Pat Lawrence (left) and Age Concern Otago volunteer visitor Glynny Kieser met through volunteer visits and have since become firm friends. Older citizens often go unnoticed during the busy Christmas period and a recent University of Otago study has shown that one in five older people are lonely. Age Concern Otago and its volunteers are doing their best to try to combat loneliness through programmes such as their visiting service where older people find companionship with volunteers. For any older people alone on Christmas Day, Ms Kavanagh recommended the community lunch at the Dunedin Town Hall. Age Concern Otago also provides other support programmes such as Meals on Wheels and an active ageing course.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 23, 2017 16:07 UTC