Category: Seniors

Whether it’s booking an Uber, emailing a friend, or paying bills online, technology can make our lives a whole lot easier.

But some of our older loved ones are still struggling to keep up with the digital world.

Studies show the number of older Australians who owned a smartphone increased in 2021. The COVID era was a catalyst for seniors to get online with the introduction of QR codes to check into venues, and lockdowns forcing us to stay connected via technology.

But while more seniors are going digital, their confidence with technology isn’t necessarily increasing.

“The views seniors expressed in the 2021 survey clearly highlight the important fact that using technology does not imply comfort with it.”

– Professor John McCallum, National Seniors Chief Executive and Director of Research

We offer tips to help older loved ones feel confident online and make the most of digital services that may enrich their lives.

 

Keep it simple

Even the most tech-savvy person can quickly become overwhelmed by all the latest gadgets and apps out there.

Reduce the risk of overwhelm and intimidation by sticking to the basics and keeping it simple.

Some basic tech skills might include:

• How to send a text message
• How to take and send a photo
• How to change settings on their mobile (e.g. volume and text size)
• Basic internet browsing
• How to create and save a document
• Basic email (signing in, receiving, replying).

 

Tailor to their interests

If your older loved one has particular interests or needs, be sure to keep these in mind when teaching them technology.

There might be specific apps or platforms that could make their life easier or more enjoyable.

For example, if they don’t drive or have mobility issues, they might like to learn how to pay bills online and order their groceries to be delivered.

If they want to stay in touch with family overseas, they might like to create a Facebook account and learn how to use Messenger.

 

Emphasise the benefits

It’s normal to become frustrated when learning something new. If they’re not “getting it” right away, your older loved one might become defeated and resistant.

Remind them of why it’s important to learn these things and how it can make their lives better.

Benefits might include:

• Social connection
• Safety
• Convenience
• Entertainment.

 

Be patient

It can take a lot of time to learn new digital skills – especially for people who didn’t grow up with smartphones, laptops, social media, and Google.

Be patient and kind with your loved one as they learn. It’s a brave (and likely uncomfortable) step for them to take, and they’re trusting you to support them on this journey.

 

Encourage them to take notes

Writing things down with pen and paper in a way that makes sense to them may help your loved one retain information.

Plus, it’s handy to have notes and instructions to refer to later.

Speak slowly and help them write down any important steps and processes correctly.

 

Don’t forget about cyber security

Unfortunately, seniors can be more vulnerable to online scams.

You can help protect their safety by teaching them about cyber security.

Some important tips include:

• Ensure devices are password-protected
• Don’t share your passwords with anyone
• Watch out for phishing scams and only open emails and links from people you trust
• Don’t share your personal information or bank details with a website you don’t trust
• Never believe that someone you don’t know is going to give you money
• If you never entered a lottery, you did not win the lottery
• Have good anti-virus and firewall software in place
• Reach out for help when needed.

Senior support services

RAQ offers support to older people in Queensland through a range of free services aimed at providing education, advice, and referrals.

This includes our free Senior Social Connection Program, helping older people in the Northern Sunshine Coast and Gympie region connect with local services, meet likeminded peers, and improve their community connections. 

You can learn more about our range of Senior Relationship Services here, or call 1300 364 277 for help finding the right support.

 

We list some of the signs of loneliness in the elderly in this blog post and how you can help in this blog post.

Are you worried about the older people in your life? 
 
Maybe you haven’t seen them in a while, or when you do see them, they seem anxious, withdrawn or flat. 

It can be hard to see someone you care about struggling, but even harder to know how to bring it up in a way that’s helpful to them.  

But with recent studies showing as many as one in six older Australians experience elder abuse, it’s more important than ever to check in with the older people in your life if you suspect something is wrong.  

Here are some tips for how to start the conversation. 
  

Choose the time and place 

Opening up about painful topics like abuse or neglect can be difficult. It’s important to make sure that the person you’re talking to feels safe and ready to openly share their feelings, especially if the topic is sensitive. 

Try only bringing this topic up in a comfortable, private environment, where they don’t have to worry about being overheard by others. Avoid areas where there are competing noises like a radio or a TV so you can focus on the conversation. 

Let them know you’re worried about them 

Reaching out to a loved one can help them feel less alone, but finding the right words to start the conversation can be hard. You might be worried about offending them or putting them on the spot. 

The easiest way to bring up this sensitive topic is to be gentle but direct.  Let them know that you care about them and have noticed they’ve been different lately. Give some examples if you can think of any. 

