Needs Analysis for Older People in Wanaka and Upper Clutha

With the support of Lottery funding, the work reported here was conducted to document the needs of older adults in the Upper Clutha. Particular efforts were made to include outlying areas of Hawea, Luggate and Makarora. Over an 18-month period from 2011 to 2013, interviews were completed with 72 older adults (including four couples) and 48 interviewees participated in focus groups. Results offer both “glass half empty” and “glass half full” perspectives on the situations of older adults in this community. By most measures the majority of those surveyed were coping adequately; at the same time a significant minority was not. These “high risk” older adults reported unmet needs and a sense of social isolation.