Loneliness is a common thing and can make you feel very unhappy. Everyone can feel lonely at
some point in their lives, even if they are surrounded by people who care about them.
Here are some positive ideas that might help to prevent loneliness:
Connect with people
Spend time with friends and family.
Talk to people you meet when out and about. For instance, when you’re on the bus or at
the shops, try to start a conversation with someone.
Reconnect with old friends through letters or social media.
Get involved with your local community. You could, for example, go to church, join
social groups, volunteer, befriend someone, and/or support your neighbours.
Use local transport links. If you need some support with covering the cost of public
transport, the following sites might have the information you need:
Join shared interest groups, such as art, music or poetry groups or participate in an
intergenerational program with younger people. Most areas have adult education groups
where you can learn a new skill with others who are also learning. The University of the
Third Age (U3A) is a movement of retired and semi-retired people who come together to
continue their educational, social and creative interests in a friendly and informal
environment.
LiveUp is an Australian Government funded site that provides information on social
activities. Socialising boosts your mood, supports overall health, and can help prevent
disease. Explore LiveUp’s Social Activities database to find events that bring you
closer to your healthy ageing goals https://www.liveup.org.au/activities/search
Take up a new hobby or learning course and meet new people.
Use technology
There are many guides you can find online for help with using technology and the internet.
Department of Social Services Be Connected program aims to increase the confidence, skills
and online safety of older Australians when using digital technology https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/ . Another organisation National
Seniors Australia provide assistance for older Australians to get online https://nationalseniors.com.au/technology. There are also private
companies who will set up your technology for you and provide support on how to use emails
or make video calls.
Stay in contact by regularly using the phone or making video calls using Skype or
FaceTime.
Try social network websites such as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Social network
sites usually have a help or a ‘how to’ section somewhere on their home page.
Text or email your friends and family.
Phones, computers and tablets are all great ways to keep in touch with people when you
can’t be there with them. If you need help finding the right equipment or software for
you, then go to a high street technology store or ask your friends or family.
Help For Carers
If you care for or look after someone, it is common to feel isolated or lonely yourself. You
can find advice and support and local groups via https://www.carergateway.gov.au/
Local support groups, home visiting and befriending can be of considerable benefit to carers
by providing some opportunity for short breaks from their caring role and supporting carers
to access a range of community based support services.
Where you can get more help
Lifeline
Lifeline is a national charity supporting all Australians experiencing emotional distress. It
runs a 24-hour crisis line on 13 11 14.
Their website has some information about loneliness and isolation that may be helpful.
Health Direct is a government funded service providing approved health information and advice. They have a section on loneliness and isolation that may be helpful for you.