AgeConnect Kapiti

The purpose of our "AgeConnect Kapiti" project is "To increase social connections for older people/koroua or kuia in Kapiti", or, to put it another way, to alleviate social isolation and loneliness among older people in Kapiti.

Social isolation is a complex, serious issue. This is recognised world wide with research painting a grim picture and community programmes being established to address the issue. In 2017 the United States Senate Committee on ageing considered the need to elevate loneliness to a public health priority on the same level as smoking and obesity, and the United Kingdom has recently appointed a Minister for Loneliness.

In New Zealand, media commentaries and government briefing papers have portrayed a worrying picture for the wellbeing of those who are lonely and socially isolated;

* "We are set up for a loneliness epidemic that will be as serious a public health issue as obesity, say some experts." (The Listener, February 3, 2018)

* "Social isolation is a key factor for elder abuse and other poor outcomes such as depression and anxiety, alcoholism and dementia and worsening of chronic conditions." (Ministry of Social Development briefing paper to incoming Minister for Seniors 2017)

* "Loneliness can make many conditions worse, including pain, depression, anxiety and respiratory conditions." (Dr Hamish Jamieson, geriatrician and researcher at University of Otago, Christchurch, December 14, 2017)

* ".....research confirms our deepest intuition; Human connection lies at the heart of human well-being. It's up to all of us - doctors, patients, neighbours and communities - to maintain bonds where they're fading and create one's where they haven't existed." ("How social isolation is killing us", article by Dhruv Khullar in the New York Times, December 2016)