Howick’s first Virtual Village event on 30 November
East Health Trust and HBH Senior Living have established a ‘Virtual Village’ for seniors in Howick. Based on successful virtual villages overseas, this initiative is designed to support older people in the community to age well and overcome loneliness and social isolation.
The aim is to create new ways of meeting the needs of older people and to ensure that Howick is an age-friendly community where older people are supported to age well. In the words of Helen L’Orange who founded Sydney’s first Virtual Village, “It is a mutual organisation of people in neighbouring suburbs who support each other to enjoy life, stay healthy and remain in their own homes for as long as they can.”
Local resident and Virtual Village establishment committee member, Paul Cressey
believes it’s a great idea. “As our seniors population expands, the effects of loneliness and isolation on health and wellbeing will be reduced through the network of connections and shared experiences within the virtual village.”
The Howick Virtual Village is holding a transport information morning for seniors on Friday 30th November 2018, from 10.30am to 12pm. It’s designed to help seniors understand their transport options if they can’t drive now or in the future. If you’re interested in attending or would like to know more, please contact Lee.Warmington@hbh.org.nz or phone 09 528 0827.
