As we get older, our social circles tend to become smaller. Humans are social creatures, and we need connections to thrive, so it’s important to retain and build on them where we can.

Loneliness in older age can be of huge detriment to our mental and physical wellbeing – it can even increase our risk of early death. The health risks from loneliness are comparable to obesity, high blood pressure, or smoking fifteen cigarettes a day.

On the flip side, there is a lot of evidence to show that maintaining positive relationships has a huge impact on wellbeing. Keeping social is thought to reduce the risk of developing depression - and some research suggests it can even help to slow down cognitive decline, improve overall brain health and how we deal with stress.

Research also tells us that older adults who regularly speak to people beyond their usual social circle of close friends and family are more likely to have a positive disposition. Those with wider social groups are less sedentary and more physically active too. Research also suggests that older socialites are more active because of their increased need to leave their home to meet others beyond their immediate friends and family.

From dedicating time to seek regular contact with those around you to joining  social groups – such as tea parties and gentle activity sessions run by Re-engage – the key to better wellbeing in older age lies in maintaining regular social connections from a range of sources. This is why the charity introduced its call companion befriending service where volunteers make weekly or fortnightly contact with an older person.

In our care homes we constantly work to keep our residents interested and engaged. We encourage them to keep up with their interests and hobbies – and try new ones. And we regularly interact with our local communities through open days, street parties, birthday parties and other celebrations to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to make both new friends and new memories.

Older people regularly tell Re-engage that its social events and call companion service provide vital lifelines to their otherwise isolated lives – and the volunteers get huge satisfaction from donating their time. These are simple but effective measures which help tackle loneliness.