With growing awareness of loneliness and social isolation among older New Zealanders, retirement villages are increasingly focused on strengthening social connection and community engagement.
Age Concern research shows approximately 10% of New Zealanders over 65 feel lonely all or most of the time, rising to 50% among those over 80. Alden’s Rosedale Retirement Village in Albany has introduced several initiatives to support connection, including fortnightly Friday morning visits from four- and five-year-olds at nearby Lollipops Educare Albany. Launched last November, the visits are part of the village’s wider focus on wellbeing. Research from Ageing Well, Age Concern New Zealand and the World Health Organization shows intergenerational programmes can reduce isolation and depression while improving mood, wellbeing and sense of purpose.
The visits have quickly become a favourite. The atmosphere shifts the moment the children arrive, with games, singing, and lively conversation filling the room. Staff say residents visibly brighten, becoming more social and emotionally engaged.
There are benefits for the children too, including increased empathy, confidence and social understanding. Lollipops Albany centre manager Cindy Naidoo says the visits are eagerly anticipated. “When the kids get back, they draw pictures about their experiences to share with family and teachers,” she says. “They light up when it’s time to visit and often talk about their friends at Rosedale.”
Rosedale Village activities coordinator Jolene says the programme is one of the most rewarding parts of village life. “The most touching moments come at the end, when the children rush over to say goodbye with hugs. You can see how much joy it brings everyone,” she says.
Alongside the visits, the village hosts canine therapy groups, entertainers and community visitors to keep residents connected. There are also movie nights, bingo, karaoke, art, cooking and exercise sessions, as well as barbecues and regular outings, including scenic drives and trips to malls, cafés and local thrift stores.
Rosedale also provides continuity of care, with an on-site residential hospital unit offering hospital-level and specialist care if residents’ needs change. This allows them to remain in a familiar environment and maintain routines and relationships.
Alden is one of New Zealand’s largest family-owned providers of retirement living and aged care, offering independent living, rest home care, hospital-level care and specialist dementia services across a nationwide network of villages and care homes.
Rosedale Village
255 Rosedale Road, Albany
09 414 1144
alden.co.nz