Some things you could say are: 

• “Hey, I noticed you have seemed a bit down lately, and I’m worried about you.”
• “I haven’t seen you in a while. Are things going okay?”

They may not be ready to talk about it yet, so don’t push them into the conversation if they seem uncomfortable. Let them know you’re always happy to listen and leave it there. 

Listen, don’t criticise 

If an older person is opening up to you about abuse or neglect they’ve experienced, the last thing they need is to feel like you are judging them for their feelings.  

Often, people struggling with abuse might feel ashamed or guilty about how they are treated and think they ‘deserved’ it. They might be shocked or upset that a person they trust has done this to them. 

Listen and thank them for opening up to you. Focus on encouraging them and giving them space to lead the conversation. You can use phrases like “That sounds really hard. Do you want to talk about it more?”  
  

Offer practical support 

If the older person you’re talking to is feeling overwhelmed, even a simple offer of practical support can take something off their plate. Some things you could offer to do for them are: 

• Help them make or travel to appointments
• Pick up medication for them
• Work on a safety plan together.

Help them reach out to organisations that can support them 

Sometimes, your loved one might need more support than you can give them. Luckily, there are lots of organisations they can reach out to. You can even do some research together. Some places to start looking into are: 

• The Queensland Government’s list of senior services 
• Legal support for seniors
• Office of the Public Guardian
• Elder Abuse Prevention Unit: 1300 651 192
• My Aged Care.

Compass also has a useful list of elder abuse support services available across Australia. 

Keep in touch 

One of the easiest ways to help protect someone you love from elder abuse is to stay socially connected with them. If you have regular plans, it gives them a space to talk safely about their concerns with someone they trust. 

  
This conversation can be hard to have, but well worth it to let the person you’re worried about know they’re not alone. Learning the signs of elder abuse can help you better spot changes in your loved one’s behaviour worth asking them about. 

For more information, you can check out our Understanding Elder Abuse page, or give our counsellors a call on 1300 062 323. 

Some topics are hard to raise with your family, no matter how close you are. 

If your parents are approaching retirement age, you may be concerned about what they have planned for their future. Maybe you want to make sure they’ll be financially secure, or that you’re abiding by their wishes when the time comes. 

But it can be hard asking your parents about their plans when you haven’t always seen eye-to-eye in the past, or you look to them for guidance. 

Often, starting the conversation about what they have planned for their future can seem so overwhelming, it’s easier to avoid the topic altogether. But the truth is that having this conversation is an important part of protecting your loved one’s wellbeing and making sure you’re acting according to their wishes. 

Here are some tips to help you navigate this topic calmly and respectfully. 

Pick the right time and place 

For a sensitive subject like this, it’s important to make sure everyone is in the right frame of mind to talk openly. Try to avoid starting the conversation when your parents might be tired from work, feeling wound up after a big family gathering or experiencing a lot of personal stress.  

It’s also worth thinking about where you want to have this discussion. Think about places where your parents feel comfortable, and that are private and familiar, like their own home or yours. 

Raise the topic casually 

Asking your parents about their future plans out of the blue might make them feel put on the spot. You don’t want them to feel trapped or uncomfortable. 

Starting off with an open-ended question about their life now can help keep the conversation light and casual. Some examples of questions you could ask are: 

• Are you lonely living at home? 
• What do you want your retirement to be like? 
• How is it living home alone? Do you feel safe? 
• How are you going with driving to the shops/doctors/etc.? 

Ask the right questions 

It’s important to focus on questions that put your parents’ wishes, goals and feelings at the centre of the discussion. Some examples include: 

• Are you happy with where you live now, or would you want to move somewhere else? 
• Do you have a will and an Enduring Power of Attorney? 
• What would you do if you were sick, or needed care? 
• Would you want to go to a nursing home if you needed to? 
• What do you think I should know about your wishes? 
• Have you written your plans down or shared them with anyone? 

Remember this is about your parents’ current and future care needs and how you can support them. While you may be curious, it’s not an opportunity for you to pressure them with questions about your future inheritance.  

Listen and follow your parents’ lead 

Thinking about the future after you pass can be scary and unpleasant.  

It’s important to make sure your parents know that you’re here to support them and help them achieve their goals, not pressure them. You might disagree with them on some things, but they have the right to be in control of their own future. 

Make it clear that you’re happy to follow their lead when it comes to these choices; having this discussion will help you support them by giving you a clear idea of what their plans and wishes are. 

