Publish date: 1 May 2024
The importance of maintaining social connections as your care needs change
Social connectedness is an important part of human life. In fact, research has found that a lack of social connection can increase the risk of premature mortality in much the same way as poor physical health.
It’s not uncommon for people to associate ageing with increased levels of loneliness and social isolation. As we age, friends and family members pass away, and we may develop physical impairments that make it harder to maintain our independence and social participation.
However, with a bit of planning and research, your changing circumstances need not be a barrier to a rich social life. Home Care makes it easier to access support services, like transport, that can keep you active in the communities that are important to you.
Remember that ‘success’ in the social sphere doesn’t mean you have to make lots of new friends or join multiple social groups. Instead, it means being part of communities, big or small, that help you feel more connected and less isolated.
If you’re a bit unsure where to start with building up your social connections, this blog will provide some simple tips to get you started.
How to maintain social connections
- Health and fitness
Being active is essential for maintaining your physical and mental strength. It’s also a great opportunity to spend time with friends and build new connections. From hiking and swimming to yoga and going to the gym, making exercise a social activity is a fantastic way to motivate yourself to stick to your fitness routine.
The Australian Government’s Choose Health: Be Active is an excellent resource for staying active as you get older. The guide provides detailed information on incorporating at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical exercise into your daily routine.
- Social clubs
Joining social clubs helps you build new connections with people at a similar stage of life. It’s also a great way to be part of a larger social group without the hassle of organising group catchups yourself.
At Bethanie, our Social Centres are professionally run community hubs for people over the age of 65. We offer a flexible program of events and activities, as well as nutritious meals and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Bethanie Social Centres are open to all recipients of our Home Care Services .
- Hobbies
Similar to social clubs, being part of hobbyist communities provides an opportunity to bond with like-minded people over shared interests. Whether you participate in these groups online or in person, the connections you build can be incredibly rewarding and help motivate you to stick to your hobbies as you get older.
Staying Social with Home Care support
Many of the barriers to remaining social as we age are logistical in nature. No longer being able to drive or finding it difficult to access public transport can have wide-reaching effects on your ability to maintain social connections and participate in the community. Home Care support can help you overcome these roadblocks by making transport concerns a thing of the past.
At Bethanie, we work closely with you to pinpoint your social priorities and offer support that is specifically designed to meet your individual needs. With the assistance of our trustworthy and experienced care workers, you or your loved one can continue to enjoy your lifestyle and stay connected with the community.
Would you or a loved one benefit from Bethanie’s Home Care Services? Get in touch with our specialised team today.
