Hello Again, World

plaining how loneliness is bad for our health, mood, sleep patterns, even our weight. Loneliness has a signi cant impact on physical and mental health and is linked to multiple chronic health conditions.

During Covid, older people had no choice but to walk around their gardens, or even their apartment. Now the world is their oyster, and the bene ts of getting out of doors and into nature are considerable. Speaking recently on radio, GP and author Dr Mark Rowe explained that time spent in nature can enable us to recharge from stress, think more clearly and creatively, shift perspective, and inspire new behaviour patterns. e great outdoors can help boost mood, memory, and connection to the world with a stronger sense of self.

It may not be possible to visit the beach, but there is a new appreciation of forest walking, giving a complete immersion in nature which can be positive for overall vitality.

Are older people re-emerging blinking into the light? ‘Hello Again World’ is a new government campaign to address loneliness and isolation among older people postCovid, and to coax them back into the real world.

Since many older people were asked to e ectively say

‘Bye World’ in March 2020, there is a growing realisation that many have not re-established their social connections. Many people were bereaved during Covid and are still coming to terms with their loss, some had reduced social support and had to manage without family, clubs, friend- ships and with closure of community facilities.

SeniorLine, Ireland’s national con dential service for older people, has evidence of all of this rst hand. "I loved to drive to visit friends and would think nothing of crossing the county, but I have lost my con dence," said Joe 74, Kilkenny. Jean lives in Dublin: "I would be nervous to go into the city now, it does not seem so safe," she said. Peadar is near omastown: "I hate to say it, but I’ve become a bit institutionalised, I need help to get out again," he said. e Hello Again Campaign wants to o er that help in ex-

Have a look around and you will see that community facilities are opening up again, and o ering good value. Some gyms have special o ers to entice clients back to the pool and exercise bike. Sylvia has re-joined her water aerobics class and Helen has gone back to yoga. Both women attest to the social bene ts of meeting friends again and having a focus in their day. "It’s a great help to have something to get up for, I am happy to be more disciplined again," said Helen.

Other organisations are anxious for members. Joan has volunteered her local Meals on Wheels association and says it is giving her a wider perspective. Voluntary groups, such as Mens Shed are open for membership, and some retired men - cooped up in Covidmay discover it suits them. Even your GP is in on the act. Social prescribing is a national HSE scheme recognising that health is a ected by social factors such as poverty, isolation and loneliness. Social prescribing o ers GPs and other health professionals a choice of patient referrals to nonclinical community supports which can help with overall wellbeing and positivity. So instead of being sent to the pharmacy for another round of tablets, your GP may discuss your non-medical problems with a di erent outcome. is could be a suggestion to join your local walking group, to take up a tness class or to learn new relaxation techniques. Other patients may be linked into education, training, or volunteering opportunities. We will leave the last word to the early Chinese philosopher Confucius who knew a little bit about wellbeing: "We all have two lives," he said, "and our second life starts the day we realise we have only one life."

SeniorLine Freefone open every day of the year 10am10pm Freefone 1800 80 45 91 Anne Dempsey - Communications Manager for SeniorLine