As older people become less mobile and less connected to family and friends, there is a risk of isolation and exclusion.

This can prevent older people from actively participating in their community, which is a very important part of ageing well.

The factors that may lead to this are complex and can include:

• low income
• poor health
• loss of partner
• lack of family support.

Fostering social inclusion

In 2007, the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Ageing (MACA) held two seminars for older people on social inclusion.

The seminar report, Living alone staying in touch provides information from people who attended the seminars about their experiences and views on living alone and building community connections.

The report contains practical and personal ideas for how to stay in touch through:

• friendships
• communication and support
• character, behaviour, life skills and resources
• volunteering and intergenerational connections.