Staying connected as your life changes: Tips for Social Engagement

As you get older, certain changes can make it harder for you to stay socially active. You may see fewer people day to day, your children may have moved away, or health difficulties could be restricting you. In this article, we will discuss some of the things you can do to stay connected.

Social groups and activities

Joining a social group or taking part in an activity can help you to meet new people and make friends. It's also a great way to continue with your hobbies, learn skills and pick up new interests.

You could:

• Go out on adventures - Our Out & About day trips involve travelling via bus to various locations in SA to enjoy new experiences and meet new people. This can include anything from a musical performance or theatre show, to enjoying a 3-course meal on a boat cruise. There is something for everyone!
• Be part of a like-minded group - Join a Men’s Shed, walking group, art class (I Create), or knitting class (Needle & Thread).
• Exercise with others - Group exercise classes can motivate you to interact with others while benefiting your physical health.

Embrace online communications

Technology use amongst older adults has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. The best part is that it allows you to be socially active from the comfort of your own home.

• Get dialling - Maybe family and friends have moved away, but that doesn’t mean you need to lose touch. Don’t wait by the phone for others to call you. Take the initiative, and make video calls if possible, so you can not only talk to your loved ones, but also see their faces.
• Participate in virtual group activities - In the past few years, many organisations have embraced virtual formats of their services using internet-based platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet.

Give volunteering a go

Giving back to the community is a wonderful way to strengthen social bonds and meet others interested in similar activities or who share similar values. There are plenty of volunteers over the age of 50 years, and endless opportunities to give back to the community while staying social. 

At Southern Cross Care we offer volunteer roles across a range of areas including:

• Care car drivers - Our Care Car service helps people to visit their family, attend medical appointments and get out and about in their local community.
• Companionship volunteers - Providing companionship to residential care residents who may not have family or friends nearby. This may include chats over coffee, going for walks or visiting people in their rooms.
• Leisure and lifestyle volunteers - Participate in group activities like bingo, trivia, gardening and craft groups.

Visit our volunteering page to see what roles might suit you.

Social support for people with dementia

For people living with dementia, community respite can be an opportunity to enjoy relationships and meaningful activities separate from their family. Respite services can be delivered within the home or at a centre.

• Respite cottages - Our cottages offer day and overnight respite options that can be accessed three to four days per week. Activities are meaningful and engaging, such as Coffee Chat Club, brain training exercises including word puzzles and Bingo, art and sensory pastimes like dancing and sing-alongs, and strength and balance sessions in the gym with a personal trainer.
• The Buddy Program - Our Buddy Support Workers can provide up to 10 hours of one-on-one respite a week, providing companionship and supporting engagement in meaningful activities.

For more information about any of these options call our friendly team on 1800 852 772.

Sources:

• https://swsphn.com.au/primary-care-resources/live-well-healthy-ageing-program/staying-connected-to-others/
• https://www.independentage.org/get-advice/wellbeing/relationships/staying-connected
• https://www.helpguide.org/articles/alzheimers-dementia-aging/staying-healthy-as-you-age.htm