Keep your social life strong in later years
What do both young and old people have in common?
Whether we’re in kindergarten or retired, we all need connection. It’s an essential part of being human, this ability to communicate and build friendships with others.
Yet if you’re older, this can sometimes be difficult. Between finishing work, health problems and finances, many things can affect your ability or desire to socialise – but it’s a stage of life where it’s more important than ever to stay connected.
‘‘It’s now understood that social isolation puts you in risk of dementia, heart diseases and issues like depression,’’ says Louise Rees, Manager of Social Connection for Age Concern New Zealand.
While youth experience loneliness more, Louise notes that older people are not immune, with 10.4 per cent of people aged 65-74 and 12.3 per cent of people aged 75+ saying they have felt lonely at least some of the time.
‘‘Loneliness is a bit like pain or hunger, it makes us be aware about what we need to do,’’ Louise says.
Being kind to yourself, staying healthy and having a hobby can help.
‘‘It’s all about planning to make those small meaningful steps towards connection. One really helpful thing is picking up your phone and talking to your local Age Concern. It can be hard to have a conversation about loneliness, but I think we need to start talking about it.’’
For those still working, another great idea is to plan for your retirement by thinking about how you would like your life to look socially and what you could do about it.
Thankfully, in Christchurch there is no shortage of activities for older people or groups which you can join
With something to suit any ability or interest, Christchurch City Council’s Recreation Guide for Older adults is a great resource for people looking for something new to do.
Boasting 28 pages of activities to consider, there’s contacts for every group from cycling to yoga, crafts, leisure croups and more.
If you like getting outside, one of the 53 walking groups in Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri could be for you.
The walks differ in length, but there’s something for any level of fitness, including the popular ‘Walk ‘n’ Talks’. Based out of six local libraries in Beckenham, Fendalton, Halswell, Linwood, New Brighton and Papanui, each event gives opportunities to socialise, with a 30-40 minute walk followed by tea and coffee and regular speakers.
Council’s Community Recreation Advisor, Jacqui Miller, encourages everyone to give it a go and says that it’s really good to try new things at any age.
‘‘My mother was saying that she was encouraged to try Tai Chi for her balance. It wasn’t something she would have ever thought of doing, but she tried it and said she loved it. Sometimes it’s just about trying something new.’’
Jacqui notes that these activities often link back to the ‘Five Ways of Wellbeing’ as defined by the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand: connecting, being active, learning, giving and taking notice.
‘‘It becomes so much more than whatever the activity is – it’s all about the friendships and how you support each other along the way.’’
To find out more about activities in Christchurch or to download the Recreation Guide for Older Adults, visit www.ccc.govt.nz/rec-and-sport/ activities-for-older-adults.
Age Concern Canterbury can be reached at 03 366 0903 or visit www.ageconcerncan.org.nz/