25 May, 2022 CareYourWay Team 7 min read (909 words)

8 Valuable Tips to Combat Loneliness

Loneliness is something that we all experience at one time or another. We've assembled 8 useful tips to help you socialise more.

Introduction

Feeling lonely affects most of us at some point in our lives, and is a common feeling as we get older and circumstances change. Our families grow and flee the nest, nearby friends and neighbours relocate and friendships can often drift.

But living in 2022, with all the technology we now have access to means we can maintain these relationships no matter the distance. There are apps and tools for communication we can utilise to stay close and connected. There are many ways to combat loneliness we have listed a few options for you if you find yourself looking to be more sociable.

Online Socialising

It’s great to have visitors and chat over a cup of tea, but life can sometimes get in the way or there may be obstacles causing you to be unable to leave the house. One option is to make yourself a beverage and have a virtual catch up with an old friend or relative in the comfort of your own home.

You can video call via your mobile device or skype on a tablet or computer. There are apps you can use to stay connected such as Whats App and social media, now may be the time to open an account if you haven’t done so before. If you are unsure how to access these programmes and apps, it might be a good idea to ask a younger relative or neighbour to assist you.

Head to the Cinema

If you are a film buff why not take a trip to the cinema? This is an activity that you can do solo or with friends.

Larger cinemas typically offer special screenings for over 60’s at discounted rates, and most also provide tea and biscuits included in the ticket price. This gives you a great chance to mingle with fellow movie goers before and after the film.

Cinemas tend to show classic and modern movies usually during the day, and some provide added facilities such as subtitles, audio descriptions and hearing devices so everyone can get involved.

Take a Local Class

Retirement is a great time to gain a new skill or pick up an old one you didn't previously have time for.

Do you fancy getting your Picasso on? Take a class at your local art centre! They regularly offer classes once a week or once a month for courses on drawing, painting and craft clubs.

You can learn something new, get creative and meet new people. Van Gogh for it!

Join a Local Group or Club

Do you have a hobby that you already enjoy on your own? Why not turn that hobby into a social activity! 

Your local council website is a good place to start to find local clubs and societies. They often meet just once a week, so it won’t take too much of your time and gives you something fun to look forward to.

You may also find more information at your local library, or older persons organisation.

Volunteer

Get involved in your community - volunteering is a rewarding opportunity to help others in your local area you can gain new experiences and it will keep you active and social.

Check with your local charities, as they offer volunteering opportunities such as reception and administration duties, fundraising and even gardening roles.

Befriending Services

Befriending offers supportive, reliable relationships through volunteers, you can either find a befriender or become one. The role of a befriender is primarily about social contact, rather than doing practical jobs like driving, shopping or DIY or providing other types of care. Go to www.befriending.co.uk to find this service in your location.

The Silver Line is a free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and support to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Age UK offer a face-to-face befriending service this a volunteer befriender visiting an someone in their home, for a cup of tea and a chat, or accompanying them to an activity such as the theatre.

Join a Dance or Fitness Class

A fantastic way to stay fit whilst engaging with others, there are a number of group classes available no matter your fitness level. If you have joint or dexterity difficulties, enquire with your local gym or leisure centre for aqua aerobics, gentle Pilates and low intensity yoga.

If gardening is more your form of exercise, you can apply to your local council for an allotment. This can get you out the house and allow you to meet fellow gardeners.

Home Care

Our home care offers one on one personal attention ranging from 30 minutes a week, to multiple visits throughout a day to overnight support offering companionship and social interaction.

During our selection process, we look for people who enjoy similar interests, so we can find the right person to support you.

We are very strong advocates in the benefits of person-centred, relationship-led care, so we will strive to ensure that you receive familiar faces who you'll come to know and trust.

This article was last updated on May 25th 2022 by CareYourWay Team

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