HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
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's not 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/family member at home may feel socially isolated. If this is the case, you may be eligible for support so that you can have some time out to connect with others and do things you enjoy. Contact your GP 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/family or friends
Your whānau/family 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 visit or phone call on a regular basis. Alternatively, you could consider volunteering your time and skills to organisations such as Age Concern, local schools or kindergartens.
Use a computer to get online
If whānau/family 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, which you may want to search on the internet yourself or get a friend or whānau/family member to do 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, so perhaps go with a friend or phone up first so that the people there are expecting you. Remember that you don’t necessarily have to take part in an activity that is specifically for older people as there are plenty of activities or groups suitable for all age groups which you may enjoy.
Visit their website or telephone for information about their Accredited Visiting Service or their minibus outings. You could also become a volunteer. You can contact them by phoning (03) 789-7659 or 0800-803-344.
Community and Public Health is a partner in Active West Coast and works with district councils to improve and promote opportunities for physical activity. You can contact Active West Coast for suggestions about classes and community groups by phoning (03) 768-1160 ext. 716.
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 four sheds in the West Coast region, so visit the website above to see if there is one near you and to get local contact details.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created July 2019.
SourcesReview key: HILSI-575235
