Jan 9, 2013:

Social Engagement 'Key' to Older People's Wellbeing - ARI

Active Retirement Ireland launched a research report on how social engagement benefits older people's health.  The report was produced by the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology at NUI Galway. 

 

"This research shows how certain demographic groups are at greater risk of social isolation as they age," said Maureen Kavanagh.  "Men, single or widowed people, those on lower incomes and those with lower levels of educational attainment are less inclined to be actively involved in their communities and to have strong social support networks built up around them.  As a result, they can become isolated as they grow older, and isolation can contribute directly to health problems such as depression and dementia. 

 

"One in 10 older people in Ireland suffer from depression.  And what's really alarming is that depression among the old is sometimes viewed as a natural side-effect of ageing.  Depression is not something that should be accepted as an unavoidable consequence of growing older. 

 

"We know from our research that older people who maintain strong social contacts and are physically and mentally active are less like to become depressed, and have better resistance to physical and mental health ailments.  As a society, we must ensure older people are supported to maintain their social connections and to remain actively involved in their local communities as they age." 

 

Ned Reck, a member of Midleton Active Retirement Association, spoke about his personal experiences of overcoming health difficulties. 

 

"I retired early - when I was 61 - because of ill-health," he said.  "In the months after my retirement, I was in bad shape, both physically and mentally.  I was going through the motions of living, but I didn't really feel like I had a lot to live for.  Then one of my doctors suggested I should get involved in activities outside the home, so I began playing indoor bowls with Midleton Active Retirement Association.  That led to other things: I took a computer class at the local community college, became interested in local history, and found I was more confident than before and better able to interact with the wider community. 

"I definitely feel more valuable and valued now - as a dad, granddad, brother, neighbour and citizen.  I've also realised life doesn't stop when you retire, even if you're not in full health.  There's still a great amount of usefulness left in us all, and getting involved in your local community is a great vehicle through which to harness it.  It's certainly a better alternative to sitting at home in front of the TV, just vegetating."

To read the research, click Download.

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