A survey of 268 local seniors has found that access to healthcare and housing are among their top concerns.

The survey into senior needs is the first of its kind to be run in the Upper Clutha in ten years.

Questions focused on the needs of older adults (65+) in the Upper Clutha around three key areas: social participation; health care; and housing. 

The survey was conducted by the Reconnecting Seniors Network with funding from the Ministry of Social Development Office for Seniors’ Age Friendly Fund, and the report was completed by, and administered by evaluation consultant Anna Williams.

The Reconnecting Seniors Network is delivered by Community Networks/LINK.

The survey findings will help inform an age-friendly action plan to increase seniors’ quality of life.

Access to healthcare

“Access to healthcare was the biggest concern for most people,” Community Networks/LINK manager Kate Murray said.

Community Networks/LINK manager Kate Murray said its findings will help inform an age-friendly action plan. PHOTO: Supplied

Forty-seven percent of respondents identified wait times as a barrier to accessing their local GP, 61 percent had travelled to Dunstan, Queenstown or Alexandra for medical or dental services in the past 12 months, and 46 percent had gone to Dunedin or further. 

“Many seniors gave this as a reason for others not to move to the area, while others acknowledged that their choice to live in the area could be to the detriment of their health when access to medical services was required,” Kate said.

Housing

The majority of respondents lived in their own home but almost one-third of the respondents were unhappy with the housing options available in the Upper Clutha.

The most frequent comment was around the need for smaller housing options, like townhouses or small flats suitable for retirees.

More than half the respondents had no plans to move in the next five years and others wanted to downsize or move into a retirement village. 

Just 4.7 percent planned to move out of the Upper Clutha.

Meeting basic and financial needs

While most respondents said they had no current concerns over meeting financial needs, two-thirds of respondents were worried about money to some degree.

From those respondents, 44 percent worried about money ‘a little’, 17 percent ‘a moderate amount’, six percent ‘a lot’, and two percent ‘a great deal’.

There was a lot of positive feedback about living in the Upper Clutha, Kate said. PHOTO: Wānaka App

The cost of living in the area was also mentioned frequently in the open-ended questions. 

When asked how many could meet their food needs (i.e. shopping, cooking, affordability), 99 percent said they could.

Seventy-six percent got support from friends, family or neighbours, mainly for companionship, gardening, house cleaning, food/meals, transportation and shopping.

Community involvement

Most respondents were actively involved in the community, with many commenting on the wide range of activities available for older people in the area.

Eight-four percent of respondents said they had pastimes or interests, 45 percent volunteered and a further six percent were interested in knowing more about volunteer opportunities.

Transport and getting around

Many respondents said while they were able to drive, access to services and opportunities was acceptable and even a benefit of living in Wānaka.

However, some said once they stopped driving, access would become a problem. 

Comments were made about hazardous footpaths and the lack of public transport in the area. 

Parking was also noted as an issue for those less able to walk longer distances.

Living in the Upper Clutha

As a place to live as they age, 17 percent of people said the Upper Clutha was ‘excellent’, 38 percent said it was ‘very good’, 26 percent said it was ‘good’.

“Overall, there was a lot of positive feedback on living in the Upper Clutha as an older adult,” Kate said.

”Many appreciated the scenic beauty, the climate and the beneficial social aspects of our community.”

Next steps

Kate said the report had identified some “key priority areas” to focus on, “particularly around advocating for better access to medical care and housing”.

“Our next step is to use these recommendations to put together an age-friendly action plan, through which we can improve opportunities for our seniors to feel secure; enjoy good health; and continue to participate fully in society.”

She thanked Anna Williams, the Reconnecting Seniors Network, and the seniors who took part in the survey.

Read the full report here.