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Social activities

From boosting your mood to preventing disease, socialising is a key part of how healthy you are. Discover the benefits of being around other people.

How we think about health

We tend to think of health as being well or not having an illness. But, as we learn more from science, we need to shift our focus on health to a more holistic, whole person perspective. Recent scientific research has revealed that good health involves several factors. These include:

  • Physical health
  • Mental health
  • Emotional health
  • How healthy your environment is
  • The people and communities you share your life with

We tend to think of health as being well or not having an illness. But, as we learn more from science, we need to shift our focus on health to a more holistic, whole person perspective. Recent scientific research has revealed that good health involves several factors. These include:

  • Physical health
  • Mental health
  • Emotional health
  • How healthy your environment is
  • The people and communities you share your life with
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Why are social activities important?

Social activities can help you stay healthy and independent. Getting out with others is key to improving health.

Did you know that the effects of being alone and feeling lonely are linked to a higher risk of chronic disease? Luckily, social activities can help protect against them.

Staying connected is a great way to look after yourself while maintaining independence. And there is no shortage of social activities for older people. These could be as simple as spending time with friends and family, staying active outside, or enjoying fun group activities.

Social activities can help you stay healthy and independent. Getting out with others is key to improving health.

Did you know that the effects of being alone and feeling lonely are linked to a higher risk of chronic disease? Luckily, social activities can help protect against them.

Staying connected is a great way to look after yourself while maintaining independence. And there is no shortage of social activities for older people. These could be as simple as spending time with friends and family, staying active outside, or enjoying fun group activities.

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Staying connected case study

Lorraine Lester and Marjorie Dixon share their memories of growing up in La Perouse, NSW.

Learn about how they’re still doing the social activities they enjoy, such as walking, catching up with friends, and staying active in their community.

Learn more about their love for Country and community and why it's an important part of life for them.

The benefits of social activities

It's no surprise to discover that spending time with others has many positive effects. But what exactly are the benefits of being around others?

 

Some of the benefits of social activities for older people include:

  • Prevents isolation and feeling lonely
  • Releases feel good chemicals in the brain
  • Keeps the mind sharp
  • Improves memory
  • Encourages healthy habits
  • Protects against several chronic conditions

It's no surprise to discover that spending time with others has many positive effects. But what exactly are the benefits of being around others?

 

Some of the benefits of social activities for older people include:

  • Prevents isolation and feeling lonely
  • Releases feel good chemicals in the brain
  • Keeps the mind sharp
  • Improves memory
  • Encourages healthy habits
  • Protects against several chronic conditions
Read less...
  • Boosts your mood
  • Promotes a stronger immune system
  • Leads to more fulfilling relationships
  • Prevents dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
  • Improves physical health and increases movement


One of the best things about social activities is that you can choose to do the things you enjoy!

 

You might not have friends or family who want to do things with you but don’t let that stop you.

 

Picking an activity you enjoy is a great way to meet new, like-minded people.

 

Join in local social activities to experience the benefits of being around other people.

  • Boosts your mood
  • Promotes a stronger immune system
  • Leads to more fulfilling relationships
  • Prevents dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
  • Improves physical health and increases movement


One of the best things about social activities is that you can choose to do the things you enjoy!

 

You might not have friends or family who want to do things with you but don’t let that stop you.

 

Picking an activity you enjoy is a great way to meet new, like-minded people.

 

Join in local social activities to experience the benefits of being around other people.

Read less...

Where do I start?

If you don't have an activity that you enjoy, we can help you choose one.

 

Take our free healthy ageing quiz for personalised advice and activities in your local area.

All you need to do is answer a few quick questions and we'll suggest some fun social activities close to you.

Some of the activities available include:

  • Coffee clubs
  • Game nights
  • Arts and crafts groups
  • Volunteering
  • Men's Sheds
Take the quiz

Want to add your group to our database? Call us on 1800 951 971

The benefits of volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to help causes across Australia fulfil their missions. But did you know that volunteering is as good for you as it is for the projects you volunteer for?

Some of the benefits include:

  • Boosting self-confidence
  • Increasing self-esteem
  • Having fun with like-minded people
  • Using your skills and knowledge
  • Reducing your stress levels

Volunteering is a great way to help causes across Australia fulfil their missions. But did you know that volunteering is as good for you as it is for the projects you volunteer for?

Some of the benefits include:

  • Boosting self-confidence
  • Increasing self-esteem
  • Having fun with like-minded people
  • Using your skills and knowledge
  • Reducing your stress levels
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  • Reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness
  • Challenging your brain by learning new things
  • Gaining a new perspective on life
  • Enjoying helping others and making a difference
  • Better mental, physical, and emotional health

Many groups can help you find a meaningful volunteering position. For a useful online resource, visit the Go Volunteer website.

To find a charity and position that’s best suited to you, think about your skills and hobbies and where they might be useful. Consider charities you know or have supported in the past.

For example, The Heart Foundation offers a volunteering program. So do most local councils, parks, and tourist information centres.

  • Reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness
  • Challenging your brain by learning new things
  • Gaining a new perspective on life
  • Enjoying helping others and making a difference
  • Better mental, physical, and emotional health

Many groups can help you find a meaningful volunteering position. For a useful online resource, visit the Go Volunteer website.

To find a charity and position that’s best suited to you, think about your skills and hobbies and where they might be useful. Consider charities you know or have supported in the past.

For example, The Heart Foundation offers a volunteering program. So do most local councils, parks, and tourist information centres.

Read less...

Need some help? Call free today on 1800 951 971

LiveUp Facebook page

There are lots of ways to find new connections! The LiveUp Facebook page is a great space to find information and share experiences with like-minded people.

Follow the LiveUp Facebook page for the latest articles, events, and expert tips on how to age well.

Connect with us on Facebook

ConnectUp Facebook group

ConnectUp is an online community and safe space where people can share their healthy ageing journey.

Here are some of the benefits of joining this closed Facebook group:

  • Start conversations with other likeminded people
  • Find tips, articles, and videos about healthy ageing
  • Suggest ideas for information you'd like to find
  • Answer our questions about how we can help you

You can like, comment, and share our posts with your friends too!

Join our Facebook group

Find out how to age your way

Take our easy OpenUp quiz to get personalised advice and see suggested products, services and support in your local area or online.

Let's go!