A 2021 study analysing 730 comments from Kiwis aged 55-85 found some main concerns included isolation from family and access to medical help. Photo / Getty Images
A 2021 study analysing 730 comments from Kiwis aged 55-85 found some main concerns included isolation from family and access to medical help. Photo / Getty Images
For one Bay resident accustomed to driving from home to Pukekohe for the chance to see her granddaughter dance ballet for two minutes, the past two years have been challenging.
"I've lost children, so seeing my surviving children is very important to me," said the 72-year-old and grandmother of eight.
"I'm not a person who gets depressed or down but slowly I got to the stage that I wasn't interested in going anywhere."
The resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the pandemic had posed a challenge for her mental health from the beginning.
"The day we went into lockdown was a big birthday for me," she said.
"The celebrations had to be canned and it was made worse by the fact that my previous big birthday was also cancelled because of a sickness in the family.
"I got really down about that."
The resident said that even if a celebration was held a year later, the experience was not the same.
The resident said being involved with Grey Power had helped.
"It's been good, being down there and helping people."
She said talking to the Grey Power community showed her others were "in the same boat".
"It's very common. I know people who haven't been able to see their parents in rest homes.
"At some ages, you don't know how long you're going to have those members of your family around for. So time is precious."
She felt that anyone leaning towards more serious mental health difficulties would have trouble readjusting over the next year or so.
"I'll be fine, though."
Massey University School of Psychology professor Christine Stephens. Photo / Supplied
In a study of 730 comments from New Zealanders aged 55-85, Massey University School of Psychology professor Christine Stephens found many participants reported experiencing mental health strain as a result of their experience of the pandemic, particularly around lockdown.
"[These included] concerns about isolation from family members and friends, or difficulties with shopping and accessing medical services," Stephens wrote about the study in a paper published in August last year.
"Those aged over 70 often expressed resentment about being singled out as vulnerable and told to stay at home."
Three Lakes Clinic GP Dr Cate Mills. Photo / Supplied
Rotorua's Three Lakes Clinic GP Dr Cate Mills said she had noticed an increase in patients presenting with loneliness in the past two years, particularly her nursing home patients who had been isolated from their families.
"Part of the problem is recognising that there is a mental health struggle," Mills said.
"It can show in stress, worry, feeling flat, tired or unmotivated. [But] they're a generation of people who are used to just getting on with it."
Mills said older people were more likely to minimise their struggles and often did not have the language to describe their emotional challenges.
When asked how family and community members could support their loved ones in this age group, Mills said it was all about "connection".
"Older people's wellbeing is enhanced with connection."
Mills recommended checking in often and supporting older community members in their use of technology.
"My older patients who know how to use an iPad can experience more happiness through that learning and can use it to connect with others."
New Zealand Association of Counsellors president Christine Macfarlane says people older than 65 need better mental health care. Photo / File
New Zealand Association of Counsellors president Christine Macfarlane said routine, social connection and physical exercise were also important for anyone's positive mood and general wellbeing.
"[The pandemic] has definitely had an impact, particularly for people who are living on their own."
Macfarlane said isolation from loved ones and routine social activities had led to a deterioration in people's physical and mental health and it was harder for older people to bounce back.
"In terms of elderly people, it's an area where we don't have a lot of support services available.
"It's almost like a forgotten demographic [for mental health care]."
Macfarlane said older people were often more in need of mental health support.
"They worry about being a burden to their whānau and they don't share as much.
"They don't want to tell you how hard it's been because they don't want them to worry."
Macfarlane said the effects of the pandemic will be evident in all the generations who lived through it and it was important to acknowledge that.
"We can't expect people to go back to the way they were. We're all changed from this.
"[Recovery] is not just about going on a holiday. We need to do little things like instigate family dinners, picnics or go to the movies.
"Regularity is key."
Where to get help
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
For counselling and support Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Need to talk? Call or text 1737 Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202
For children and young people Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234 What's Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm) The Lowdown: Text 5626 or webchat
For help with specific issues Alcohol and Drug Helpline: Call 0800 787 797 Anxiety Helpline: Call 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY) OutLine: Call 0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE) (6pm-9pm) Safe to talk (sexual harm): Call 0800 044 334 or text 4334 All services are free and available 24/7 unless otherwise specified.
