Are you staying socially fit?

Lately we’ve been hearing more about the need to stay mentally healthy and to break down social isolation. 

Reset your mindset

• Transitioning to retirement can be a big lifestyle readjustment. Some people slide into retirement easily, while others can feel quite displaced and need to find new activities to take part in. One way to maintain a positive outlook is to seek out volunteer opportunities or take up a hobby you might not previously had time for.

Step up your step count

• With a rise in wearable fitness technology, it’s quite normal to see these devices everywhere keeping us active and on the move. Get yourself a matching device and join in the fun with a step count challenge with your family and friends. It’s a great way to keep in touch and gives you some fun things to talk about the next time you meet up.

Community gardens sprout conversations too

• While getting outside and doing some gardening is always a popular activity, joining a community garden has the added benefit of socialising with other gardeners at the same time. You can benefit from their gardening experience too and pick up a few tips, as well as some extra fresh vegetables for the home. Check out what’s happening in your local council.

Pets make paw-fect companions

• A pet can be a wonderful way to have some additional companionship, and are great for your health, helping reduce your risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and even the number of visits you take to the doctor. Adopting an older pet is a great way to avoid the early fuss of puppies or kittens. Most adoption centres will try and find the right fit every time, so don’t be shy to ask for advice. Pets help you get up and out of the house more often which is a great way to meet other walkers or people nearby at the park.  

Connect with nearby communities

• Find community groups that exist nearby and get involved in activities. Most local councils run information pages on their website which list a wide collection of events, many of them free.

This article is intended to provide general information of an educational nature only. This information has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, before acting on this information, you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these matters and the product terms and conditions. Information in this article is current as at the date of publication. We do not recommend any third party products or services and we are not liable in relation to them.