The importance of companionship

What’s the background?

The World Health Organisation states that many older adults are at risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Aware’s older adults research states that 1 in 3 older adults experience loneliness and isolation, with one third experiencing mild to moderate levels of depression, and two fifths with mild to moderate anxiety.

Social connections are important for our physical and mental health, and with this in mind, Dovida has outlined five methods to help you to be proactive in building and maintain social connections.

“Being part of a group comes with an enormous sense of belonging.”

Connect with neighbours and 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, men’s shed, 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.

“I was just remembering that time you… and it made me pick up the phone to see how you are.”

Pick up the phone

Write down the names of an old friend and decide 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.

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’s Caregivers are here to help. They 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.