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Stories From Our Members

SilverSmart is your community online — a warm place where older New Zealanders share memories, wisdom and experiences. These are your stories.

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We would love to hear your memories, life lessons and experiences. Your story could be featured in our weekly newsletter and win our $50 Community Story of the Month.

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Life Lessons

Wisdom and advice gathered over a lifetime.

Life Lessons

“The Morning I Finally Asked for Help”

I’ve always been one of those people who likes to sort things out myself. If something breaks around the house, I’ll have a go. If I don’t understand something, I usually keep at it until I do. A few weeks ago I received an email that looked like it came from my bank. It said there had been unusual activity on my account and I needed to confirm my details. There was a button underneath saying “Secure My Account”. Normally I might have clicked it, but something didn't feel quite right. So instead of doing anything, I took a screenshot and asked Helen about it. She pointed out the things I should check and suggested I contact my bank using the number I already knew — not anything in the email. The bank confirmed it wasn't from them. What struck me afterwards was how convincing it had looked. I'm not silly and I'm comfortable using a computer, but it still nearly caught me. I suppose that's my lesson from it: asking someone else to have a look isn't admitting you don't know what you're doing. Sometimes a second pair of eyes is exactly what you need.

— Peter, Tauranga

Family Memories

Treasured moments with loved ones.

Family Memories

Video Calling My Grandson in Australia

I hadn't seen my grandson properly in over a year — he moved to Australia for work and I'm useless with technology. My daughter kept saying "just video call him, Mum" like it was the easiest thing in the world. I asked Helen to walk me through it, step by step, and she never once made me feel like I was slow for asking twice. Last Sunday I saw his face on my tablet for the first time in months, and he showed me his new flat. I cried a little, I'll admit it. Thank you, Helen.

— Diane Foster, Nelson

Health Journeys

Encouraging stories about staying well.

Health Journeys

Helen Reminded Me About My Blood Pressure Check

I'm not great at remembering appointments — never have been. I told Helen I needed reminding about my blood pressure check at the doctor's, and she set it up without any fuss. The reminder came through right on time, and I actually turned up for once instead of ringing to reschedule like I usually do. It's a small thing, but it's made a real difference to how on top of things I feel.

— Beverley Chan, Auckland

A General Story

Anything else you would love to share.

A General Story

“I Thought I Needed a New Kitchen”

I had been looking at my kitchen for years thinking it needed replacing. “The cupboards were still perfectly good, but everything looked tired and dated. I started looking at new kitchens and quickly realised how much it could cost. I really didn't want to spend that sort of money.” Then I decided to Ask Ewen, SilverSmart's DIY and home-maintenance Guide. “I took a photo of my kitchen and told Ewen what I didn't like about it and roughly what I was thinking. I said I wanted it lighter and more modern, but I wanted to keep the cost down and use as much of the existing kitchen as possible.” Instead of suggesting she rip everything out, Ewen helped her look at what could be updated rather than replaced. He put together a new look for the kitchen, including suggested paint colours, cabinet finishes, new handles and a few simple changes that could make the room feel completely different. Margaret could even see before-and-after concept pictures showing what the finished kitchen could look like. “That was the part that amazed me. I could actually see the idea before spending any money. We changed a couple of things until I had it just how I wanted.” But it didn't stop with the picture. Ewen prepared a step-by-step project plan covering the order to do the work, what Margaret would need, suggested colours and finishes, and the different stages of the makeover. The completed plan, including the before-and-after pictures, was turned into a PDF that she could receive by email and print out. “I printed it and put it on the kitchen bench. Instead of having all these ideas floating around in my head, I had an actual plan I could follow. I knew what I needed to buy and what order to do everything in.” And perhaps the best part? “I realised I didn't need a whole new kitchen at all. I just needed someone to help me see what I already had differently. Amazing.” Have a room or project you'd like to improve? Take a photo, tell Ewen what you're thinking, and Ask Ewen for some ideas.

— Margaret, Nelson

A General Story

My First Week Online

I was nervous about going online but Silver Smart made everything feel safe and simple. Helen answered every question I had without making me feel silly for asking. Now I use it every day and I feel so much more confident.

— Margaret Thompson, Christchurch

A General Story

The Day I Nearly Got Scammed

I almost fell for a phone scam last year. A very polite young man told me he was from Microsoft and my computer was sending out error signals. I was just reaching for my credit card when my wife walked in and told me to hang up. Silver Smart has taught me exactly what to watch for now.

— Ron Harris, Hamilton

Share Your Story

Your story matters. Share a memory, a life lesson or a moment that shaped you — and join the SilverSmart community.

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