For healthy ageing, it’s vital for older people to stay socially connected. Here are tips for beating loneliness and isolation during heatwaves.
This article was written in collaboration with experts from Griffith University's Ethos Project.
You can take charge of your health in the hot weather. It’s important to do so, because heatwaves don’t just impact your physical health. They can affect your mental health too.
How can heatwaves affect mental health?
It's vital for older people to seek shelter from heatwaves. Thus, extreme weather may force you to skip regular activities and spend more time in your house.
Unfortunately, doing so can reduce your social interactions and sense of independence. This can negatively impact your mental health, increasing anxiety and loneliness.
Poor mental health can have a negative impact on your body and brain health, too. In fact, social networks are as important to your health as exercise and diet.
How to stay connected and mentally healthy
Here are some ways to look after yourself and stay connected, even during the hottest days of summer:
1. Do fun indoor activities
Do things you can enjoy inside. This can help you reduce stress while staying out of the heat. For example, you could read, paint, craft, or listen to music.
