Silver jubilee for elder charity group

MEMORIES: Annette Peters of Age Concern Wairarapa (WOOPs) arranges a photoboard celebrating 25 years of helping older people in the district.PHOTO/ALISA YONG

A Wairarapa charity serving the elderly is celebrating its silver anniversary this year.

Age Concern Wairarapa is marking a quarter of a century of connecting older people, preventing neglect, and encouraging mobility.

The organisation was formed in 1990 as the Wairarapa Organisation for Older Persons (WOOPs) by a working group led by the District Health Board and headed by patron Sister Monica Landy.

The organisation, which plans regular trips and social events for its members, is planning a silver jubilee ball in September, as well as several themed coffee mornings throughout the year to celebrate its anniversary.

Programme co-ordinator Annette Peters said it was an exciting milestone for the organisation.

"It's brilliant being able to help people - it's wonderful, it's what I love about it ... being able to help people in the community is great."

The organisation has about 350 members around the district and expects membership to increase in the future.

"Some 24 per cent of the population in Wairarapa is over 65 years old. In 10 years that is likely to be over 30 per cent."

Research showed social isolation was a serious problem amongst the elderly, and an important part of their work was helping improve mobility for people who might have lost their licence or ability to get around, Mrs Peters said.

"If they don't get out they start getting isolated. My favourite thing is keeping them mentally and physically active."

The organisation is also an agent for the regional council's total mobility scheme, which provides older people who qualify with subsidised taxis.

Losing your licence could be devastating, Mrs Peters said.

"A lot of people when they are on their own lose their confidence and they don't actually know how to go about making new connections, especially when they are less mobile."

The organisation helps to connect people with a befriending service, regular trips and morning teas.

The events were a hit with members, Mrs Peters said.

"They love it and they pretty much book for every trip they can.

"They just so appreciate it ... even after coffee mornings they ring me up and thank me for it."