Combating loneliness in older age: 'You have to make the effort'

Every week at a community centre in West Auckland, a bunch of bubbly seniors can be found chatting away and working together on craft projects.

Social group members at Te Manawa have found caffeine, crafting, and good mates to be the cure for loneliness.

Loneliness among older New Zealanders is now at epidemic levels according to Age Concern.

A study by the advocacy group last month showed 59 percent of Kiwis aged 65 and over recently felt lonely or socially isolated.

Helen Brown said she joined a social group because she felt very alone after retiring.

"I was on my own and really depressed.

"My doctor said 'you have to get out of the house and do something' and then I found the knitting group.

"My mental health is a lot better and I've made some awesome friends."

Lorraine O'Connor worried about not having any social interaction as she got older.

"I've got a husband, but once he's gone I will be isolated.

"You don't see your neighbours, nobody. The only other person I see is the girl behind the counter at the supermarket.

"I come to the Good Friends Group. It's great. We just sit and chat and have a laugh."

Fern Clay, who is a widow of five years, said she made sure to stay connected to combat loneliness.

"You can sit there at home and mope or you can get up and do things and meet people.

"You have to make the effort, you have to meet people halfway I've found."

Valerie Foster said she regularly checked her local library notice board to find out what was going on in her community.

"You have to make a conscious effort to get out there and do things rather than sitting at home saying poor me.

"I don't have relatives in New Zealand. I think friends become really important then - having someone to chat to or do things with."

Auckland Council Libraries communities programming lead, Karena Walters, said since Covid-19, they had seen more lonely people arriving at community hubs.

"I remember a group of ladies were in tears. They were so lonely and would talk to staff for hours. But to have friendships is the most important thing."

She said loneliness could be exacerbated over the summer holidays when many groups shut down.

"Over Christmas we know people are far more isolated. Family disappear, they go on holiday. It's a really tough time."

But she said the new year is a great time to get involved in new opportunities.

"If you don't have family around you, if you're a retired person and you find yourself on your own, pop into community centres, houses, hubs, and libraries. There will be a lot of advertising coming out in early December for what will be starting in the new year.

"Have a conversation with someone in one of those places and they'll help find something that works for you.

"Don't sit at home. Take the step and get out there. Over Christmas please don't be lonely just reach out."

Auckland Council senior advisory panel member Claire Dale encouraged people of all ages to be brave and try new things in 2025.

"Visit a local library, phone a friend and arrange to see a movie, volunteer for a charity.

"None of these activities are expensive, many are free, and all are potentially enjoyable."

Dale said studies had shown lonely people ages 60 to 79 were three times more likely to develop dementia than those who were not lonely.

Age Concern chief executive Karen Billings-Jensen said it was important to spread holiday cheer to those who might be feeling low.

"We want to make sure people check in on older people and older people can check on their neighbours when things aren't running.

"Having a cup of tea with someone can make a huge difference in someone's life around combating loneliness."

She encouraged people to contact Age Concern if they or someone they know needed support.

Age Concern provides a visiting service, support services, social activities and more.