Community support, social prescribing, and group activities are increasingly recognised as essential parts of care for older adults experiencing loneliness, especially those who require ongoing health or social care support. These approaches focus on improving wellbeing, connection, confidence, and independence — not just treating medical conditions.
Community Support for Older Adults
Community support refers to local services, organisations, volunteers, and informal networks that help older people remain socially connected and engaged in everyday life.
For elderly people requiring care, community support may include:
- Befriending services
- Home visits from volunteers
- Community transport
- Day centres
- Faith-based support groups
- Meal clubs and lunch groups
- Carer support services
- Dementia-friendly community programmes
- Telephone check-in services
- Digital inclusion support (help using tablets or video calls)
These services are especially important for people who:
- Live alone
- Have limited mobility
- Have sensory impairments
- Are recently bereaved
- Have dementia or long-term illness
- Depend on carers
- Are socially isolated after hospital discharge
Loneliness in older adults is linked with poorer mental and physical health, including depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, increased falls risk, and greater use of GP and hospital services. (nhs.uk)
In the UK, organisations such as Age UK, Royal Voluntary Service, and Independent Age provide practical and emotional support to reduce isolation.
Social Prescribing
Social prescribing is a non-medical approach where healthcare professionals refer people to community-based activities and support rather than relying solely on medication or clinical treatment.
Under the NHS model, a GP, nurse, social worker, or care coordinator may refer an older person to a “link worker” or “social prescriber.” These professionals help identify what matters most to the person and connect them with suitable local services and social opportunities. (GOV.UK)
Examples of social prescribing activities include:
- Walking groups
- Gardening projects
- Arts and music sessions
- Community cafés
- Exercise programmes
- Volunteering opportunities
- Peer support groups
- Men’s sheds
- Memory cafés for people with dementia
- Digital skills groups
- Singing groups
- Intergenerational programmes
Social prescribing is particularly beneficial for older adults who:
- Feel lonely or isolated
- Have mild depression or anxiety
- Need confidence rebuilding after illness
- Have chronic conditions
- Need support adjusting to retirement, bereavement, or reduced independence
Research and NHS guidance suggest that social prescribing can improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness, increase confidence, and sometimes reduce GP appointments and hospital attendance. (GOV.UK)
Group Activities and Their Benefits
Group activities are especially valuable because they create regular opportunities for social interaction, routine, and shared purpose.
Common Group Activities for Elderly People Requiring Care
Physical Activity Groups
These may include:
- Chair-based exercise
- Tai chi
- Gentle yoga
- Walking clubs
- Falls prevention classes
Benefits:
- Improved mobility and balance
- Reduced risk of falls
- Increased confidence
- Social interaction
Creative and Cognitive Activities
Examples:
- Art classes
- Singing groups
- Knitting circles
- Book clubs
- Reminiscence therapy groups
- Music therapy
Benefits:
- Emotional expression
- Memory stimulation
- Reduced anxiety
- Sense of achievement
Dementia-Friendly Activities
These are adapted for people living with cognitive impairment:
- Memory cafés
- Sensory sessions
- Structured social groups
- Life-story work
- Familiar music sessions
Benefits:
- Reduced agitation
- Improved mood
- Maintenance of identity and communication
Social and Recreational Groups
Examples:
- Lunch clubs
- Tea afternoons
- Bingo or quiz groups
- Faith gatherings
- Men’s sheds
- Community gardening
Benefits:
- Reduced isolation
- Friendship formation
- Increased sense of belonging
- Emotional support
Importance for People Receiving Care
Older adults who require care often experience additional barriers to social participation:
- Frailty
- Reduced confidence
- Transport difficulties
- Fear of falling
- Communication difficulties
- Dependence on carers
- Financial limitations
Because of this, successful programmes usually include:
- Accessible transport
- Mobility-friendly venues
- Trained facilitators
- Small group sizes
- Carer involvement
- Consistent routines
- Person-centred planning
Care homes and domiciliary care services increasingly incorporate group wellbeing activities into care planning because social connection is now understood as part of holistic care, not an optional extra.
Wider Impact
Community support and social prescribing also benefit:
- Family carers (through respite and support)
- Health services (through prevention and reduced crisis care)
- Communities (through inclusion and volunteering)
Most importantly, these approaches help older people maintain:
- Identity
- Dignity
- Independence
- Purpose
- Emotional wellbeing
The NHS describes social prescribing as a way of addressing the “practical, social and emotional needs” that affect health and wellbeing. (NHS England)