Community and peer groups

While not as obvious as a cut or bruise, social isolation and loneliness can affect both your mental and physical health. They are considered significant health and wellbeing issues because of the impact they have on peoples’ lives.

While there a range of complex factors that lead to social isolation and feelings of loneliness, research has suggested that living alone is a key factor – while other studies have found that older people are more likely to feel alone. Does that sound like anyone you know?

This is why it is so important to make sure people are connected through community and peer groups, which can provide a network of support. Being part of a community provides a sense of belonging and social connectedness – and they can be created through just about anything, whether that is a shared location, hobbies, lived experiences and backgrounds, or a common cause. This is vital, especially when 20% of older Australians rate their sense of connection to the local community as poor.

For many people, communicating with others can help them to have a healthier mindset, improved self-worth, and greater enjoyment of life, which is even more important as we age. Around one-third of Australian adults are not involved in any social or community groups – and there are so many out there. So, do you know if the older person in your life is socially isolated? If they are, then there is help available.