Holiday call to combat loneliness among older Australians

Shutterstock_1849085428

With the holiday season around the corner, Council on the Ageing Australia (COTA) is calling on all Australians to help combat loneliness by connecting with their older neighbours, friends, and family in their communities.

COTA Australia Chief Executive Officer, Patricia Sparrow, said that while the festive season can be a time of joy, it is a time where feelings of isolation and loneliness can become more pronounced for some older Australians.

“Simple gestures can make all the difference when it comes to combatting loneliness and improving the health of your loved ones.

“This Christmas, take a moment to reach out to your older loved ones – it can truly make all the difference,” urged Sparrow.

Ms Sparrow also emphasised the importance of reaching out to have conversations with loved ones about getting a booster shot this holiday season.

According to a report from the Grattan Institute released November 2023, only a quarter of Australians aged over 75 have been vaccinated for COVID in the six months to Novembers, and less than four in ten people in aged care.

She said, “When you do spend time with an older person remember the COVID safe basics – wash your hands, practise physical distancing, stay home if you’re unwell, stay up to date on your vaccinations and wear a mask in a crowded place.”

“If you are visiting someone in an aged care home you may also need to test before visiting, wear masks, and opt for outdoor spaces whenever possible.

“If you are exhibiting symptoms, opt for a phone call to connect with older loved ones. It’s all about keeping the balance between safety and connection.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Remarkable Discovery: It Is Never Too Late To Face Your Fears

True confessions: I am an acrophobic. That is to say, I have an extremely well entrenched fear of heights. Ever since my much younger days, whenever other people went on Luna Park rides that took them somewhere beyond ground level, I waited on the ground. More recently, when grandchildren have tried to urge me to... Read More

Is wearing shoes or walking barefoot best for preventing falls?

  The long-held recommendation that older people should wear supportive shoes could be turned on its head by new research into whether – or not – walking barefoot can reduce the risk of falls among older people. Susan Antcliff, a researcher with the University of Canberra, told HelloCare her journey to study the link between... Read More

The Ageing and The LGBTI: Inclusion and Awareness

We’re all getting older. Ageing does not discriminate between people who are straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex. However the LGBTI community can deal with different issues at higher rates than heterosexual people. Things that are evolving as society becomes more open-minded and accepting. More Likely to Be Alone So much of the older community... Read More
Advertisement