The epidemic hitting older Australians and what you can do to protect yourself

As the saying goes, “no man is an island,” but while studies show we thrive in groups, many older Australians are becoming increasingly isolated. Recent research reveals that 28.5 per cent of those over 60 experience some degree of loneliness.

With our population ageing, health professionals have warned that loneliness could become the next major health epidemic of the 21st century.

Researchers from Monash University have now cautioned that Australia is ill-prepared to handle the economic and social fallout from this looming epidemic.

In a new article published in the Medical Journal of Australia, Monash University academics Dr. Lidia Engel and Professor Catherine Mihalopoulos emphasise that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. They highlight the need to consider a variety of factors.

“A growing body of evidence has highlighted the significant health burden associated with loneliness, with more recent studies also suggesting that loneliness has become an economic problem due to an increase in service use and demand for institutional care,” they wrote.

“This development requires both effective and cost-effective strategies to tackle loneliness.”

Loneliness is closely tied to chronic disease, and chronic disease often leads to increased social isolation, creating a vicious cycle of worsening health and further isolation.

In fact, loneliness is estimated to have cost Australia $2.7 billion, with one-third of that expense going toward treating Australians over the age of 55.

“There has been a growing number of studies showing that loneliness is associated with greater health service use, such as doctor visits, emergency department visits and hospital admissions,” they added.

The good news is there are things you can do now that may help you avoid the loneliness trap. You can find inspiration with these top tips:

Continue learning

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Use this time, especially when you feel lonely, to learn something new. Whether it’s a new language, learning how to paint like Picasso, further studies, starting a new hobby, or undertaking a new project, all are great ways to stimulate our minds and increase energy and enthusiasm, while putting time into meaningful and engaging activities.

The other benefit of activities like these is the opportunity to meet like-minded people who share similar interests and passions and who may want more meaningful connections. Bonding over a mutual hobby is a great way to form new relationships with others.

Sign up for group classes and activities

Another effective way to fight loneliness and isolation is through structured group activities, especially those that involve physical exercise.

We all know the amazing benefits of exercise, including better sleep, weight management, a boost in energy levels and critical thinking, and a reduction in health conditions such as heart disease. Another key advantage of regular group exercise is social interaction.

Joining a fitness class with people of similar ages and interests will make exercise more fun and combat any feelings of loneliness too. So, consider trying walking groups or aqua aerobics classes or other activities in the local community that pique your interest.

Embrace technology

The digital world can be somewhat scary for some seniors but post-pandemic many of us are more comfortable with video calls via Zoom, Facetime or Skype. For those who are still unsure about technology, now is the perfect time to build confidence and skills across a range of platforms. Belonging to one of the most adaptive generations in history, it doesn’t take long to handle a smartphone with ease.

Embracing and adapting to new technologies and digital platforms allows seniors to get in touch with friends and loved ones around the world quickly and more often. Social and digital technologies helped us stay connected –and the connectivity options are endless!  For example, WhatsApp for free instant messaging and Facebook for interest groups and reconnecting with old friends.

Practice mindfulness

Mindful practices such as meditation and breathing exercises are great tools to help battle the negative mental, emotional and physical side effects of loneliness and isolation. Turning to these practices can help people uncover where their feelings are coming from, and how to better connect and engage with the world around them. Many forms of yoga combine meditation with exercise for a mental and physical health win.

Tap into local community resources

From seniors centres to volunteer and transportation programs, the local community has an abundance of resources that seniors can use when feelings of loneliness and isolation are heightened. In fact, there are plenty of community services designed specifically to meet the needs of seniors, all of which will certainly help strengthen people’s connections to and within the community.

Another great way to meet like-minded over-60s right around Australia is at your local Starts at 60 Meet Up event. Hosted by volunteers from the Starts at 60 community, Starts at 60 Meet Ups takes place once a month across the country where attendees catch up over coffee or lunch, and most importantly good company. Most events are held at the same location on the same day of each month so you can get to know a group near you and build friendships in your own community.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.