Make it an ongoing conversation 

There are lots of things to consider when it comes to planning life after retirement and organising your estate, so don’t expect to cover everything in one conversation. 

Leaving the topic open-ended so you can revisit it later can help your parents work through these issues at their pace.  

 

No matter how prepared you are, having these conversations can be hard for both you and your parents. RAQ’s Senior Relationship Services can help you navigate this topic and others with your family. Call 1300 063 232 for more information. 

Are you worried about making the right decisions with your money?

We all want to make smart choices so we can feel comfortable and secure in later life, but navigating superannuation funds, retirement pensions and downsizing can feel overwhelming.

We need to protect our financial health the same way we would our physical health – by devoting regular attention to it and planning according to our needs.

Here are some quick tips to help you get started.
 

Talk to someone you trust

A great place to start planning for your future is identifying a trustworthy person you can talk to about your financial concerns. This could be a financial advisor, a lawyer or a loved one. These people can help you start to think about your answers to the right questions, such as:

• When do you want to retire?
• What do you want retired life to look like for you?
• Do you want to move to be close to your family?
   

Get the right documents ready

Drafting up a will that you’re happy with can ensure even if something happens to you, you have full control over how things play out.

You may also want to consider enacting an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA), which allows you to nominate someone to make legal or financial decisions for you when you need extra support.

Having an EPOA can reduce financial stress, but you should still be involved in any decision-making regarding your finances. 

Check your bank statements regularly, and if you want to give your nominated person access to your bank accounts, consider putting a limit on how much they can withdraw at once. Your bank can help you with this.

 

Be careful with gifts

If you’re thinking about downsizing, you might also be considering moving back in with your family and giving your children some money for a car or property.

While it’s wonderful to want to help your loved ones, it’s important to make sure your rights are protected and doing this doesn’t jeopardise your security.

Seeking legal and financial advice before signing anything or handing over money or property can make sure giving a gift doesn’t affect your pension or living situation.

Make sure any agreement you make with a family member is written down in advance so you can refer to it later. These formal family agreements can help you stay protected.
 

Plan and live within your means

Taking some time now to plan and budget your upcoming expenses can save you a lot of stress in the future. Some ways to reduce your financial stress are:

• Have a budget so you know you can afford your living expenses
• Make sure all your debts are paid off before you retire
• Downsize to a more suitable accommodation.

If you’re planning to let any family move in, make sure they can contribute financially. That way, you can all live more comfortably and be prepared in case of an emergency.
 

Keep important assets safe

It’s important to protect your important documents and money and ensure they’re stored in a safe place. You can protect your assets by:

• Not sharing your passwords or leaving important documents lying around
• Not signing any documents you don’t understand
• Keeping any cash at home in a safe.

Pay attention to your instincts when it comes to requests for information or a loan from family or friends. If it feels wrong, don’t be afraid to say so.

 

When it comes to being financially secure in later life, the most important thing is to make sure you’re making informed decisions.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your bank and/or superannuation provider will probably be able to answer some of your questions, and organisations like Services Australia can also give you more information.

If you are experiencing financial hardship and need support, our financial counsellors can help. You can call 1300 063 232 to set up an appointment.

Are you worried an older loved one might be lonely?

Loneliness can have serious impacts on our mental and physical health. In fact, studies show feeling lonely increases our likelihood of earlier death by 26% – greater than the risk for obesity. Unfortunately, social isolation is common in the elderly.

Research shows that at least 13% of older adults over 65 experience loneliness, and those over 75 are more likely to be lonely than any other age group.

Some common causes of loneliness in older adults include:

• Disability
• Death of spouse
• Death of friend or family member
• Not living near family
• Transportation challenges
• Moving into aged-care facility
• Poor health and wellbeing.

The following signs may indicate your older loved one is lacking human connection.

 

Restless sleep

If your loved one complains about being tired or struggling to fall or stay asleep, ask them how they’ve been spending their days. Loneliness can lead to restless and fragmented sleep.

 

Changes in frequency of phone calls

Pay attention to your loved one’s phone patterns. Both the increase and decrease in communication may indicate they feel lonely. If you’ve noticed a change in the frequency of their texts or calls, it might be worth checking in on them.

 

Loss of mobility or ability to drive themselves

Mobility issues and losing the ability to drive themselves can impact social connections. Help them maintain their social life and important appointments by offering to drive them or helping them find alternate arrangements for transport.

 

Increased spending habits

Has your loved one been buying more material items than they normally would? People who are lonely may increase their purchasing habits as a way to compensate for a lack of social connections, or simply as a way to fill their time.

