Keeping connected

E oho! Maranga mai! Tīnihia ō kaka! Me tae mai hoki!

“Wake up, get up, dress up and show up!”

Sometimes life events can mean that older people have less contact with others than they’d like. We asked our SeniorVoice group for suggestions on ways to keep involved.

This list of 40 tips summarises what they told us:

Walk the talk

Go for a walk in your local neighbourhood every day, look around you, smile at people and say good morning/morena

People who have dogs like to talk about them and this can be a good conversation starter

If you live in the city visit somewhere different everyday e.g. museum, library, the church. Have a coffee and be open to talking to others

Make regular trips to the dairy or bakery and get to know the shop owners

Keep up with current events through the media so that you have things to talk about

Visit elderly neighbours, become friends and suggest an afternoon for cards, chat or to teach each other something new.

Make cultural/spiritual links

Visit local marae and see what’s happening

Churches and places of religious worship often have groups you can join and they may offer lifts

They may need volunteers to help with the newsletter or assisting with youth groups.

Use the phone – it's a great asset

Find out when are good times to phone friends and family/whanau

Form a telephone ‘tree’ – a group of people organise themselves so they can phone each other and spread news

Have a phone friend you ring regularly

Use technology

New technology can make it easier to stay in touch with family/whanau even if they are far away

If it's within your budget consider getting a laptop or desktop computer and a broadband connection

Use email, messaging or Skype (free international calls which can include video so you see each other on the screen while talking)

Libraries can provide access if you have not got a computer

Get a mobile phone and text the grandchildren/mokopuna.

Age Concern

Your local Age Concern is your first port of call when you need information, advice referral or support

They know what your local community can offer you and can help you make the links

Ask to receive their newsletter (there may be a small membership fee). It will be packed with local news.

Consider other clubs and groups

Your library or community centre can also tell you the groups and activities in your area

Free local community papers are a great source of information about what’s on

If you need transport to a group ask them about community transport or arrangements for lifts

Marae welcome older Maori. Often there are regular social groups, trips and outings, and health and keep fit sessions

Follow your interests: join a book club, a sewing group, a music group a political campaign or a church group. If there isn’t one that appeals to you try setting one up

Maintain your existing social circle and use them as a bridge to find out about activities and groups in the area.  Its easier to go along if there is someone you know to introduce you.

Get fit as well as make friends

Join a walking group, dance class, kaumatua group, tai chi or whatever takes your fancyThere are also lots of groups for people who need gentler exercise.  Ask Age Concern for information and also about transport if needed.

Keep learning

To learn something new try SeniorNet, University of the Third Age or a Probus club. These provide social contact and mental stimulation

Enrol in a course and learn something new or do something that you have always wanted to do but never got around to

Age Concern organises talks and seminars on topics of interest, often about how to maximise your health and wellbeing

There may be opportunities to pass on your skills such as budgeting, gardening and cooking to others through organisations like SuperGrans.

Volunteer or gift your time

Age Concern and other community organisations welcome voluntary help in all sorts of roles, from labouring to governance

Consider becoming a volunteer visitor with Age Concern’s Accredited Visitor Service and make a new friend as well as helping someone else. Or if you can’t get out and about maybe Age Concern can send a visitor to you

Ask Age Concern if there’s a Men’s Shed near you.  These workshops make items needed in the community as well as providing a social opportunity for the members

Offer your time to a local school. volunteers are always welcome for walking school buses, hearing children read, or helping in the library

Churches have health and social service groups

Many rest homes welcome volunteers and visitors can become friends and help relieve the isolation that some residents feel.

And last but not least…

Live where you are near to the people, activities and facilities that are important to you.

Further information

Talk to your local Age Concern.

Acknowledgment

Age Concern New Zealand is very grateful to the Age Concern SeniorVoice group who provided a wealth of good ideas for this information sheet.