Social activities at Age Concerns
Each Age Concern offers services and activities based on the needs of older people in the communities they serve. One thing they have in common is that they all have a focus on bringing people together.
Age Concerns offer different group activities ranging from talks on health topics to exercise classes, outings, and regular groups that meet just for a chat and a cup of tea. They can also tell people about activities and services offered by other organisations.
When someone is new to an area, Age Concern is a great place to start. It can be helpful to find a local Age Concern and sign up to their newsletter to know what’s happening in the local area. Here are things older people have told us about taking part in Age Concern activities:
I am going to Age Concern falls prevention classes weekly. Having had a stroke, I am benefitting from the exercises. Living alone, I also enjoy the company and the cup of coffee afterwards.
Why social connection matters
Positive social connections are essential for health and wellbeing as we age. Research shows that both loneliness and social isolation can significantly affect both physical and mental health and make it more likely that an older person will go into aged care.
Social isolation is different from loneliness. We can be isolated (alone) but not feel lonely. We can also feel lonely when there are lots of people around us if the quality and quantity of those relationships are not satisfying our emotional needs.
This can look very different for individuals. Some people are satisfied with a few close relationships with friends and family. Others need a wider social circle to feel sufficiently connected. What we all need, however, is a social network that makes us feel supported, and gives us a sense of belonging.
Social isolation and loneliness can affect anyone at any age, especially during life changes. For older people, things like bereavement, health and mobility issues, hearing loss, needing to move, retirement, caregiving responsibilities, or losing a driving licence can disrupt existing patterns and leave us feeling that we no longer have the social connections that we need.
When that happens, it’s important to do something about it. Social connection is a vital part of healthy ageing helping people stay active, mentally sharp, and emotionally well.
People tell us that connecting with others through an Age Concern activity, boosts their mood, reduces feelings of loneliness, and supports their independence, especially when health changes or a life event have made socialising harder.
When people can’t get out
Sometimes people can’t easily get to a community event or programme. They may be recovering from an injury, living with a disability, not feeling confident enough, or not quite able to find the energy to get out and meet people.
If you are in that situation, do get in touch with Age Concern. Many Age Concerns offer in-home visits from caring volunteers, or they may know of other options and services that can help you.
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