 

Frequent hot showers and baths

Research has found a link between physical warmth and social ties. It’s been found that people who are lonely may use physical warmth, such as hot showers, as a substitute for human connection.

 

Increased time spent at home

If your loved one is spending more and more time at home without the company of family or friends, this could be a warning sign that they’re socially isolated.

 

RAQ offers support to older people in Queensland through a range of free services aimed at providing education, advice, and referrals.

This includes our free Senior Social Connection Program, helping older people in the Northern Sunshine Coast and Gympie region connect with local services, meet likeminded peers, and improve their community connections. 

You can learn more about our range of Senior Relationship Services here, or call 1300 364 277 for help finding the right support.

Discover 10 easy ways you can help lonely seniors in this blog post.

Are you or an older loved one looking for ways to fill your days?

Staying socially, mentally, and physically active can help seniors maintain good mental and emotional health and reduce the risk of disease.

These 10 hobbies are perfect for seniors who like to keep busy and have fun.

 

1. Karaoke

Research shows singing can help with memory and orientation, especially in individuals with mild dementia.

If an outing to a karaoke bar seems a bit overwhelming, there are endless karaoke apps, games, and machines you can use at home. Karaoke is a great activity for all ages – perfect for visits with the grandkids!

 

2. Colour by numbers

Colouring or painting by numbers is an easy way to get creative and bring a picture to life. This can be a relaxing pastime to enjoy with your morning coffee or while watching TV.

Online colouring is another option if you have a computer or tablet.

 

3. Memories scrapbook and family tree

Take a trip down memory lane and put your time and love into a project you and your family can cherish for years to come.

Better yet, get the family involved and work on a memories scrapbook and family tree together – a lovely way to reminisce on good times.

 

4. Swimming

Swimming is an ideal way for seniors to get their daily physical activity in. It’s great for heart health and it’s easy on the joints. Not to mention, it can be incredibly relaxing.

You can enjoy doing some laps at your own pace or join a local water aerobics class – a great way to meet new people.

 

5. Brain games

Crosswords, Sudoku puzzles, word search puzzles and other brain games can help keep your problem-solving skills sharp while promoting mindfulness.

These can be found in book stores, newsagencies, and department stores, or you can do them online.

 

6. Nintendo Ring Fit or Wii Sports

You don’t have to be a tech genius to reap the benefits of gaming consoles. Nintendo Ring Fit and Wii Sports offer fun and easy games and activities that incorporate movement, making them a great way to do some exercise without leaving the living room.

You can set these games to your current exercise level and increase them as you feel stronger if you’d like a challenge.

 

7. Gardening

Several studies over the years have shown the many benefits being outdoors has our mental health.

Gardening is a great way to get some sunshine and fresh air. If your home doesn’t allow for a garden, why not grow some plants or tomatoes in pots?

 

8. Model building

Looking for a hands-on hobby? Plastic and wooden models come in kits of all sizes and assembly levels to suit all ages and abilities.

From vintage vehicles to iconic architecture, there are endless model building kits to get your hands on. This could be another activity to work on with family.

 

9. Birdwatching

Another great way to get outdoors, birdwatching can be enjoyed in national parks or on your local bushwalk. This handy guide lists some of the best spots to birdwatch in Queensland.

Make a day of it and pack a picnic!

 

10. Dance classes

Want to improve your strength and muscle function and have plenty of fun while doing it? Sign up to a dance class! You can join regular dance classes or find classes aimed specifically at older adults.

Dancing increases balance and flexibility, reducing the risk of injury. It’s also a great way to get out and meet new people.

 

RAQ offers a free Senior Social Connection Program (SSCP) to help older Queenslanders find community support groups and services and improve their social connections. Learn more here or call us on 1300 364 277. 

Worried about an elderly loved one? We list 10 ways you can help lonely seniors in this blog post.

Seniors are no strangers to loneliness.

A recent Australian research paper reported that between 12%-30% of older people around the world experience loneliness. And our lonely seniors aren’t just bored and isolated – their mental and physical health is taking a hit, too.

The study found that lonely and socially isolated older people are more likely to experience depression, dementia, chronic pain, and physical frailty.

“Loneliness and social isolation in later life result in social exclusion, reduced wellbeing, and significant health problems,” it reported.

So how can we do our part to combat loneliness in the elderly? Well, we can start by supporting the lonely seniors in our own families and communities.

Here are ten ways you can help reduce loneliness in your older loved ones and promote their social connectedness.

