A request for Peggy squares from premature baby charity the Premmie Knitting Club sparked the imagination of knitters at William Sanders Village in Auckland, who challenged themselves to knit an ambitious 400 squares.

Group members Patsy Davies and Shannon Coleman scoured local op shops for knitting needles, and thanks to generous donations of wool – along with funds to buy more, including a kick-start contribution from village management - the needles were soon clicking away.

Moving into aged care as a couple is a major life change. It often comes with the emotional weight of concerns about independence, health, and the fear of being separated after years of sharing life together. What happens if one person needs a higher level of care than the other? Can you still stay together?

In these situations, exploring supportive, flexible aged care for elderly couples can help meet the needs of both partners, so you can continue living life together, even when your care needs differ.

Glenys Popenhagen has a simple message for anyone putting off a health check because they feel embarrassed: please don’t wait.

Ryman is sharing Glenys’ story during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month as part of its partnership with Bowel Cancer New Zealand, aiming to help normalise conversations about bowel health and encourage early checks.

At some point, many families begin a new conversation, one that’s not about what an ageing parent can no longer do, but about how they want to live next.

For many older adults, assisted living in a serviced apartment is a way to shape that next chapter on their own terms, maintaining independence while enjoying practical supports such as housekeeping and chef‑prepared meals that make daily life easier.