Living an active life
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 131 No 7, 2 October 2026, page no.22
It is well known that we are social beings and like to keep in touch with family and friends, but I was not aware that by doing so our brains are actually benefiting as well.
Research has shown that those who took part in group social activities had lower levels of mental decline and memory loss. Fifty-year-olds with a good social life performed more like 46-year-olds, while the functional savings were greater in older people, with 80-year-olds performing more like 70-year-olds.
The lack of social support really can hinder a person’s overall quality of life. Lack of social support impacts health and wellbeing. Having a variety of positive social supports can contribute to the psychological and physical wellness of all individuals. Support from others is important in reducing stress, increasing physical health, and overcoming psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.
When considering who provides social support, our first thoughts are family members. But there are many circumstances in which family members cannot be supportive, so a need for community-based services is more important now than ever before.
Support can be found in many places, including senior centres, assisted living facilities, meal delivery, religious affiliations, and day centres, to name a few. These services can provide positive social support that can help older people defeat loneliness and isolation. Social support must encompass more than physical presence or conversation. Studies have shown that social support services should contain quality activities.
Maybe you are in need of support, or maybe you could volunteer to help others in some capacity. Self-awareness is the key to a person’s overall quality of life and satisfaction. Many social activities can help increase individuals’ self-awareness. Activities for elderly individuals may include groups, journal writing, book readings, group exercise, and singing groups. Individuals may also feel more self-satisfied if they are part of the social activities planning.
The Retired Teachers Association organises monthly activities to provide members with socialisation, while at the same time continuing lifelong learning in various areas. So, it is well worth remembering that if you are able to participate in the wide range of activities available for retirees, don’t put it off. Go and join the fun! It’s great to get out, meet friends and learn something new.