‘Loneliness, isolation’ still a worry for the elderly
The wave of kindness that swept the country during the first Covid-19 lockdown has dramatically dwindled, in the view of oneManawatū organisation.
Checking on neighbours, volunteering to help others and being kindwere features of the first Covid-19 lockdown, but it did not last, says Age Concern Palmerston North manager Marian Dean.
The March 2020 lockdown saw a dramatic increase in the number of people wanting to volunteer and provide support to others, with Age Concern establishing its Phone a Friend programme to cater to demand, Dean said.
But, this situation was not replicated in the second lockdown, when those over 70 were not asked to stay in their homes, she said.
Now the messagewas for everyone to monitor their own health and manage their own risks, Dean was concerned the message of looking out for others may have been lost.
Lonelinesswas a particular worry, with Age Concern commissioning research from Massey University’s Department of Psychology in 2020 on levels of loneliness in Manawatū.
Loneliness levels appeared comparatively high in the region, with 43% of respondents reporting moderate or high levels of loneliness, according to researchers Mike Birchall and Christine Stephens.
A similar study of Kāpiti Coast residents found 21% experienced moderate or high levels of loneliness.
Stephens’ research showed higher levels of neighbourhood social cohesion helped prevent loneliness because ‘‘as people feel increasingly connected to and trusting of their neighbourhood, their risk of loneliness decreases’’.
Stephens co-authored a soonto-be released report on the shortterm impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and response on older adults, Findings from the Health,
Work and Retirement Study, with findings showing mixed results.
Overall, loneliness levels did not increase during the first lockdown.
‘‘It seems that older people are more resilient than expected,’’ Stephens said.
The report suggested experience of life challenges and previous disasters helped build resilience, as did support provided by family, friends, community groups and government agencies.
Thosewith pre-existing inequalities such as poverty, mental health and housing were found to be worse off.
Age Concern launched AgeConnect in February, a programme using a community development model to reduce the impact of loneliness and isolation in older people.
Lonelinesswas an area of concern globally, withWHO releasing a report on social isolation among older people last year.
New Zealand’s first aged care commissioner, Carolyn Cooper, started her role inMarch.