Social Connections Essential At Any Age
Finding and maintaining strong social connections can be a challenge at any age. And unfortunately, according to survey data, the number of Australians feeling lonely is increasing.
Loneliness and isolation can be real threats to our physical, emotional and mental health, and particularly as we get older and our mobility decreases, or we find ourselves living in a new environment or experiencing loss, it can be a real challenge to find or maintain these social connections or have the desire to.
Transitions like retirement, the loss of a driving licence, moving house or loss of a partner relative or close friend can have a significant effect.
On the flip side, the benefits of building and maintaining strong social relationships and feeling part of a community are well proven, including lower rates of anxiety and depression, healthier self-esteem, stronger immunity and disease recovery, and generally a longer and happier life.
So, if you are experiencing loneliness, what steps can you take?
The first step, according to Beyond Blue is to take stock of your current level of connection. Consider all the ways that you are currently connected with people. How often do you get together with family and friends? Weekly, monthly or yearly? How often do you stop for a quick chat with another person or talk to someone on the phone? Do you belong to any groups or have activities or interests or attend events big or small? Are you online?
When you reflect on this, you can consider if you are as connected as you’d like to be, and this can be a great step in appreciating the connections you do have or identifying how you might want to feel more connected.
It’s so important to speak up. If there is someone in your life who cares about you, like a daughter or son or friend, talking about your feelings is so helpful.
Or if you‘d prefer, speak to your Doctor or a professional. It’s so important to speak to someone so you can share your feelings and gain clarity on what you can do.
And it’s good to remember to start small. There could be someone you just wave to and you could decide that next time you see them you’ll just chat about the weather or ask them about their day. Small steps taken regularly can build your ability to move outside that comfort zone of yours and when you are connecting with someone, positive hormones flood your body and you feel more vibrant and healthy.
Another great tip is to think of ways you can support other people. When we consider how we can support a cause or join in on activities that help others, the feeling of contribution can lift our energy and our mood and rekindle those feelings of self-worth.
The next step could be to make a plan. Beyond Blue offers a great guide to help you stay connected that includes a step by step plan – you can find it at https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/older-people/connections-matter.
Jo Devin, co founder Positive Living Skills
www.positivelivingskills.com.au