- AgeConcernrunsa
free Accredited Visiting
Service, which arranges
for volunteers to visit a
lonely person aged 65
and over for about an
hour a week to chat and
enjoy shared interests.
See ageconcern.org.nz- Hono Mai is an online
resource with lots
of information and
advice for older people
who are feeling lonely
and isolated. See
honomai.nz
- Hono Mai is an online
Starting over
on your own
ME, MYSE LF & I
socially isolated can be
as bad for your health as
smoking 15 cigarettes a
day. It’s associated with
an increased risk of heart
disease, stroke, depression,
anxiety and cognitive
decline. Another study
found that lonely people
have a 64% increased risk
of developing dementia,
which is thought to be
partly due to a lack of
mental stimulation.
Meanwhile, research
carried out at the University
of Otago has foundADVERTISING PROMOTIONLIFE IS FOR
LEARNING
Retirement is a great time to
learn a new skill in the company
of like-minded, friendly people
and keep mentally active at the
same time.
In a Ryman village, there are
any number of activities on offer
and groups to join. From creative
writing to computer technology,
singing groups and learning a
new language, there is something
for everyone, whether you’re a
beginner or experienced. Or you
could start a new group yourself.
Learning to knit, for example,
is a great way to make new
connections in the brain, while
research has found there are
numerous health bene ts from
getting your needles out on
a regular basis.
Ryman has partnered with
knitting network Peggy & Friends
in Your Community, which
makes blankets for vulnerable
children, to set up new groups
in its villages.
Coordinator Lynn Dawson
says, “I knew of a woman who
was plagued by arthritis and
the knitting helped straighten
her ngers out. And it’s also
great for staving off dementia
illnesses – so we knit
every day!”choir and an exercise group,
as well as continuing outside
interests such as belonging to
a gardening club.
“If you make an effort, it does
help with loneliness. I am used
to being on my own now and
I don’t mind the quiet times; I like
my own company. But you do
need to make social connections
because otherwise you could
end up feeling lonely.”
Loneliness is a real problem
for elderly people, especially
those who are on their own
because their partner has died.
A US study found that feelingA
HELPING
HAND