Activities for elderly people: How to combat loneliness

Loneliness is a feeling that many older adults are familiar with. There are many reasons for this, from children leaving home to retirement removing the opportunity to socialise with colleagues. Declining health and mobility can also make it difficult to visit friends and family. 

So, how do you help an elderly person who is lonely? The most important thing is to spend regular quality time with your loved one. However, there are also plenty of age-friendly social activities that offer opportunities to connect with others, from allotment gardening to book clubs. Read on to explore the best activities for elderly people to help combat loneliness.

Get outdoors

Many elderly people live alone, and being stuck inside the same four walls every day can exacerbate feelings of isolation. The simplest and most effective way to combat loneliness is to head outside. No matter what hobbies and interests your elderly loved one has, there are things to do and people to meet outdoors. For example:

• Regular walks in the park with friends and family. If your loved one has difficulties walking long distances, walking aids (such as walking sticks and wheeled walkers) can help. For those with more limited mobility, consider a mobility scooter or a wheelchair suitable for outdoor use. 
• Allotment gardening. This is a rewarding activity that offers both physical activity and social interaction. Managing a plot encourages regular engagement with fellow gardeners, and the end result is delicious food to be shared with family and friends. Gardening aids like easy-grip tools and reachers can help if mobility is holding your loved one back from the hobby they love.
• Birdwatching. This is another relaxing outdoor activity that offers opportunities to socialise with others. The RSPB has local groups across the country that meet frequently to discuss birdwatching spots and rare wildlife.

As well as combating loneliness, getting outdoors can also help your loved one stay active and connect with nature – both of which can improve mental health.

Join a book club

For those who enjoy reading, joining a book club offers excellent opportunities to make new like-minded friends. Libraries and community centres often host book clubs, as do some coffee shops. Look online to find local literature societies near you.

If your loved one finds reading tricky due to vision issues, that doesn’t need to hold them back. There are many reading aids available that can make things easier. A pocket magnifying glass, for example, can fit in a pocket or small handbag; or for reading at home, a dedicated table stand magnifier offers hands-free help. 

As an added benefit, reading has been shown to support cognitive function and may even delay the onset of dementia. Encouraging your loved one to read or join a book club is a great way to help keep their mind active.

Find an arts and crafts course

Arts and crafts are not only therapeutic but also a wonderful way to socialise. Learning new skills is incredibly fulfilling and provides ample opportunities to meet peers with similar interests. Community centres, churches and colleges often run groups specifically aimed at elderly adults. 

There are many different artistic courses and groups to participate in, from painting, pottery and woodworking to candle-making and soap-making. If your loved one is hesitant about committing to regular meetings, they might prefer starting with short workshops until they find something they particularly enjoy. 

Join a knitting circle

Knitting and other needlework activities can be very sociable. Knitting circles welcome members of all skill levels and often contribute to community projects, such as making blankets for hospitals, which adds a charitable aspect to the activity.

For elderly individuals, needlework can be especially rewarding. It keeps the hands nimble, keeps the mind active and provides a sense of accomplishment. Not to mention, it results in a hand-made product that can be worn, displayed or given as a gift to a loved one. 

Join the National Trust

If your loved one enjoys exploring new places, joining the National Trust is a great place to start. Visiting National Trust sites offers countless opportunities to meet new people while enjoying protected historic sites and natural landscapes. 

The National Trust cares for over 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments, gardens and parks, as well as forests, beaches and nature reserves. Members enjoy free access to all these sites, so your loved one may end up meeting some familiar faces.

Start a club

Some places aren’t as well-served as others with local clubs and associations. If that’s the case, starting your own can be a fantastic way to meet others and get involved in the community.

Whether it’s a film club, a gardening group or a bridge club, creating a space for shared interests can attract many like-minded individuals. It can also create a sense of purpose and responsibility, which is something many people struggle with post-retirement.

Whatever activities your loved one wants to explore, you can find the tools you need at Complete Care Shop. Head to our website to browse a wide range of living aids and mobility aids to help elderly individuals stay social and active. Contact us for advice on choosing the right products for your needs.