The Importance of Companionship

Social interactions and mental health

Social interaction and companionship are crucial to maintaining good mental health, and helping to prevent cognitive decline. A Trinity College study found that nearly half a million people in Ireland suffer from loneliness. The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) previously reported that more than 37% of people aged 50 and over felt lonely often or some of the time and that this figure rose to 45% after the age of 74.  Participants from rural areas (6.5%) were less likely than those from Dublin City or County (10.4%) to be in the most isolated group.

With this in mind, Dovida has outlined five methods to help you to be proactive in building and maintaining social connections.

Connect with neighbours in your community

Stay in regular touch with a neighbour or friend. This could be a chat over a cup of tea or garden wall.

Being part of a group comes with an enormous sense of belonging. Why not call down to your community centre, sports club, library or theatre group and see what you can sign up for.

Exercise together

Exercise is a fantastic mood booster, having a positive impact on mind, body and soul.  It’s even better if you have someone to do it with. You could make an exercise date with a friend, neighbour or companion. It doesn’t have to be complicated – you can walk around your garden a few times with a neighbour or nearby friend, or maybe go up and down the footpath as much as you can – it all helps. However, don’t forget to check in with a medical professional if you are getting back into exercising after illness, an accident, or just a break from exercising.

Pick up the phone

Write down the names of an old friend and resolve to get in touch. We often forget that it’s great to catch up on the phone, and there are certainly less technological challenges! If you’re not sure what to say to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, write down your best memory of them. Then you can ring them up and say, “I was just remembering that time you… and it made me pick up the phone to see how you are.” Memories really are the best conversation starter! Your old friend will really appreciate the gesture, and you will likely find your relationship picks up where you left off.

Write a letter

There is nothing like receiving a letter, though we receive so few nowadays. A letter or postcard is still a conversation that you are initiating and is a lovely way of reaching out and saying hello to somebody. There is no rush – you can take your time if writing by hand has become more difficult. Additionally, writing is great for your co-ordination, as well as being fantastic stimulation for your brain.

Read a book together

How does reading a book count as a form of companionship? Well, you can start a new book club with friends and family and make a social group of it. Set a book to read with a couple of friends and talk about the plot over the phone or in person. A family book club is a great activity to do with older grandchildren. It’s so interesting reading bestsellers for teenagers or young adults, and then talking about them while you all read them at the same rate. Some aspects of storytelling have changed – and many others have stayed the same! It’s a great way to stay connected with younger members of your extended family, and to keep your young readers reading.

Need help getting started?

Dovida Caregivers can take you for a drive, or to a café, shops or movies, accompany you when you’re walking your dog – the list is endless. If you’re into arts and crafts, they can help you get it all set up (and clean up) so you can really get into it. If gardening is your thing, they’ll help you with digging, weeding and watering. Even for older adults whose family members are close by, a Caregiver can help reduce loneliness and keep you happy and busy on days that can otherwise be difficult to fill.