Covid-19 has prompted unexpected change to our way of life in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly in regard to those aged 60 years and over. Women’s Health Action surveyed 209 women living in Aotearoa New Zealand on their information and support needs during Covid-19.
The key themes that emerged from this survey were;
- More than half of the respondents reported that Covid-19 had affected their current situation (51%).
- A majority of respondents reported that their support networks had been impacted (79%).
- 9% of respondents had had trouble getting in touch with their GP or other medical professional, mostly due to practices not answering their phones or calls going to voicemail.
- Respondents detailed a range of impacts related to their work. Some respondents – though capable of work – had been asked by their employers to stop work because of their age or immunocompromised status. Some respondents who were “essential workers” had made the decision to retire early, out of fear of contracting the virus.
- There is some concern about the ability to access online “click and collect” and delivery from grocery providers. Several respondents who needed or wanted to shop online due to their age or immunocompromised status reported that they could not access these services due to wait times or inability to secure a time slot.
Read the summary report here: