Five Ways to Stay Connected When You Get Older

Loneliness and social isolation are issues that many older people face. A few things can happen to   contribute to this, for example, family or friends moving to another area, or a loss of confidence. Such events can make it harder for people to get out of the house, and make them feel disconnected from their surroundings.

Another danger is digital exclusion. We live in an increasingly digital world, and an Age UK report warns that 2.4 million digitally excluded older people are at risk of being left behind in an increasingly digital world. This poses real problems, given that essential services, such as banking, are being digitised and now have less of a high-street presence.

Despite these challenges, there are many ways in which you or your loved ones can engage with communities and become more socially connected. For example, our Befriending service supports older people to engage with community and address social isolation and loneliness.

In this blog, we have compiled a list of ways to help people stay connected to their communities, and socialise with like-minded people.

Coffee mornings

Coffee mornings are a simple and welcoming way for older people to connect with others in their local area. Many neighbourhoods across the UK host regular coffee mornings where people can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, have a chat and meet new people. For example, a local community centre, library or church hall might hold a weekly coffee morning, giving older people a chance to socialise and build friendships close to home.

Around Manchester, some examples of community coffee groups include Chorlton Good Neighbours, and at North City in Harpurhey.

Activity groups

Activity groups give people an opportunity to enjoy a shared interest while meeting others in the area. Groups might include arts and crafts, gardening, walking, singing, book clubs, exercise sessions or board games. Taking part in something enjoyable with others can help people stay active, learn new skills and develop friendships. They can also be a great way of sharing skills for people who have a speciality.

We run a number of activity groups around Manchester, including arts groups, gardening and more through our Ageing Well service.

Community involvement

Getting involved in the local community can take many forms, from volunteering and attending neighbourhood events to helping organise activities or supporting local projects. For example, someone might volunteer at a community café, help at a local garden project or take part in a residents’ group. These opportunities can help older people have their voices heard, share their experience and make a positive difference in their neighbourhood.

Places where you can get involved include Greater Manchester Integrated Care, and the Council’s Manchester Volunteer Inspire Programme.

Local group advocacy

Local groups can play an important role in making sure older people's views are heard by decision-makers. Groups such as Age Friendly Manchester (AFM) and the Greater Manchester Ageing Hub bring people and organisations together to highlight issues that matter to older residents, from accessible transport and housing to safer streets and better community facilities. By sharing their experiences and speaking up about local priorities, older people can help shape the services and communities around them.

Digital inclusion workshops

Digital inclusion workshops can help people feel more confident using technology in everyday life. Sessions might cover practical skills such as using a smartphone or tablet, sending emails, making video calls, staying safe online or accessing local services. These friendly, supportive workshops can help older people stay connected with friends and family and make the most of the opportunities that being online can offer.

Local initiatives include the Manchester Digital Action Plan are working to fight digital exclusion. We also have a Scams Awareness service, which gives free talks to older people to advise what digital scams to be wary of.

While the modern world has many challenges, there are also many solutions. There are plenty of opportunities to fight loneliness, and connect with people in your community. Sometimes it’s as simple as being pointed in the right direction to find out what’s available to you. To see how we can help you, or someone you know, have a look through our services here: