More help is on the way to increase social connection and mental wellbeing support for senior residents in the Upper Clutha.

The Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group and the Champion for Older Persons Group have joined forces to bring Wānaka a 12-month programme which supports ‘active ageing’, social participation and healthy lifestyles - and encourages seniors to feel connected and involved in their local community.

Community Networks/LINK is one of 10 organisations which makes up the Champions for Older Persons Group and manager Kate Murray said the organisation’s priority group was those aged 65 and older.

“Covid-19 has left a significant number of this age group feeling increasingly isolated, lonely, vulnerable, and anxious about venturing out while we have others who are already active in the community but are seeking more opportunities to engage,” she said. 

Community Networks/LINK manager Kate Murray said Covid-19 has left a significant number of residents over 65 isolated, lonely and vulnerable and the new programme plans to help address this.

Funding, which is being provided by Te Hau Hoka, will allow for a broad programme designed to reach as many seniors as possible.

“Initiatives are often limited because of financial constraints so with this funding we can better promote existing events and programmes as well as planning some great new events and activities - some in the person's own home, and some out in the community,” Kate said.

The funding will support ongoing events like monthly lunches, independent living seminars, and the library’s digital drop-in sessions as well as one-off events like dinner and/or dance events and social outings which can be repeated if successful. 

It may also assist with scoping work on a senior-focused “playground” to help older residents maintain fitness and enhance mobility as they age, Kate said.

Another area of focus will be on increasing companionship and connection and growing the number of older people being visited, by expanding the home-based connection and support volunteer visiting service and building on other volunteer initiatives including Food for Love, Meals on Wheels, Age Concern, and the library’s ‘My Book Bag’ service. 

“Our aim is to create more opportunities for personal interaction, connection, enjoyment, learning and fun which will reduce loneliness and isolation,” Kate said. “The net effect will be an improvement in older people's wellbeing, enabling them to stay happily in their own homes and feel connected with their communities.”

The Champion for Older Persons Group also includes Age Concern, St John, Aspiring Enliven, Wānaka Medical Centre, Alzheimer’s Society, Volunteering South, Queenstown Lakes District Council and Food for Love.

Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group Chair Adell Cox said she was really impressed by the shared vision and collaboration of the Champion for Older Persons Group.

“It’s a wonderful initiative to help boost wellbeing opportunities and connections for seniors.”

PHOTO: Supplied