Social Connection is one of the things that we at Age Concern Wairarapa focus on, in recognition of the fact that connecting socially is essential to aging well. We also know that those aged 65 and older are at increased risk of social isolation due to the changes that occur at this stage of life.
As we age, connecting can be more challenging due to a range of factors including retirement, changes in residential location, loss of friends and loved ones, changes in health, and younger family being busy themselves. Simultaneously, barriers to social connection are also often increased through changes such as the increasing need to be digitally savvy, losing one’s licence, and living on what can be smaller, fixed incomes.
Social isolation and loneliness can lead to depression and anxiety and in 2021 the World Health Organisation reported an increase in the breadth of health concerns caused by social isolation and loneliness in our older population. Social isolation is understood to reduce the longevity of people through increasing the risk of developing diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and even weakening the immune system. Further, there is a direct link to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia, which increase the risk of such things as being scammed (the focus of my next update).
We understand that connecting socially can be a challenge, but it is worth the effort. To find out what’s out there, check out the “Activities” section of our website https://www.ageconcernwai.org.nz/ or check the “What’s On” section of your local paper. If mobility is an issue, we can help you to get to one of our groups, and we also offer a visiting service so that someone can come to you weekly for a visit.
Go well, Jacqs Wilton
