Volunteer visits easing isolation of elderly

Age Concern Rotorua president Shirley Hatch (left) and member Allan MacKenzie celebrate International Day of the Older Person yesterday. Photo / Ben Fraser

The best thing you can give an elderly person is time, according to an Age Concern spokeswoman in Rotorua.

Age Concern Rotorua celebrated International Day of the Older Person yesterday with speeches and a morning tea at their office on Amohau St.

Age Concern Rotorua manager Hillary Thole spoke during the event and said loneliness in Rotorua was something they wanted to combat.

"[Loneliness] is a serious issue. In an ideal world you would have neighbours visiting elderly but that doesn't happen in today's world, people are too busy."

She said they had recently started a visiting service where volunteers can sign up and meet with older people in Rotorua once a week.

"We would like to grow a really big base of volunteers."

She also said older people could use Age Concern Rotorua as a network, with monthly coffee club meetings.

Age Concern Rotorua accredited visiting service co-ordinator Joanne Bryant said they were currently looking for more volunteers for visiting.

"We would like warm friendly persons who understand people and who have a free hour once a week."

To register your interest or simply to request company call Age Concern Rotorua on (07) 347 1539.

Guest speaker Rotorua MP Todd McClay said caring for older and younger persons strengthened the community, during the event yesterday.

"The more you value the young and the old in the society the richer that society becomes."

Minister for senior citizens Jo Goodhew released a report yesterday, to coincide with International Day of the Older Person, detailing steps currently being taken to help the elderly in New Zealand.

To see the full report visit www.msd.govt.nz/what-we-can-do/seniorcitizens/positive-ageing/connected/index.html.