Loneliness and social isolation in older adults are being tackled through a new project from the Tairāwhiti Positive Ageing Trust and the Sunshine Service.

Judy Livingston, spokesperson for the Tairāwhiti Positive Ageing Trust, said people could become socially isolated for a variety of reasons, such as getting older or weaker, no longer being the hub of their family, leaving the workplace, the deaths of spouses and friends, or through disability or illness.

“Someone who’s lonely probably finds it hard to reach out as there is a stigma surrounding loneliness, and older people tend not to ask for help because they have too much pride.

“The trust has been discussing how to address this significant issue, especially for those in care.”

Their discussions led to contacting the Sunshine Service to talk about the issue and how it could be resolved.

A pilot “Tiki Tours” programme was formulated, with the trust donating $5000 to support its delivery during 2024 — after which it will be re-evaluated.

The programme will target seniors in lifecare facilities who have no local family or who do not get out to community groups and activities.

“These tours will offer an opportunity, once a month, to take seniors out and about and show them what is happening in Gisborne  — for example, the new Kiwa Pools or maybe drive past their former homes or drive to the beach and perhaps have an ice cream.”

Sunshine Service manager David Dewar said the organisation was “delighted” to be able to offer the new pilot programme to seniors in Gisborne.

“Our volunteer drivers and helpers who know what is proposed have expressed interest in being involved.”

He also said the Sunshine Service always wanted new volunteer drivers and helpers, so if anyone was interested then to contact him to find out more.

Ms Livingston said anyone interested in finding out more about the Tairāwhiti Positive Ageing Trust or wanting to be involved could contact her or Nona Aston, the trust chair.