Staying in touch with other people, whether you have dementia or not

Anne Showering, Wiltshire

I walk regularly with a walking group, which I help to lead, and with friends. I volunteer at church and in my community, helping with a toddler group and with a drop-in cafe, helping with refreshments and chatting to people.

I meet friends for coffee. I enjoy walking and socialising.

I love volunteering – it helps me to stay connected to people in my community.

The benefits I experience are very important to me, as these activities help me to feel valued, useful and connected, as I used to be when I worked.

Without them, my retirement would be dull and lacking in meaning.

Jennifer Pinder, London

I am a member of the Lewisham Positive Ageing Council Steering Group and a Trustee of a charity called Confidental, which keeps me in touch with others and friends.

I do it to maintain a life outside my caring role, to keep my mind active and to share my experiences of dementia with others.

It’s sometimes difficult to get replacement care for my husband, as he can’t be left now, but it makes me feel less isolated and helps with loneliness.

Robert Johnson, Hampshire

I visit friends and family as often as I can. I also go out on trips all over England every week.

I enjoy driving, so this makes it easy for me to go and see people and places.

This takes up my time, as loneliness is a big part of my losing my wife to dementia. I also live alone.

Mick Kirkby, London

I go out and walk around shops for the company of others. I try to do this daily, weather permitting.

I meet people whom I have become friendly with, this helps with feelings of isolation and loneliness.

I was feeling very isolated in the home alone and this was a way of easing those feelings.

Being able to communicate with other people is the best benefit.

Marcia Yeates, West Sussex

I telephone, FaceTime or message those that are far away, and call on those that are nearby. I go out with friends and family as much as possible.

It’s because I do not like my own company very much!

I am very interested in people’s lives and care about them. It improves my mental health, and there’s lots to think about and new experiences every time we meet up.

Live well, stay well 

Some things that affect your chance of developing dementia are things you can’t change, like your age and genes.

However, you can keep your mind and body active, enjoy healthier food, not smoke, drink less alcohol, stay in touch with people and deal with any health problems. If you already have dementia, the same things can help you to stay well. 

NHS Live Well has wellness advice for everyone.