People wanted for Pilot Programme

This article has been submitted by a GrownUps member. GrownUps accepts no liability for its content and the views and information contained within are not necessarily those of the GrownUps website.

At present, research into geriatric medicine is dominated by attempts to treat conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, that mostly afflict the elderly. But with the demographic time bomb ticking loudly, politicians and research leaders are beginning to recognise the need to investigate environmental factors that allow people to remain healthy and active into their eighties and beyond.

Research has shown that a socially active older person has less chance of developing depression and other mental disorders associated with aging. There is no doubt that feeling useful, remaining active and the maintenance of a mutually supportive web of relationships protects against depression and premature aging.

I have worked extensively as a registered counsellor, group facilitator and trainer for over 20 years.
Over the past few years I have seen a growing number of 'well elders' living alone in the city and dealing with loneliness, waning confidence and lack of family and social supports.

I believe these people would benefit greatly from a custom designed programme focused on improving quality of life and maintaining a presence / mana within their community.

There would be numerous benefits for participants, such as building confidence, creating a support and social network, discussing topics relative to their age group and having a sense of contribution and value in helping to design their own programme.

I am wanting to set up a 20 week pilot programme starting in October initially based in Central Auckland and aimed at the promotion of positive mental health amongst people over 60 living within the community.

The programme will encompose social, creative, educative and wellness objectives.

Participants will be encouraged to keep contact with others within the group as a social and support network throughout the programme and to continue after the programme is finished.
The goal of the group is to become self supporting and self directing.

We will work in conjunction with local senior care and service groups, doctors, counsellors, budgetting service etc, refering on participants when these needs arise.

I am seeking two things for this to happen.

Firstly, seniors who would like to be a part of this exciting pilot programme.
The pilot group would ideally consist of 15 - 20 well elders (60+ men and women) living alone or without regular family or community support.

I am also seeking an exclusive sponsorship of $2,000. This would cover the running costs and development of the 20 week programme. The sponsor will be identified in any publicity including newspaper, flyers, online and other forms of promotion relating to the group.

Once the pilot programme has been evaluated and the final programme outline has been finalised based on feedback from the group, our sponsor will be given the first opportunity to continue to sponsor the actual programme if they so wish.

At that stage we will also be eligible for funding to help set up further similar groups in other areas within the Auckland District and beyond.

Ideally this programme would continue to be run under the umbrella of an established organisation who support the needs and culture of our senior citizens wanting to stay in their own homes.

I thank you for the opportunity to share this information with you and hope you may be able to support this worthwhile project.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions.

Thank you,

Jaqui Barrett (MNZAC)

jaquib@xtra.co.nz
www.rhythmdotcom.com

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