Loneliness and social isolation are such common phenomenon for the elderly, with 1 in 3 seniors living alone in Australia* and 20% expressing daily feelings of loneliness**. Often this is met with a feeling of fear or shame which can lead to further withdrawal and potentially depression. 

In E34 I talk with Wellbeing Coach and Positive Psychologist, Stephanie Noon (aka. my Mum!), all about loneliness, social isolation & strategies we can use to start re-connecting with others. 

Some of the key strategies we discuss are:

• Start small - at the start of your day plan 1-2 small actions that you're going to take e.g. prune the roses, check in on a neighbour
• Don't stop - when you start to procrastinate or avoid the task, be gentle with yourself, acknowledge the feeling & then take a step of action straight away
• Magnify - enhance the dopamine! Take a moment to reflect on the achievement and how good it feels to accomplish it for 10 to 20 seconds
• Accountability Buddy - organise a partner that can help keep you accountable for your 1-2 actions each day
• Power of words/thoughts - be aware of how your words and thoughts impact your brain chemistry e.g. instead of 'I am sick today', you can think 'My body is healing today' 

As always you can find us at www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au, on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing or on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast :)

*https://www.dss.gov.au/communities-and-vulnerable-people-programs-services/seniors-connected-program
**https://theconversation.com/i-tell-everyone-i-love-being-on-my-own-but-i-hate-it-what-older-australians-want-you-to-know-about-loneliness-166109