Staying Social: 7 Simple Ways Older Adults Can Stay Connected in Salisbury & Andover
Published: 17/06/2025
Right at Home Salisbury & Andover’s Guide to Reducing Loneliness
Staying socially connected is vital for everyone – but especially for older adults. Regular interaction boosts mental wellbeing, reduces the risk of depression, and even supports better physical health.1 Yet, as we age, it can be harder to stay in touch with friends, family and community.
At Right at Home Salisbury & Andover, we understand how important companionship and meaningful connections are to our Clients’ overall wellbeing. Whether you live independently or receive regular homecare, here are seven simple ways to stay connected and socially active.
1. Schedule Regular Catch-Ups
Whether it’s a weekly phone call or monthly lunch date, putting time with family and friends in the diary gives you something to look forward to.
- Try video calls with distant relatives
- Create a calendar of regular visits and calls
- Set gentle reminders if memory is a concern
2. Join Local Groups or Clubs
There are many friendly social groups across Salisbury & Andover designed specifically for older adults. From coffee mornings to walking groups or craft clubs, joining in is a great way to meet like-minded people.
- Check out the Silver Salisbury website and brochure for an overview of regular activities and events in the Salisbury area.
- Try a hobby-based group like knitting, gardening or painting.
Regular groups in the Salisbury area includes:
- Weekly Café at St Francis Church on Friday's between 9:30-11:30 am
- Monthly Knit and Natter at Salisbury Manor Care Home on the third Monday of each month between 10:00 - 12:00 pm
- Kaleidoscope Group Arts and Crafts Weekly at Bemerton Heath Centre on Monday's between 13:00 - 15:30 pm and Wednesday's between 12:00 - 15:00 pm
3. Volunteer Your Time or Skills
Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people whilst doing something rewarding. Whether it’s helping at a charity shop or mentoring younger generations, staying active in the community keeps you engaged and valued.
Ideas include:
- Wilton Thursday Club
- Silver Salisbury
- Local Charity Shops
Alternatively, check local organisations or speak to a member of our team for ideas.
4. Make the Most of Technology
Technology can be a lifeline - especially for those who live alone. With a little support, older adults can use:
- Messaging services for sharing photos and staying connected with family and friends
- Video chat services to aid in connecting with loved ones
- Social media for helping people to stay up-to-date with loved ones lives and activities
Right at Home Salisbury & Andover CareGivers can help Clients stay digitally connected and to obtain the most from their technology.
5. Try a Community Activity or Day Centre
Day centres or community hubs offer social activities, warm meals, and a safe environment to meet others. Many centres in the Salisbury & Andover area provide transport and dementia-friendly sessions too.
For example, the Alzheimer's Support Day Centre at Scots House in Salisbury where Right at Home Salisbury & Andover take our therapy dog, Lola, to interact with everyone!
6. Get Out and About (with Support if Needed)
Staying mobile makes a huge difference to how socially active you can be. Even short walks to the shops or a café can help maintain social confidence.
Don't feel safe going alone?
Right at Home Salisbury & Andover CareGivers can accompany you to:
- Coffee mornings
- Local shops or garden centres
- Day centres or social groups
- Appointments
7. Consider a Companionship Care Service
If isolation is becoming a concern, companionship care is a flexible service designed to help. From sharing a cup of tea and a chat, to going on a local outing together, our team provides friendly, familiar faces and emotional support.
Learn more about companionship services in Salisbury & Andover.
Supporting Social Connection with Compassion
At Right at Home Salisbury & Andover, we believe staying social is just as important as staying safe. Our team works closely with families to make sure that our Clients feel connected, confident, and part of the wider community.
Let’s Make Life a Little Brighter
Call us today on 01722435615 to explore care with companionship.
1. Newman, M.G., & Zainal, N.H. (2020). The value of maintaining social connections for mental health in older people. Lancet Public Health, 5(1):e12-e13. DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(19)30253-1