Community

As the COVID19 lockdown is in place across the country it’s given me (Esther Perriam, Director of Eldernet) some time to think about what we’ve done so far, and what we might yet have to do. It’s fair to say, that being a nationwide business based in Christchurch we’ve faced …

Some of the HBR edit staff met virtually the other day — a screen full of faces in a scene becoming more common everywhere. We talked about the content we’re commissioning in this harrowing time of a pandemic and how we can help people. But we also talked about how we were …

With so much information around COVID-19 at the moment it is advisable to make sure you get accurate up to date information.  Here’s the link to the government’s COVID-19 site.  This website tells you everything you need to know on a variety of topics including self-isolation, essential businesses and financial …

It is concerning to hear how often older people say they feel lonely or are isolated. Terms such as a ‘loneliness epidemic’ have emerged in recent years to describe the rising number of people feeling lonely in our communities. How can we then turn the tide on this to ensure …

Feeling not connected to other people and/or feeling lonely can become problematic as we get older. Feeling lonely is different from living alone, where you might still be connected with your community. These feelings may be due to a number of factors e.g. loss of someone close, moving house, loss …

Skype, email and messaging apps can be a great way to connect with loved ones. More and more older people are getting the benefits from using social media. According to a report published by Pew Research Centre in 2015, 35% of all American adults aged 65 and older said they were …

For a number of reasons, Christmas may not be the joyful holiday for older people it is made out to be in film and TV. Loneliness, mobility restrictions and disability may impact on an older persons’ ability to join in with on the Christmas celebrations. Here are a few ideas …

Chronic loneliness is not only horrible to experience day in, day out, it can also have a devastating impact on an older person’s mental and physical health. Studies show that about 10% of those over the age of 65 who live alone experience chronic loneliness. Living in isolation and loneliness …

At a time when we are living longer and healthier lives it is also the case that the glue that formerly kept families together and in communication with one another has been stretched to breaking point. The Care of the Children Act 2004 recognised this evolving family dynamic and the …

Why do we mark International Days? International days are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the …