HOW TO BEAT LONELINESS

Making social connections with other people is definitely easier if you are mobile and healthy. You might want to consider:

• Contacting the Citizens Advice Bureau to find out about groups and activities in your area. Local libraries can also be a good source of information about book clubs, walking groups, historical societies, gardening clubs etc.

• Getting in touch with organisations like Fellowship New Zealand (formerly Probus) and the University of the Third Age, which offer activities designed to keep retired people mentally stimulated and engaged with each other.

• Volunteering. Offering to help others is a great way of connecting with people. It could mean working for one afternoon a week at a charity shop, driving people to hospital appointments if you’re capable or even being part of a visiting programme.

• If you use social media, looking for local online groups that also meet up in person.

• Getting to know your neighbours.

Check out the Neighbourly website neighbourly.co.nz.

• The Office for Seniors has a guide to social isolation on its website, superseniors. msd.govt.nz, and also provides ideas on how to stay socially connected.

• If it is tricky for you to get out and about, you may be able to get visits in your own home through Age Concern’s Accredited Visitor Service. See ageconcern.org.nz/ ACNZ_Public/Loneliness_and_Social_ Isolation.aspx.

• The Salvation Army runs a visiting programme in some parts of the country. See salvationarmy.org.nz/get-help/ seniors/senior-services-programme.

• If it’s an option, moving to a retirement village can make a big difference. With people of a similar age and onsite activities, there are opportunities aplenty to socialise and make new friends.