. Speak it whenever you can - and pass it on.
•
Cook the dishes you love - and pass the recipes on.
•
Immerse yourself in the words, wisdom and stories that give your life meaning.
•
Open yourself to cultures other than your own.
E mamae le tava'e i ona fulu
The tava'e bird takes pride in its feathers
- Samoan proverb expressing the significance of Samoan values to its people
More Recipes for Life
Role models
Curiosity
Generosity
Dignity
Enjoyment
Friendship
Family
Love
Optimism
Plans
Equilibrium
Customs and culture
Adaptability
Mindfulness
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##