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As we age, staying connected with our family, friends, and communities can become more challenging. Retirement, illness, disability, and difficulty getting around can all play a part. And, sadly, Age UK has estimated that there are around 1.4 million chronically lonely older people in England.
However, the health benefits linked with social connection are huge and can significantly improve a person’s quality of life. Maintaining strong relationships can help keep our brains sharp and boost self-esteem. It can also ward off mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, and decrease our risk of conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and dementia.
With this in mind, you may be wondering what you can do to help an older loved one stay connected. We’ve partnered with Chatsie – who provide easy-to-use mobile phones with internet access for seniors – to bring you some of our top tips. Plus, right now, Rest Less members can get an exclusive 10% discount with code: RESTLESS10.
1. Make the most of accessible smart devices
Where face-to-face interactions aren’t possible, staying in touch digitally can help to bridge social gaps. And, luckily, there are plenty of ways to do this – for example, by engaging with social media, joining online groups and classes, and video calling or emailing friends and family.
Some elderly people may hesitate to stay connected with devices like smartphones and tablets because they feel unsure how to use them, don’t trust them, or are worried about cost and making mistakes.
To help with this, Chatsie has created an accessible, easy-to-use smart device that anyone can use. Features include text prompts instead of icons (so the function of each button is as clear as can be), a high-contrast colour scheme and large font sizes (for people with visual impairment), and a text-without-typing function (for anyone who finds typing difficult or painful).
Chatsie phones also come with a stylus (which can be particularly helpful for those living with arthritis) and a case sticker to remind them how to use the on/off and volume buttons. Plus, they can be accessed remotely from the phone or laptop of a carer or loved one, offering users technical support when needed.
While Chatsie phones are easy to set up and use, you may still find it effective to sit down with your loved one and help them brush up on their digital skills – or enrol them in some more formal digital training, such as that offered by Age UK.
From keeping up with current events, managing money through online banking, and accessing health and wellness information, there are plenty of ways getting online can improve people’s quality of life. Plus, your loved one having an accessible smart device can make the following suggestions much easier.
2. Suggest an activity you can do together
One of the best ways older adults can stay connected is by getting involved with regular social activities – something which becomes much easier to organise once your loved one is connected digitally.
However, if your loved one isn’t motivated to get involved in activities on their own (or can’t for other reasons), you could encourage them by doing something together – such as going to a regular class or group. Not only will this allow them to meet new people but also bond with you.
What activity you choose is entirely personal. For example, you could revive one of their old hobbies together, allowing them to impart some wisdom, or take a course to learn something entirely new to both of you. You can find plenty of inspiration in our hobbies and activities section.
If your loved one is housebound, or you live far away from them, why not consider joining an online group that meets regularly, such as our Desert Island Discs, Coffee and Crosswords, and Lunch Clubs over on Rest Less Events?
Volunteering is a great choice of activity because it can provide purpose and encourage the development of meaningful community ties. The shared sense of mission cultivated with fellow volunteers can lead to deeper, stronger relationships. Plus, it can provide a sense of fulfilment and boost self-esteem.
For ideas and to search for roles, head over to our volunteering section.
3. Think about pet adoption
Depending on your loved ones’ situation, adopting a pet can be a great way for them to stay connected – especially if they live alone. Not only can pets give us companionship and unconditional love but they can also provide routine and reasons to keep in touch with the wider community.
For example, daily dog walking can lead to conversations with other owners or people asking to pet their dog – not to mention the health benefits regular walks can bring. Even activities like going to the pet shop to buy food or taking their furry friend to the vet can help foster a sense of connection with their community.
Of course, adopting a pet is a big commitment, so it won’t be right for everyone. However, there are plenty of ways older adults can spend more time with animals (and reap the rewards) without committing to a permanent pet – such as borrowing pets from others.
4. Find out about befriending services
If you’re concerned that an older adult in your life is lonely or socially isolated, you could look into community projects aimed at helping elderly people connect with others.
For example, some charities offer telephone befriending services that connect people with friendly volunteers for regular chats. If your loved one would rather build a connection face-to-face, some also run in-person befriending services, which may involve volunteers visiting them at home or accompanying them on trips to the cinema or a cafe.
Some charities also host monthly social and activity groups for older adults, which give people the opportunity to connect with others and maybe do some gentle exercise.
Different befriending services are available around the UK, so it’s worth having a look online to see which ones your loved one can access.
5. Offer help with transportation
Lack of transportation is a big hurdle for many elderly people – especially those who no longer drive and live in rural areas with little access to buses and trains. So, to help your loved one stay connected with friends, family, and the wider community, you could consider offering some help with transport.
For starters, you might want to suggest giving them a lift to a regular club or social occasion. Not only will this help them maintain connections with others, but the driving time will also give you a chance to spend time together.
However, we understand this might not always be possible. With this in mind, you could look into services that provide cheap or free transport to elderly people. Some charities run door-to-door services that can take older adults to visit loved ones in hospitals and care homes, as well as to shops and healthcare appointments.
Plus, having digital skills and using accessible devices like Chatsie smartphones can make it easier for our loved ones to organise their own transport – for example, through ride-hailing services like Uber.
Final thoughts…
Connections with friends, family, and the wider community can wane with age – but it doesn’t have to be that way.
In fact, there are plenty of ways we can help the older adults in our lives stay connected – from lending a hand with transport to making the most of smart devices specifically designed for later life like Chatsie phones.
Chatsie’s phone and SIM plan costs just £19 per month and includes 4GB of data and unlimited UK calls and text messages. What’s more, Chatsie offers a 30-day cancellation window where your loved one can decide whether it’s right for them.
Have you got any more tips for helping older adults stay connected? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.