Opening doors for the lonely

While many families found new and fun ways to entertain themselves in their Covid-19 bubbles, it was not so easy for older people, many of whom found loneliness as painful as an illness.

“Desperately missing my children and grandchildren.” “Missing social contact and going out for coffee with friends.” And “I’m finding it hard to deal with loneliness. There are plenty of things to do in my home, but I’m still lonely.”

These are common sentiments for many people aged 70-plus following Covid-19 lockdown and while no-one The Fringe has spoken to is interested in having a ‘poor me pity party,’ it is hard to ignore the depth of emotion coming through.

This is the age group that was advised to stay home as much as possible in the Covid-19 crisis and Age Concern Auckland – among others – is appealing to the community to reach out to the older people in their lives (and their neighbourhoods) on an ongoing basis.

A not-for-profit, charitable organisation, Age Concern is dedicated to promoting the quality of life and well-being of older people, advocating healthy ageing for people of all ages, and helping vulnerable and isolated people in our community. They say it’s crucial we all reach out to the over 70s by phoning or visiting, skyping, checking on them daily and being a friendly and welcoming voice in a time of great uncertainty and anxiety.

During lockdown, the organisation mobilised as many of its 900 volunteers as possible to help those dealing with loneliness and isolation issues and also co-ordinated other organisations and individuals offering support to the elderly.

Many others did the same, and continue to do so post-lockdown.

“Loneliness is an ongoing problem for older people,” says Heather Tanguay, president of Titirangi U3A, an organisation that celebrates life-long learning, with a multitude of activities each month in small, intimate study groups as well as monthly meetings with guest speakers. “We took a very proactive approach from Day One of lockdown. Our committee members kept in touch with all of our 100 members with weekly (or daily) telephone calls. We put out newsletters and our study groups posted information online regarding ballets, concerts, art exhibitions, concerts, virtual travel and quizzes.

“Not all of our members (aged 65-plus) are digitally engaged, and phone calls were the main means of connecting with them. Even local libraries were calling their members. That kind of community support is so important to lots of people living in isolated circumstances.”

With Covid restrictions now mostly behind us, and with developing interest in things high-tech from older age groups, increased technical literacy is attracting new followers.

The SeniorNet concept was first introduced in 1986 in the USA and was first established here in 1992. “It’s seniors teaching seniors, and bringing older adults (ages from 50-plus) and technology together in a friendly, fun and stress-free way,” says local chair June Lay.

“It’s for those who’d like to learn more about technology and what it can do for them. Small, well-organised classes, with volunteer tutors about the same age as their students teach an introduction to computers and surfing the Net but also a vast range of other skills,” she says. With about 140 or so local members SeniorNet is now back in business. It is cost-effective to attend ($5 koha) and there is an open meeting with a guest speaker (and individual instruction) in Kelston each month.

Other groups throughout the community abound. GreyPower, Lions, Rotary, Probus and Rebus clubs all offer the chance to share friendship, support, guest speakers and outings. For some the going is tough these days and new members are welcome.

Launched in the USA 100 years ago, international women’s organisation Zonta started in West Auckland 43 years ago. Originally only for professional women, it now embraces any woman, aged from their 30s to 90s. With only 15 local members, and like many other clubs, it’s fighting for survival. “It’s for like-minded women who want to support other women and girls,” says member Sue Devitt. “A lot of women are looking for fellowship and we support local groups like Family Action and the local Women’s Refuge. Nationally, we support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. There’s the social aspect of fund raising and we have very good guest speakers at our monthly meetings. We’ll always welcome new members.”

Probus (with men’s, ladies and combined clubs) was established in the mid-1960s in England and was originally for retired professionals and business people in retirement who could meet others in similar circumstances and with similar level of interests. They are not so restricted now and a number of local groups aim to bring together healthy minds and active bodies through social interaction and a wide range of activities with other retirees.

West Auckland Men’s Rebus is an off-shoot of Probus. A public service group, it has 60-70 members, mostly retired businessmen who meet monthly in New Lynn for fellowship and fun. Educational and with speakers geared to the members’ age group, it’s non-profit making and always looking for new members.

So while loneliness and isolation are a deep concern for many older people, there are many local clubs and organisations which are keen to welcome those seeking to ease the burden of loneliness.

– Moira Kennedy For more information:

Age Concern West Auckland: 820 0184

Titirangi U3A: Heather – 818 8890

SeniorNet: June – 021 179 3635

Zonta: Sue – 021 521 352

Probus: find local clubs in our places to go section (pages 12-13)

West Auckland Men’s Rebus: Roger – 834 7945

To g e t h er we c a n support local

Your Local Councillors Linda Cooper 021 629 533 – Linda.cooper@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Shane Henderson

021 044 0088 – Shane.Henderson@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz