HealthInfo Canterbury
Loneliness and social isolation
Mokemoketanga me te whakataratahi
We all experience a feeling of loneliness and social isolation in our lives at times.
Loneliness and social isolation are two different issues, but they're often related. Both can have a negative impact on physical and mental health.
Loneliness happens when you have a lack of connection or contact with other people. Sometimes, people can feel lonely without being socially isolated. For example, feeling lonely in a crowd of people.
Social isolation is a lack of contact with your whānau (family), friends or community. It's also possible to be socially isolated and not feel lonely. For example, someone living on their own without feeling lonely.
It isn't uncommon for older people to have feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
Reasons for loneliness and social isolation
Feelings of loneliness and social isolation are often triggered by factors including:
- age
- being widowed
- being separated or divorced
- living alone
- having a disability or mobility issues.
Women sometimes report feeling more lonely than men.
Some carers that spend a lot of time supporting their partner or whānau member at home may feel socially isolated. If this is the case, you may be eligible for support so you can have some time out to connect with others and do things you enjoy. Contact your general practice team to discuss some support.
Self-care for loneliness and social isolation
If you're lonely, there are ways to help you connect with others. Some good tips to keep engaged include:
Connect with whānau or friends
Your whānau and friends could really appreciate receiving an invitation to visit. Or you could keep in touch by telephone.
Volunteer
Consider sharing your skills and time with people in your community. There may be a lonely person in your community who would love a regular visit or phone call. Alternatively, you could consider volunteering your time and skills to organisations such as Age Concern, Volunteering Canterbury, local schools or kindergartens.
Use a computer to get online
If whānau or friends live a distance away, computers are great to help keep in touch.
If you don't have the skills to use computers, perhaps you could consider taking a course to help you learn. Libraries and community centres often hold regular training courses.
Join a group
There are many other activities. You could search for them on the internet or get a friend or whānau member to do it for you. Below are some links to further Information and community groups you may find of interest.
We all find it difficult to go along to something new. Perhaps you could go with a friend or phone first so the people there are expecting you. Remember, you don’t necessarily have to take part in an activity that's specifically for older people as there are plenty of activities or groups suitable for all age groups that you may enjoy.
CINCH is an online community directory of clubs, community organisations and continuing education course providers in the greater Christchurch area. Members come from a wide variety of different cultures and backgrounds.
Visit their website or telephone for information about their Accredited Visiting Service or their minibus outings. You could also become a volunteer.
The Active Canterbury Network is made up of agencies, trusts and organisations that promote physical activity and support people to lead active lives. They have all the information, links and tools you need for you to take the next step towards a more active lifestyle as well as meeting new people.
Christchurch City Council (CCC)
The CCC maintains a clubs and activities register for a wide variety of activities and social groups for older people in Christchurch. The groups include bowling, dancing, social groups and church groups.
The city libraries have several activities on offer including adult education classes and contacts for leisure activities in the area. Christchurch City Libraries also host several book clubs including a Korean Book Club at Upper Riccarton Library. Visit the website for more details of what's available.
The Meet Up website lists a wide variety of social and activity groups that you can join in Christchurch, from cycle touring, game development, movie and food clubs to social get-togethers.
Menz Shed brings men together in one community space to share their skills, have a laugh and work on practical tasks individually (personal projects) or as a group (for the Shed or community). There are over 20 sheds in the Canterbury region, so visit the website above to see if there's one near you and to get local contact details.
The University of the 3rd Age (U3A)
This is a learning co-operative of older people, which enables members to share many educational, creative and leisure activities. Activities are organised mainly in small groups that meet regularly, often in each other’s homes. There are a several local groups, all of which can be contacted via the website above.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed October 2022.
SourcesReview key: HILSI-575235