 

1. Offer practical help

Turn mundane errands into social outings by assisting them with day-to-day tasks like grocery shopping, posting letters, and picking up medications.

Encourage them to keep important appointments by driving them to the doctor, physiotherapist, hairdresser, bank, or wherever else they need to go. Transport is a huge need among many older people, so they’ll likely appreciate the company and the door-to-door service.

 

2. Encourage hobbies

Hobbies aren’t just a great way to fill the time; they can also provide a sense of purpose. Ask your older loved one what activities they enjoy and how you can support them to engage in these activities regularly.

If they like gardening, help them find the tools and accessories they need to enjoy it. For example, a garden ‘kneeler’ or knee pads can help keep them comfortable on hard surfaces. If they like puzzles, gift them a new puzzle for every birthday or Christmas. If they like painting, show them how to find painting tutorials on YouTube.

 

3. Encourage social interaction

The only thing better than enjoying their favourite hobbies is enjoying them with others. Encourage your older loved one to partake in activities with other people, like an aerobics class or book club. This can help them make new friends and create a sense of community.

Many cities and towns have social activities and clubs specifically for seniors. You can search for activities nearby on websites like this, or ask the staff at their local RSL club.

 

4. Get them out of the house

Older adults can get into the all-too-comfortable habit of staying inside and sitting for long periods of time – often in their one favourite spot. But sitting at home all day can have negative impacts on their physical and mental health.

Getting outdoors can provide a much-needed change of scenery – but there’s a lot more to it than that. Research shows nature can have a kind of ‘healing’ power for seniors, with potential to provide the following benefits:

• Reduced stress, anxiety and depression
• Improved memory and concentration
• Reduced chronic illness and pain
• Increased energy levels
• Increased longevity.

Take them out for a walk, visit a park for a picnic, or encourage them to have their morning cuppa in their backyard.

 

5. Keep them physically active

Some aches and pains can be inevitable in later life. But regular physical activity can be the silver bullet to managing pain and maintaining muscle strength and joint movement. It can also reduce symptoms of some mental conditions such as depression.

Your older loved one should be aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity every day. Normal daily activities like shopping and cooking don’t count; they have to be working hard enough to increase their heartrate and break a sweat.

You might like to join them on a brisk walk or encourage them to sign up for a class where they can meet new people, like water aerobics or ballroom dancing.

 

6. Keep them mentally active

Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness in older adults.

Crossword puzzles and other brain games can help seniors boost their memory and stay sharp. Maintaining an active social life and engaging in stimulating conversations are also great ways to improve mental fitness.

 

7. Maintain regular communication

Schedule in a weekly phone call to check how they’re going and what they’re up to. You could even organise a roster with other family members or friends to ensure someone is contacting your older loved one each day. Daily contact can be especially important for seniors who are fragile or unwell.

If you don’t have time for a phone call, simply sending a ‘good morning’ text or a photo update lets them know you’re thinking of them.

 

8. Make them feel needed

Some seniors might feel like they don’t have a whole lot to offer in their old age. Their families may have grown up and no longer rely on them for anything.

If they’re willing and able, make them feel needed and remind them of all they can contribute by asking them to pick up the kids from school, sew the button back on your shirt, or show you how to make their famous lasagne.

 

9. Ask them how they’re feeling

No matter our age, we all have stuff going on. Some older adults might not want to open up about how they’re feeling. Perhaps they don’t want to ‘burden’ their busy family and friends who seem to have a lot going on in their own lives, or maybe they simply prefer to ‘get on with it’. But it’s important to touch base in case something is troubling them.

If they mention an issue such as loneliness, ask them ways you can help, and offer ideas yourself. Always listen with empathy and let them know you’re there for them when they need you.

 

10. Show them they’re loved and valued

Along with explicitly telling them you love them and you enjoy seeing them, don’t forget to show them through your actions.

If they call, answer the phone – or remember to call back as soon as you can. If you have plans with them, be reliable and don’t cancel. Missing a visit or call may not seem like a big deal to you, but it could be really disappointing and upsetting for someone who doesn’t have much social contact with others.

And if they don’t call or visit you in return, respect that you may need to put in more effort than they can manage. Don’t give up on them.

 

If you or an older loved one need someone to talk to, our counsellors are here. You can learn more about our counselling services here, or call 1300 364 277 to make an appointment.

For specialised senior relationship services, discover our Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service, Senior Financial Protection Service, Elder Mediation Support Service, and Senior Social Connection Program.