Life doesn’t have to be like the Celine Dion hit All By Myself when you get older, but sadly in Australia, one in five older people have reported feeling lonely and socially excluded – with this alarming statistic set to dramatically rise with our ageing population.
As a result, many seniors are likely to experience negative physical and mental health problems, including depression and physical and cognitive decline, which require longer-term care. In fact, loneliness increases the risk of dementia by 40 per cent for older Australians, regardless of other circumstances, and has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stress.
Feelings of loneliness and isolation can stem from a lack of strong and meaningful companionship (where the quality of relationships outweighs the quantity), or it can come from the gradual slowing down of life, which tends to happen as we age.
However, there are ways we can combat this situation with these top tips:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As we age, it’s so important to continue to remain connected to friends and loved ones and the world around us for our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
By taking on these practices and activities listed above, people can really help overcome feelings of loneliness. The key to defeating these feelings is to form lasting connections within the local community and to focus energy on bettering one’s self for long-term happiness.