Massey University and Long Bay

A couple of months ago, Jeanne found a flier on a table in our Community Center. It was asking for volunteers, 65 to 80 years of age, to take part in a Massey University study of ageing and health. She decided to participate. 

Accordingly, one day we travelled up to the university and found the building that housed the testing facility. While Jeanne filled out forms, was measured, tested, poked, prodded, scanned and questioned, I continued to ride the buses, finally reaching Long Bay. That's on the Pacific side of the island. 

I took a few pictures that you might enjoy...

The center of campus

We got her there on time. "See you in about six hours, Hon." Good luck.

About 40 minutes later, I arrived here at Long Bay. It was a misty, moisty morning. 

Looking straight out.

Looking north along the beach at high tide.

Looking south

Don't know what that is, some fancy yacht I suppose. I've never seen a ferry like that that I recall. I'll keep my eyes open when I'm around Auckland's harbour again. Maybe I'll spot it. 

Dredging?

As the morning progressed, it became a little clearer. This is an education and recreation center that serves the area.

A group of students is here today to learn kayaking 

As you can see, conditions here are ideal for beginners.  Not only are the waves minimal, it is also very shallow. At low tide, all these paddlers would be sitting on sand.  Those farthest out are in knee-deep water.    

That afternoon, I picked Jeanne up and found her no worse for wear after the experience. A bit tired out and hungry, but pleased that she had taken part. And, she had a $50 grocery coupon in her pocket as a thank-you. 

As a follow up to the study, she had to record everything she ate and drank for the next four days. A couple of weeks later, she also received in the mail a very detailed report and summary of all tests they had taken. She found that she was in pretty good shape. She was instructed to give the report to her doctor during her next scheduled visit. Since then, she and her doctor have used the report to fine-tune her health maintenance program.     -djf