Staying connected as we age is more than a nice to have — it’s essential to our health. Sadly, around one in five Australians over 65 report feeling lonely. Loneliness isn’t just difficult emotionally; it’s linked to higher risks of dementia, heart disease, depression, anxiety, slower recovery from illness, and reduced independence.
Whether you’re reading this for yourself, or because you’re supporting a parent, partner or friend- there are some gentle, practical things we can do to help people stay connected and avoid loneliness 💜🙏
Why staying connected can be hard
From my experience working with older people and families, a few recurring barriers come up:
- Transport limitations — when people are forced to stop driving, public transport isn’t always accessible or safe. Home Care Packages can fund transport to social activities, but often at the cost of other critical support.
- Declining function and health — pain, fatigue, mobility issues, hearing or vision loss make leaving the house tiring or stressful.
- Loss of confidence — time out of social life often makes the thought of joining groups feel daunting.
- Technology gaps — so much is now online, and not everyone has the skills or confidence to use it.
Some affordable, practical ways to reconnect
Here are a few simple, low-cost, and effective ways to help you stay connected as you age 👇
- Volunteer Visitors Scheme — a free program that matches trained volunteers with older people for regular visits or phone chats.
- Local community groups — Men’s Sheds, seniors’ clubs, library programs, hobby groups and faith communities often run social, educational and leisure activities.
- Online connection programs — organisations such as Inclusee offer tailored online activities for older people (travel talks, hobby groups, short courses) and provide training to help people get online. These programs aren’t free but can be paid for through a Home Care Package or accessed for a small fee.
- Practical help to get going — a lift to a first session, a co-attended activity, or a short tech lesson from a family member often removes the hesitation to try something new.
A final, simple truth
Small actions matter 🌸🤗. A single phone call, a shared coffee, or help logging into an online class can change someone’s day — and their health trajectory. Helping older loved ones stay connected is one of the kindest, most effective things we can do. If you’re supporting someone, your time and encouragement will often be the nudge they need. 🫶
“Be the change you want to see in the world” Mahatma Gandhi