Most older people want to continue living independently in their own homes for as long as possible. It’s easy to understand why. A familiar environment brings back happy memories, and everyone enjoys having the freedom to stick to their own routines in a private space.

However, there are also risks involved. For example, homes that were easy to navigate for a younger person might become tricky for a senior due to issues like stairs, uneven floors or high-walled bathtubs. Adaptations for safety might be needed.

Similarly, living independently does bring a risk of isolation – which is also dangerous for an older person. There are steps that can help address this concern too. A great network of support can ensure that an elderly person might be alone in their home, but they don’t feel lonely.

How can a senior create a strong support network, and just why does it matter so much? Read on to find out.

How might an older person become socially isolated?

Many aspects of ageing can result in the loss of social contact. These can include:

The loss of a spouse
No longer being able to drive or get places easily
Health conditions that make socialisation and conversation difficult
Retirement, if a person’s workplace was central to their social life
Family members moving away
Difficulties forming new friendships later in life.

Why is it important to take steps to address loneliness and social isolation?

According to the NHS, a lack of social contact can worsen both mental health and physical health.

In fact, the USA’s Center for Disease Control says that older people who were socially isolated had greater risks of problems including:

Dementia
Depression and anxiety
Heart problems
Hospitalisation.

In short, socialisation really matters.

Creating a strong social network to combat social isolation

Fortunately, there are many ways for an older person to broaden and strengthen their social contacts.

Just being around others can help to reduce feelings of loneliness in the short-term. But in the long-term, this can provide an opportunity to make friends or simply get to know people in your area.

If you attend several individual events and meet the same person at more than one of them, you just might have something in common. And it’s a great feeling to be in the supermarket or the high street and run into someone you know. It’s this range of social contacts, from good friends to cheerful acquaintances, that forms the basis for a strong social network.

Here are some ways to get started …

Volunteer

As we’ve already mentioned, retirement can bring loneliness as an older person loses the social environment of their workplace. Many people who find meaning in their work also struggle with not having a sense of purpose after their retirement.

Volunteering can help with both of these issues. It can give structure to an older person’s day or week, mimicking some aspects of work but in a less strenuous manner. It provides natural social interaction and the opportunity to form friendships. And it can also combat low mood by making a senior feel good about their ability to make a difference in the world.

If you’re not sure how to start volunteering, try a simple Google search for volunteering in your county. You could also look for volunteer opportunities with a nearby school or university, your local county council, theatres or arts groups, or an organisation such as the National Trust. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations also has several tools you can use to find volunteer opportunities in your area.

Look into offerings from the Royal Voluntary Service

The Royal Voluntary Service could be a place where you could volunteer, or a place that can provide volunteer services to you.

You can use their tool to find Royal Voluntary Service volunteer opportunities near you.

But it also provides support for the elderly such as Community Companions, who can provide elderly people with a friendly chat or help with minor tasks. The Royal Voluntary Service also runs social clubs and support groups.

Try learning a new skill or hobby, or going back to an old one

Another great way to take advantage of the free time retirement brings is to take up an activity or hobby that’s done in groups. This helps keep your mind active as well as providing an opportunity to make friends and socialise.

A classic activity that’s suited for many older people is tai chi. This is a type of martial arts-based exercise that’s slow and steady, so it can improve balance and strength for the elderly and may lower blood pressure too.

You could also take lessons through the University of the Third Age, which offers classes specifically aimed at older people who are looking for enrichment and enjoyment as they learn.

Take part in community events and join clubs

You might be surprised to find how many free or low-cost events are available near you. Check local bulletin boards or online sources such as Eventbrite to see what’s happening in your area.

Attending a one-off event could provide a starting point for gaining more social contacts. For example, you might find that the event organisers need volunteers for a future event, or that you’re interested in learning more about the skills or ideas mentioned.

Likewise, you can consider joining a social or sports club that’s in your area. The organisation Re-engage offers activity groups specifically designed for people aged 75 and up, and Age UK offers social activity groups, lunch clubs and day centres for elderly people.

Join virtual classes and video calls with friends

If mobility makes some of the above possibilities difficult, there are still lots of ways to build social networks virtually. Re-engage hosts online activity sessions as well as in-person ones, for example. You can also use tools like Zoom or FaceTime to do video calls with friends and loved ones, even when they’re far away.

Consider joining support groups for specific conditions

If you’re dealing with difficulties due to a specific medical condition, you might find support and a sense of community in a support group dedicated to this condition, whether it’s online or offline.

Start by looking up the major UK charity dedicated to the condition and then see what virtual or in-person community activities are available. For example, the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Forum allows users who have dementia or have a loved one with dementia to chat and support one another.

Use services specifically for the elderly experiencing loneliness

In addition to all of these options, there are also services specifically dedicated to helping older people who are feeling socially isolated. They include phone numbers you can call and services where volunteers get in touch with elderly people to provide friendship and socialisation.

The Silver Line is a way to get support, make friends and enjoy conversation over the phone. If you just want to talk to someone at any time, you can call the Silver Line Helpline, which is open at all hours. Alternatively, if you’re aged 60 or older, you can sign up to receive a weekly telephone call just to chat.

Get in touch with others on social media

Don’t forget that social media sites, such as Facebook or X (formerly Twitter), provide great opportunities to converse and connect with others.

Local organisations often have their own Facebook pages where they post events and news. That’s a great place to hear about what’s going on in your community. Or, if you’re an artistic or creative person, you could post photos of your artwork or needlework to X or Instagram.

SureSafe’s protection for seniors living alone

There are many reasons why isolation can be dangerous for seniors. One, of course, is that humans generally need society, so loneliness can damage our mental health. Another is that a person living alone might not have anyone who will realise they need help if a crisis occurs. That can result in situations like a long lie, in which an older person is unable to get up from the floor for an hour or more.

Here, technology like a personal alarm for the elderly provides a solution. The one-touch button featured in SureSafe’s personal alarms allows an older person to call for help by pressing a single button. Whether the crisis is a fall, a sudden health emergency or something else, this type of personal alarm means a senior can raise an alert instantly, without having to find a phone and walk over to it.

Moreover, an alarm with fall detection is designed specifically with falls and long lies in mind. This type of alarm senses that its wearer has fallen and calls for help all by itself, even if the wearer is unconscious.

If you’re an older person living alone who wants the peace of mind a personal alarm provides, get in touch with our experts at SureSafe, a leading provider of personal alarms in the UK. You can call us at 0808 189 1671, speak to us through live chat or request a call back.