Keeping well and keeping connected

With the warmer months coming in, it’s great to get out and about, but what about making connections? Loneliness and isolation affects a lot of Australians and during the winter months it can be easy to let the social calendar go cold whilst trying to stay warm and dry. 

Summer presents a great opportunity for planning activities to spend quality time with your loved ones and friends indoors, but more so outdoors to take advantage of the warm weather. Connection and socialising are a really important for mental health and wellbeing.

Great activities to organise and plan during the warmer months are walks with a friend or as a group, a picnic outing at the local park or botanical gardens, or even something much closer to home like a catch up with family in the back yard.

There are some excellent community hubs that cater programs for older Australians with social led activities and gatherings, and helps people socialise and stay connected. You can create and maintain positive relationships to improve overall health and wellbeing, no matter your age. Join in an activity or even get involved and volunteer.

Another way to get the mood boost and help keep the feelings of isolation at bay is to stay active, exercising outdoors, and getting some sunshine for a dose of Vitamin D. You only need to spend a short time in the sun to get your daily dose of Vitamin D.

Remember to stay sun safe when you’re outside by applying SPF sunscreen, wearing a wide brimmed hat and clothing to protect your skin.

Find out more connection ideas visit: https://www.irt.org.au/the-good-life/importance-of-social-connections-for-seniors/