NZ Doctor
The impact of loneliness and social isolation on the health outcomes of older New Zealanders has reached epidemic levels, according to a new study.
The research findings have led health advocates to call for the government to establish a Ministerial lead for Loneliness, similar to that found in the United Kingdom and Japan.
The new ‘Breaking Barriers’ study was commissioned by Age Concern Auckland to help address the growing healthcare crisis within the growing demographic of Kiwis aged 65+ and interviewed respondents across the Auckland and Bay of Plenty regions.