Social Relationships are Key to your Quality of Life
Social Relationships are Key to your Quality of Life
Active involvement and participation in a variety of social contexts is known to have health and wellbeing benefits and improve the functional level
of older adults which is associated with their quality of life.
Social relationships are a key component of quality of life for many older people and volunteers who thrive in a collaborative social network.
Loneliness and social isolation can have a serious effect on an individual’s physical, mental and social health. But the risks of social isolation depend not only on who you are, but also on where you live. Also, the long-term effects of solitude can lead to individuals being at even greater risk of loneliness, with a total withdrawal from society.
Here are some simple tips and advice that you will find helpful:
- Ensure your phone contacts are current and up to date withneighbours/GP/Pharmacy/local shop details.
- Recharge your mobile phone regularly.
- Try to connect with people who you haven’t heard from in a while.
- Food is a vital source of energy so ensure you have fresh vegetables and eat a sensible diet – no raiding the fridge or comfort eating with lots of biscuits.
- Remain connected to family and friends through social media: phone calls, email, text, WhatsApp, Skype etc.
- Make sure you have hot and cold drinks regularly throughout the day and keep
As well as your close family, ask friends and neighbours to keep in communication to ensure you have social relationships as community support networks can actually help us stay well and positive when in isolation from others.
Keep a close eye on your stock cupboard and freezer and order food as needed.
Also, to ensure personal safety be extra vigilant when unexpected strangers call.
Consider informing your neighbour if you are expecting a delivery and ask if he/she would be prepared to accept on your behalf.
Make sure you have your prescriptions delivered.
Inactivity can hamper circulation so it’s important to keep your joints moving by simple exercises.
Keep your fingers active by recommencing or learning how to knit, crochet and cross stitch, jigsaw puzzles and crossword books – brilliant for keeping hands and mind active!
Walk or exercise in the fresh air.
If you have an artistic mind, then this maybe the time to start drawing and/or painting in water colours.
Try good old fashion home baking with old and new recipes – it can be extremely therapeutic for some.
Reading is also very relaxing, listen to music, watching old movies/ videos and catch up programmes on television is a way of social connectivity as there is a constant stream of documentaries, drama, current affairs etc.
Take advantage of the Spring weather and make time to repair/clean the garden shed and ensure the lawn mower is ready for action – it may seem rather onerous to begin with, but it is immensely satisfying once you’ve finished spring cleaning your shed.
When we are in an involuntary situation, we may experience a change to our sleep pattern so think about organising a balanced range of activities in your day as outlined above - including physical exercise, connecting with others and pleasant relaxing activities as this may help with sleep quality.
Some people staying at home as part of social distancing may experience a deep sense of loneliness whilst other may experience feelings of anxiousness or worried and its impact on their lives – visit www.mind.org for information regarding social isolation etc
Last but not least: keep active, look after your legs and keep your legs elevated when sitting for long periods and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated
