Healthy ageing – stay involved

Humans are social animals#

We all need contact and connection with others to feel good about life. This matters even more once the social contact that comes with working has gone. Low income, reduced mobility because of illness, or a lack of access to transport can leave some people at home alone with little to do.

When this happens, retirement may lead to social isolation, loneliness and depression. The good news is that there are many ways to stay connected with the world around you.

Staying involved in the wider community#

Reaching out to the people and places around you offers fun, a sense of achievement, social contact and mental stimulation. If health problems make it harder to take part, work closely with your doctor to manage existing conditions, and ask about self-help steps that can help you cope better day to day.

Look after your health#

Good health makes it easier to stay active and involved.

• Have regular check-ups with your doctor and keep up to date with recommended health screenings and eye tests.
• Keep active. Aim for a regular exercise routine that suits your lifestyle and fitness level. Around 30 minutes a day is a good goal. See your doctor first if you are just starting out or have not exercised for a while.
• Choose activities you enjoy, such as walking, strength training, dancing or water aerobics. Everyday tasks like gardening, washing the car or housework also keep you moving.
• Eat a healthy diet, avoid smoking and limit how much alcohol you drink.

Exercise improves your physical health and also boosts thinking skills such as memory and reasoning. If you feel persistently sad or low, see your doctor.

Keep your brain active#

• Take a break from the television and from social media.
• Stimulate your mind with reading, crosswords, word games, number puzzles or board games.
• Enjoy lively conversation. It is effective and enjoyable exercise for the brain.

Widen your circle of friends#

Friendships and social connections are good for your health and wellbeing. It is rewarding to put time, effort and care into the relationships you already have, particularly with family. New friendships can also energise your life and open the door to fresh experiences. A new friend’s passion for a hobby, for example, may inspire you to try it yourself.

Ways to meet more people include:

• Ask people you already know to introduce you to friends of theirs.
• Look out for clubs, associations and groups that meet in your neighbourhood, and join one that shares your interests.
• Use this time to take up an interest or hobby you never had time for while working or raising a family.
• Enrol in a local course. Continuing your education with a short course or further study is also a good way to meet like-minded people.

Volunteer in your community#

Volunteering is a great way to get involved locally or in an area that interests you. Many community organisations and volunteer centres are keen to hear from older people and to benefit from the skills and knowledge you bring.

Research shows volunteering brings many personal benefits, including:

• Increased confidence
• A sense of personal achievement and satisfaction
• The chance to learn new skills
• New friendships
• Feeling good about making a difference to others’ lives

Help in the classroom#

Primary and secondary schools often welcome help from unpaid volunteers. You could support students with classroom activities such as reading, mathematics or art, work in the library, or help improve the school grounds. Students benefit a great deal from older volunteers, and your own grandchildren’s school may be a good place to start.

Become a mentor#

Retirement does not mean your career knowledge has to go to waste. As a mentor, an experienced person helps someone less experienced work towards their goals. You could join a mentoring programme or contact a former employer and offer to mentor one of their up-and-coming staff.

A mentor usually spends a small, set amount of time with the person they are mentoring to help show them the ropes. Mentoring can be especially meaningful for people who held responsible or challenging jobs and find it hard to replace their careers with leisure activities alone.

Get computer savvy#

Being online gives quick, easy access to a huge range of opportunities. You can:

• Keep in touch with friends by email or social media.
• Join groups to meet new people.
• Follow a hobby or subject through an online club and meet others with the same interest.
• Find information on almost any topic, and take online courses.

The internet is especially valuable if a physical disability makes it hard to leave the house. To build your confidence:

• Ask your local library or community centre about suitable courses.
• Ask younger family members, who are often very comfortable with technology, for a lesson or two.
• If you do not have a computer, use the free computers at your local library. You might also let family and friends know you would like a computer or tablet, as you may inherit one when someone upgrades.

Key points#

• Staying socially involved supports both mental and physical health as you age.
• Manage existing health conditions with your doctor and keep up regular check-ups and screenings.
• Keep active, eat well, and keep your brain stimulated.
• Widen your circle of friends, volunteer, mentor others and learn to use technology to stay connected.

Where to get help#