The White Oak team is always happy to help you navigate the aged care transition and to get you started we have put together this handy checklist of what you need to know about Support at Home ahead of July 2025.
Combating Loneliness: The Power of Day Clubs for Seniors
For many seniors and elderly people in Australia, loneliness is a significant issue.
It can lead to many mental health and even physical health problems, including depression. This is particularly prevalent amongst non-English speaking seniors. They are more likely to live alone and feel more ostracised than English-speaking seniors. Nevertheless, it is a shared problem amongst all elderly communities.
Did you know that there is a 60% increase in the risk of dementia among the elderly when there is social isolation? (Source: alzheimers.org.uk)
Fortunately, adult day centres, often referred to as day clubs, along with other aged care day programs offer an effective, engaging solution. From the opportunity to enjoy a welcoming, relaxed environment, to the opportunity to bond with like-minded individuals in the same state of life, clubs for seniors can boost wellbeing.
There are a variety of aged care day centres offering programs and clubs to help combat the negative effects of isolation and help your loved one live a happier, more inclusive and social life.
What is a Day Club?
Think of a welcoming community of fellow seniors who come together to interact, play games, chat and have a good time. That is an adult day club for seniors.
While the structure of the program will vary from club to club, all clubs for seniors are focused on fostering positive social interaction. They are so much more than just care-providing services or opportunities for families and carers to enjoy a few hours of caring respite.
Did you know that there are approximately 3.9 million Australians over the age of 65 and that 1.2 million of them live alone? (Source: ABS)
Activities on offer include playing board games, cards and bingo. Some clubs offer art classes and other creative projects. Some day clubs will run a book club or invite guest speakers and musicians or even show a movie that is of interest and relevance to their community.
Many day clubs and day centres offer supportive services such as meals and transport to make the entire experience easier and less stressful for everyone.
The Benefits of A Day Club for Seniors
Here at White Oak, while home care is our primary service, we offer a variety of adult day clubs as well. These warm and welcoming clubs offer the perfect setting for increased social interaction and decreased feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Why should you or your loved one consider joining an aged care day centre?
1. Better quality of life
All human beings, whether we are three years old or 103, need social interaction. We are social creatures and our longing for bonding with other human beings is instilled within us. A day club for seniors provides a low-effort, no-stress environment in which social interaction can take place. For seniors experiencing social isolation or loneliness this can offer a significant enhancement of their quality of life, happiness and wellbeing.
2. Physical and mental stimulation
Seniors who live alone often experience a lack of mental stimulation as well as physical activity. This can exacerbate and feed into feelings of loneliness and depression. Attending an adult day club offers a perfect opportunity for stimulating not just the mind but body as well. It provides a new setting outside of the home and allows for the critical emotional support we all need and want. Additionally, there are more opportunities for seniors to find the nutritional support they need as well as meals are often on offer in venues that run aged care day programs.
3. Cultural versatility
As mentioned before, non-English speaking seniors are often at risk of increased isolation. With a variety of culturally-specific day clubs available, seniors from all backgrounds can find the group that’s right for them. There are Italian, Portuguese, and Croatian Day Clubs available, as well as many, many more.
4. Longevity
Socialising is not just good for one’s mental health and getting out of the house is not just good for one’s physical health. Studies coming out of Harvard Health have been proving that socialising, through something like a day club, can actually help seniors live longer!
5. It’s fun!
There are many benefits to attending an aged care day centre but we shouldn’t skip one of the most important: They are fun! Day clubs are vibrant, joyful experiences that offer the elderly in our community the chance to meet up with friendly contemporaries, engage in delightful conversation, enjoy themselves and share a laugh.
Should your loved one attend an adult day care club?
As wonderful as they are, an adult day club may not be right for everyone. However, if a senior is showing the following signs, it may be a good idea to gently and lovingly suggest they consider attending a club.
- Withdrawing from social activities and interactions.
- A sudden lack of interest in activities.
- Pervasive feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness or boredom.
- Expressions of loneliness and isolation.
- Changes in sleep patterns and/or appetites.
- Difficulty concentrating and focusing.
- Difficult in making decisions.
Remember: Finding the right day club is important. It’s not just about culture and language barriers. Make sure that the club itself, its activities and attendees, are right for your loved one or for yourself.
Contact White Oak to find out more
For almost 30 years, the White Oak team has been providing quality home care services for the elderly and seniors. We are much more than just day care providers–we are dedicated to positively impacting the lives of everyone we work with. After all, we firmly believe in our mission to enrich the remaining years of each of our clients to the fullest.
Whether you want to find out more about our day clubs for seniors, arrange a tour of one of our aged care day programs, or would like some guidance as to what sort of adult day care is right for you or your loved one, contact the White Oak team today.
