There is a long-standing assumption that most Pasifika seniors are OK and do not generally experience loneliness. This is because Pasifika seniors are more likely to be cared for by their families, in many cases even living with them. As religion plays an important role in many Pacific nations, seniors will often also be connected to a local church.
Porirua is considered New Zealand’s second largest concentration area of Pacific peoples, making up 60% of the total population in Eastern Porirua (Waitangirua, Cannons Creek). This is much higher than the national average of 8%.
A year ago, we started working with local Pasifika agencies and community groups in Porirua to learn more about the needs of Pasifika seniors and whether loneliness was an issue. We learned that while some seniors are OK and do have adequate social connection in their lives, many do not.
It is not uncommon for seniors to stay at home alone all day as their children go to work and their grandchildren to school. Mobility problems or a disability can perpetuate the problem of isolation and loneliness. Other challenges some seniors are facing can include elder abuse, lack of transport, food security and accessibility, housing and legal issues relating to finances and wills. Many agencies are already working to help alleviate some of these issues, but we’ve found that there are not many social connection opportunities specifically designed for seniors.
Out of this has come a vision for a social connection service to help Pasifika seniors connect with others and with community leaders, learn new things, have fun and enjoy good food with friends. Our goal is to help end loneliness for Pasifika seniors in Porirua and help them get the support they need to live full and happy lives.
It’s not something we can do alone – so we are partnering with Atamu EFKS Porirua, a faith-based charity in Waitangirua. Working together, and co-designing the service with seniors in the community, we hope to be able to help alleviate the problem of loneliness for many.
We have received seed funding from the Office For Seniors, Rotary Wellington and Wellington Community Fund to help launch this service. Plans are to host our first event in April.
We look forward to updating you on this special new project.