No-one to check in.
No-one to laugh with.
For too many older New Zealanders, this is their reality.
At Age Concern New Zealand, we believe that ageing should be filled with connection, purpose and dignity.
That’s why we work behind the scenes to help ensure older people across the country don’t have to face life alone.
We fund, guide and strengthen the delivery of social connection programmes throughout our Age Concern network.
These programmes aren’t just about passing time. They’re about rekindling joy, restoring confidence and reminding people that they matter.
A simple visit, a shared laugh, a phone call, these moments can be life-changing.
Loneliness is not just emotional, it affects physical health, memory and even life expectancy.
In 2023, the New Zealand General Social Survey found that over 11% of people over 65 were feeling lonely most, all, or some of the time.
In the same year, the New Zealand Social Wellbeing Agency reported that 17% of older people were experiencing social connection vulnerability.
In the 12 months to June 30, 2025, Age Concern provided much-needed company and support to 3133 older people across New Zealand, making 46,188 visits and 18,821 calls.
We received 1424 referrals for our visiting services, resulting in 944 new clients.
Each year, we undertake case studies to provide a snapshot of our impact and ensure our services continue to make a positive difference in communities. Of the 133 people who participated in our survey, 95.2% said they felt happier due to the support they received and 92.1% feel less lonely.
We are delighted to be making a difference in so many lives.
We also asked visiting services volunteers how they felt.
These are people who generously gifted their time to others.
A majority (99.2%) of volunteers we surveyed would recommend volunteering at Age Concern to others.
If you’re keen to learn more, please get in touch with your local Age Concern.
Visiting services volunteers are trained and supported, and it is an enjoyable part of their lives.
Sixty percent have volunteered for more than five years. Will 2025 be marked as your first year of volunteering with Age Concern?
■ Di’s husband had died a year before she was referred to the visiting service. She was feeling depressed, her adult children had moved out and she felt very lonely and isolated.
She rarely cooked for herself, slept most of the day and didn’t attend any community events.
The visiting services co-ordinator arranged for a Total Mobility assessment and matched Di with a volunteer who spoke her language.
Initially, they communicated by phone, as Di was hesitant to meet in person. Gradually, things changed, Di invited her volunteer for coffee, and now they attend an art class together.
Di also phones her volunteer when she needs support.
She has started going to an exercise class with her neighbour and her mood and health are greatly improved.
(Names and some details have been changed to respect people’s privacy.)
— Source: Age Concern New Zealand
