Socialising

Social isolation is one of the major problems associated with ageing. Local community organisations for older people offer a range of social centres, transport services and support networks.

• Age Concern operates the Accredited Visiting Service, which arranges for accredited volunteers to provide company and support to older people who live alone.
  
  Age Concern has 35 offices and they're listed in the White Pages. They also have a number of pamphlets, brochures and other resources with helpful tips on ageing.
  
  
• Your local council will be able to tell you about other social groups and activities for older people in your area.
  
  
• SeniorNet offers computer courses for older people - teaching everything from wordprocessing to surfing the internet. The courses range from introductory courses for people who've never used a computer to more specialised workshops on digital photography and genealogy.
  
  Courses usually have no more than six people under the guidance of two tutors who are the same age as those on the course. The courses are run through the network of 84 learning centres. To attend you must sign up to a centre for a year, which costs about $35.
  
  
• U3A runs short courses for older people using the internet. Courses are for enjoyment and interest; tutors are retired people who have an interest in the subject. Courses run for about eight weeks and can cost as little as $30. New Zealand has 53 groups, mainly in the North Island.

Resources

• Age Concern New Zealand (04) 801 9338 www.ageconcern.org.nz
• SeniorNet www.seniornet.org.nz
• U3A www.u3aonline.org.au

Other useful websites:

• www.grownups.co.nz (a website for the over-50s)
• www.eldernet.co.nz
• www.agewell.org.nz