New Experiences for Older Adults
Across Glen Eden, there are many opportunities for older adults to take part in community activities, from creative groups and social gatherings to learning and wellbeing programmes. These existing spaces play an important role in bringing people together and supporting participation in community life.
Alongside this mahi, Community Waitākere is offering additional opportunities for older adults to explore new interests, learn skills, and spend time with others. As part of an initiative supported by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board, a programme of activities has been shaped by the interests and ideas shared by older adults themselves.
The initiative began with a high tea, bringing older adults together to share experiences, meet others, and talk about the kinds of activities and opportunities they would value. Listening to what people were interested in helped shape the activities that followed — putting into practice Community Waitākere’s commitment to listen first to understand, then act.
The second activity was a paper weaving workshop at Glen Eden Library, giving participants the opportunity to learn a creative skill while spending time together. The workshop offered a chance to try something new, share kōrero, and connect with others around a shared activity.
The third activity focused on mental health and wellbeing, with Becky Rattenbury from Walsh Trust, leading a workshop about stress, how we experience it, and strategies for managing it. The session also included a presentation on sleep, responding to strong interest from participants in the previous activity.
The workshop explored how stress can build up through everyday pressures and affect our wellbeing, while introducing practical tools to help participants recognise and manage it.
“Sometimes we don’t even know that we’re stressed, and we’re just kind of living with it,” Becky shared.
Together, the activities have created different ways for older adults to take part, whether through conversation, creativity, learning a new skill, or exploring practical ways to support their wellbeing. They are also helping Community Waitākere respond to the interests of local older adults while adding to the range of activities already available in the community.