5 Ways to Avoid Social Isolation in Older Adults | Loneliness Awareness Week

Here at Vivant, we recognise the importance of initiatives such as Loneliness Awareness Week to remind us all of the basic human need for connection.

In home care especially, the silent plight of social isolation in older adults feels prevalent; however, it doesn’t have to be that way.

We sat down with our founder and CEO Louise to find out how caregivers can make a difference, supporting their clients to form those all-important social connections and engage in activities that bring them joy. 

1. Group Outings

“To alleviate loneliness, group outings are incredibly effective,” Louise shared with us, “as these experiences break routine and create opportunities for new friendships to form.” 

If you’re a caregiver, consider arranging visits to local community centres, parks, or cultural events. Tailoring these trips to your clients’ interests is a great way to create meaningful interactions for them. 

2. Collaborative Challenges

Why not try group challenges to build a sense of community amongst your clients? Louise suggests anything from simple fitness activities like gardening to more creative endeavours such as an art project or cooking contest. 

Plus, group challenges can easily be adjusted to suit different physical and cognitive abilities, making sure everyone involved feels included and valued.

3. Leveraging Technology

Louise also recommends making the most of the new digital technologies available to avoid social isolation in older adults.

“Something like a virtual reality experience can whisk your clients away to places they’ve never been before, or allow them to enjoy concerts and exhibitions from home,” she said.  

Social media and video calling apps like Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime are great too for incorporating regular face-to-face interactions and maintaining family bonds and friendships despite geographical distance. 

4. Pen Friends

For those who’d prefer to spend a little less time looking at a screen, the charm of handwritten letters holds strong in an era dominated by digital communication.

As a caregiver, setting up a pen pal scheme for your clients can spark new friendships for them and offer a nostalgic way to stay in touch. 

This could even extend to finding international pen friends, which opens a window to different cultures for those who spend much of their time at home, bringing a taste of the world to their doorstep.

5. Book Clubs

“You can’t go wrong with a book club,” Louise told us, “as they provide the perfect combination of mental stimulation and social interaction.” 

Readers can explore new ideas together, sharing personal reflections and takeaways from the book of the month in a low-stakes, welcoming environment.

For any clients unable to leave their homes, virtual book clubs are an accessible alternative, using platforms such as Zoom or Skype to host the discussion. 

Tackling loneliness in home care is about more than just filling time. It’s a way to enrich client’s lives and improve their wellbeing. 

By remembering these 5 ways to avoid social isolation in older adults during Loneliness Awareness Week and beyond, caregivers can support their clients to become a part of a more connected and joyful community. 

To make an enquiry about our luxury home care services in London, contact our friendly team today. 

Alternatively, you can read our previous blog to discover a bonus 7th way to avoid social isolation: by engaging in philanthropy.