Older people: independence and mental wellbeing

Support, publicise and, if there is not enough provision, consider providing a range of group, one‑to‑one and volunteering activities that meet the needs and interests of local older people (see the sections on group-based activities, one-to-one activities and volunteering, and implementation). In particular, target older people who are identified as being most at risk of a decline in their independence and mental wellbeing (see the section on identification).

Involve older people in the design and delivery of activities.

Ensure each activity:

• includes a clear description of what is on offer

• takes place at regular times and in a regular location

• provides the opportunity to socialise

• complements other activities that may support different aspects of older people's independence and mental wellbeing, such as their physical health, their sense of belonging to a community ('social connectedness') and their sense of purpose.

Ensure activities are inclusive and take account of a range of different needs (for example, think about the needs of older people with an age-related disability).

Provide a range of group activities, including multicomponent activities, combining 1 or more of the following:

• Singing programmes, in particular, those involving a professionally led community choir.

• Arts and crafts and other creative activities.

• Tailored, community-based physical activity programmes including walking schemes (see recommendations 2 and 3 in NICE's public health guideline on mental wellbeing in over 65s: occupational therapy and physical activity interventions).

• Intergenerational activities involving; for example, older people helping with reading in schools or young people providing older people with support to use new technologies.

Consider offering:

• Activities, training and ongoing technical support that encourages older people to use information and communication technologies such as mobile telephones, internet-enabled TVs and computers.

• Activities related to hobbies and interests, education and other learning opportunities.

Offer one‑to‑one activities, such as:

• Programmes to help people develop and maintain friendships. For example, peer volunteer home visiting programmes, programmes to learn about how to make and sustain friendships or befriending programmes based in places of worship.

• Befriending opportunities that involve brief visits, telephone calls or the use of other media.

• Information on national or local services offering support and advice by telephone and other media.

Make older people aware of the value and benefits of volunteering. For example, it provides the opportunity to socialise, have an enjoyable experience and help others to benefit from their experience, knowledge and skills.

Provide opportunities for older people to volunteer.

Encourage older people to volunteer by:

• varying the length and times of volunteering sessions to suit individual ability or preference

• helping them to gain new skills (including good quality training)

• providing supervision and ongoing support.

Use a variety of approaches to recruit older volunteers. This includes: articles and advertisements in local print and broadcast media, posters in community and care settings, direct mail, digital (including social media) and word of mouth.

Make service providers and others aware of the effect that poor mental wellbeing and lack of independence can have on an older person's mental and physical health and their social interactions.

Ensure staff in contact with older people are aware of the importance of maintaining and improving their independence and mental wellbeing.

Ensure staff in contact with older people can identify those most at risk of a decline in their independence and mental wellbeing (see implementation section). This includes being aware that certain life events or circumstances are more likely to increase the risk of decline. For example, older people whose partner has died in the past 2 years are at risk. Others at risk includes those who:

• are carers

• live alone and have little opportunity to socialise

• have recently separated or divorced

• have recently retired (particularly if involuntary)

• were unemployed in later life

• have a low income

• have recently experienced or developed a health problem (whether or not it led to admission to hospital)

• have had to give up driving

• have an age‑related disability

• are aged 80 or older.

Ensure staff in contact with older people give those most at risk information on activities that might help them (see the sections on group-based activities, one-to-one activities and volunteering).