The Importance of Social Connection in Healthy Ageing

At Standards Wise, we consistently focus on compliance, reform readiness, and quality of care. However, it’s essential to celebrate the significant impact that aged care services have on fostering healthy ageing and longevity, particularly through the promotion of social connection.

Social connection is important in any stage of life, but for seniors, it's essential to their health and wellbeing. While getting together for craft, gardening, exercise, church, music, dancing, or games can foster a sense of belonging and community — one of the most compelling arguments for prioritising social engagement is the staggering health benefits it offers.

According to ARIIA, around one in five older Australians are socially isolated.

This rises to a third of older people living in residential aged care.

Social disconnection, according to the Office of the US Surgeon General, can be as detrimental to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It even poses a greater risk to overall health than obesity or physical inactivity.

Lack of social connection is associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke. These statistics underscore the urgency of addressing social isolation, particularly for older individuals, whose health and wellbeing can be dramatically improved through robust social networks.

In addition to its physical health benefits, social connection plays a crucial role in mental and cognitive health, especially for those living with dementia. According to Dementia Australia, maintaining social engagement can help prevent cognitive decline and improve the quality of life for people living with dementia.

Given that dementia is a growing concern in Australia’s ageing population, the role of social connection in preventing cognitive decline is paramount.

Aged care services – such as residential homes and community-based programs like the Home Care Packages Program (HCPP) and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) – combat social isolation by creating thriving social communities.

These programs foster interactions and activities that not only provide a sense of belonging, but also offer mental stimulation, physical activity, and meaningful connections.

However, social connection is just one aspect of the broader contributions that aged care services make to healthy ageing.

Early intervention re-ablement programs, professional chronic disease management, nutrition and hydration led by dietitians, fall prevention strategies, and exercise prescriptions all contribute to the health and longevity of older members of our community.?

These services provide comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and mental aspects of ageing, ensuring that older Australians can live longer, healthier, and more fulfilled lives.

At Standards Wise, we are proud to support these initiatives through the development of individualised care models that prioritise both quality of life and health outcomes. It’s essential to recognise that fostering social connection in aged care settings is not a luxury but a necessity.?

The impact of these services goes beyond the individual; contributing to the overall health and wellbeing of the community, and ensuring ageing individuals feel valued in society.

In a world where social isolation is becoming all-too common, aged care providers must continue to enhance their role in promoting social engagement. By doing so, we ensure that older Australians have the opportunity to age well – with dignity, purpose, connection, and joy.