Janine Leeden is the senior wellbeing co-ordinator with Tapawera Connect and has been busy creating social and educational platforms for seniors in the township.
With almost 16 per cent of Tapawera’ s population aged 65 or over, she says it’s proving to be popular and beneficial.
“I had older parents growing up and I was their carer in their later years, helping me understand senior social interactions. I’m a nurturer by nature and I just love hanging around our seniors - they have more wisdom, life experience and common sense than most younger people.
“Many of them have come from pioneering stock, which has been lost in the last couple of generations, having farmed these valleys or working in the forestry industry out here.”
Janine explains that she organises and facilitates opportunities for seniors to connect, as well as providing education around relevant topics and services they can access.
“My goal in this role is to not only give these seniors a social platform to break their isolation, but to help inform them about and access services that are available to them.
“Part of this involves me collaborating with those working in places, such as the local doctors and other providers, to think about how we can bring more services to Tapawera to provide easier access for those with limited transport, which effects more than just the seniors here.”
She says that many people probably don’t realise how many challenges and issues seniors can face living rurally.
“Banking is a major issue, with banks removing chequebook facilities, as well as closing down many local branches (e.g., Motueka) and insisting on customers utilising online banking services, despite many not having internet access.”
She says Tapawera currently has no access to public transport options, with many seniors reliant on family, friends, or neighbours to assist them with getting into Motueka or Richmond for a wider variety of groceries, etc.
She says Wakefield medical facilities do a good job providing service to their area, but it can still be a struggle.
“I would like to work with the appropriate agencies to ensure we can support these remote seniors and make this service work well for them in Tapawera. This is in the pipeline.”
The starting point is getting the seniors to connect, which Janine has been busy doing by hosting a range of social activities, including guest speakers and a weekly ‘sit and be fit’ class.
So much has come from what is already on offer and attendance at each activity has grown.
“The changes we have seen in people has been amazing. The seniors have connected really well and thrive on the social interactions as well as the educational format, they all arrive eager to meet with each other,” she says.
“There’s plenty more we could be doing and hope to do, once we get more organisations involved and even a more fit-for-purpose venue. I find it really rewarding watching the ones who take part becoming happier and more engaged.
“I love it when they have a laugh or share a joke. We have a 91-year-old who comes and stirs things up and keeps us on our toes, which does everyone the world of good.”
