Programme fights loneliness in elderly
The Salvation Army is fighting loneliness in the elderly with their Senior Services Programme.
The social service sees a volunteer spend time with an elderly person once a week to provide friendship and support, and sometimes transport or an outing.
Pam Wilson volunteered in the programme for three years before her client and friend died.
Initially, the Greenhithe resident would visit for coffee but the pair started venturing to Milford Beach with Wilson’s son Jack.
‘‘She just loved watching Jack collect shells,’’ Wilson says.
‘‘It’s good for the kids to have that friendship with elderly too.’’
Wilson’s friend died two months ago and Wilson says she will volunteer again in time.
‘‘It was nice doing a bit for the world. When you’re helping someone it makes you feel good too,’’ she says.
She says she’d want someone to do the same for her in old age and most people can spare a couple of hours a week.
Hillcrest resident Peg Boulton, 83, is visited by Liz Grossman weekly and says she’s helpful, and life would be lonely without her.
‘‘It’s good to have someone to talk to. When you don’t have family yourself it’s difficult,’’ Boulton says.
After five shoulder operations, the Hillcrest resident finds everyday errands tough and says Grossman also rings throughout the week to see if she needs anything.
Senior Services coordinator Lisa Fe’ao says the programme is important because there’s a strong link between having positive social contact and improved physical health.
An Auckland Council study of 700 Aucklanders found that 9 per cent of residents over 50 were severely lonely and 44.5 per cent