Keeping active: 5 awesome ways to help aged care residents stay social

You don’t stop being social at some stage of your life. However, there is a common misconception that when someone enters old age they suddenly don’t want to make friends anymore.

But this couldn’t be further from the truth, with most elderly people absolutely loving maintaining a social life whether in care or at home.

The best community aged care Wollongong has to offer should be able to encourage elderly people to maintain an active, healthy social life, and they can do so with these helpful methods:

1. Encourage them to join a class

Because it’s never too late to learn something new! Not only this, but continuing education is a fantastic way for elderly people to stay mentally and physically sharp, as not only is learning a new skill great for the mind but it also has a range of physical benefits, too!

So, is there something an elderly person you know has always wanted to learn? Something like learning to paint? Or bake their own bread? Whatever it is, joining a class is a great way for elderly people to be social whilst benefiting their physical and mental health.

2. Encourage them to engage with their friends & family online

The past two years have been especially difficult for the Australian aged care sector for many reasons. One of the main challenges that have faced elderly Australians in the past two years has been communicating with their families whilst in periods of isolation.

And, today, many elderly people and their families continue self-isolation as they are concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic’s continued health risks. Therefore, it might be a good idea to gently encourage any elderly aged care residents you may know to try to communicate with their friends and family via online platforms like Zoom.

3. Help them find an animal friend

If the elderly person or aged care resident is in good health, it may be a good idea to help them find a little furry friend to keep them company. Pets are not only a great source of company for the elderly (and anyone at that!), but they can also help to keep an elderly person active whilst providing them with the purpose to look after them!

So, if the ageing person is up to it, why not help them find a little doggo or kitty to provide each other with some great company?

4. Get back into their passions

If the elderly person is comfortable with getting back into public during the pandemic period, they may love nothing more than taking up one of their old passions or hobbies that the pandemic may have inhibited.

Do they love to fish? Are they fond of tai chi in the park? Do they love getting down to see their local league team play? Whatever their pre-COVID passion, they may be very keen to pick it back up again, and so this could be one of the best ways to reboot their social lives after so much sitting around at home!

5. Encourage them to volunteer

Many retired Australians volunteer as a way of keeping themselves occupied. Not only this, it’s one of the very best ways for them to meet like minded people who are also looking for friendship.

Volunteering at places like op-shops, animal shelters and food drives are great for elderly people who are looking for a sense of purpose with great people they can definitely make friends with.