BUSINESS
The Importance Of Staying Socially Connected The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the issue of loneliness and isolation for older people. A significant portion of older people constantly live with loneliness and isolation, with 1 in 5 older people experiencing it at a level that detrimentally impacts on their physical and mental wellbeing, however lockdown has exacerbated the issue for many.
KEVIN LAMB CEO, Age Concern Auckland
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Village Business
ocial connection is a core psychological need. People need to feel they belong to a group and feel connected to other people. The sudden loss of our usual routines, which can happen during periods of lockdown, can put an increased number of older people at risk of feeling lonely and socially disconnected. For many older people not being able to spend time with family and friends is the hardest part of lockdown and the consequences of this can be serious. Research shows that older people who are lonely are more likely to develop serious physical and mental health problems including strokes, heart problems and dementia.
Many of New Zealand’s aged care facilities are usually thriving social hubs with large friend groups, clubs, games and activities to participate in. But this can’t be the case during level 4 and level 3 lockdown when residents become restricted to household bubbles and must socially distance when they leave for essential reasons and light exercise. Residents who live alone will miss the vital social connection they normally get. Loneliness and isolation for older people not digitally connected is worse. Aged Care Facilities have done a great job of providing digital social connectively during lockdowns to mitigate loneliness and isolation. With facilities providing online learning opportunities, games, chats and even wine-tasting! Digital connection also allows
