Feeling lonely does not always mean being alone. Many older people spend much of their day at home, especially after health changes, retirement, or the loss of a loved one. The house that once felt lively can start to feel quiet, and even familiar routines may become isolating.
Loneliness among older adults has become a national concern. Studies show that regular loneliness can affect both physical and emotional health, increasing the risk of depression, heart problems, and cognitive decline. The Government, the NHS, and care providers across the country now recognise loneliness as a serious issue, one that deserves attention and compassion.
But can technology really help? Can a video call or an online chat ever replace sitting across the table from someone you care about? The truth is, technology cannot replace human contact, but it can play a vital role in reducing loneliness and rebuilding connection when used thoughtfully and with support.
Why Loneliness in Elderly People & Relatives Matters
According to Age UK, more than 1.4 million older people in the UK often feel lonely. The reasons vary family living further away, mobility problems, loss of a partner, or changes in health that make getting out more difficult.
Loneliness is not just an emotional feeling; it can have real effects on well-being. It can lead to poor sleep, lower confidence, and even slower recovery from illness. For people receiving home care, daily visits may be the main source of conversation and companionship. When the care worker leaves, hours can pass without speaking to anyone.
Technology offers a bridge a way to keep relationships alive, to join conversations, and to see the faces of loved ones even from a distance. Used in the right way, it can make the world feel a little smaller and a lot more connected.
How Technology Can Bring People Closer
Technology may sound intimidating, but in reality, it is just another way to talk, laugh, and share experiences. Here are a few simple ways it can help to reduce feelings of isolation:
Video Calls:
Tools such as WhatsApp, Zoom, or FaceTime allow people to see and hear family or friends instantly, wherever they are. Many older adults describe their first video call as a joyful experience, seeing familiar faces, grandchildren playing, or friends smiling back brings warmth into the home.
Online Groups and Clubs:
There are online choirs, book clubs, and hobby groups for almost every interest imaginable. Whether you enjoy gardening, knitting, or history, there are safe online spaces where people chat, share ideas, and build friendships.
Community and Faith Connections:
Many local groups, including churches and community centres, now stream their services or meetings online. This means that even if mobility is limited, you can still feel part of your community.
Digital Entertainment and Learning:
From free museum tours and radio drama archives to language classes and online puzzles, the internet is full of opportunities to learn and enjoy new experiences. Exploring these can spark creativity and a sense of purpose.
For people who receive care at home, these digital tools can bring a comforting sense of belonging, the reminder that there are still conversations to be had and people who care, just a few clicks away.
You can also read more in our related guide on how Alexa can help empower elderly people.
A Quarry Home Care Story: Staying Connected Across the Miles
One of our domiciliary care clients, whom we will call Mary, is 83 and lives alone in her family home in Liverpool. Her daughter and grandchildren moved to Scotland several years ago, and although they spoke on the phone, Mary often said she felt “cut off” from daily life.
During one of her care visits, a Quarry Home Care team member introduced Mary to video calling. Together, they downloaded an app on her tablet and practised making short calls. Within a week, Mary was chatting to her grandchildren face to face, laughing as they showed her their school projects and pets.
Mary now joins a weekly online coffee morning run by her local church. “It’s not quite the same as being there in person,” she says, “but it’s lovely to see familiar faces and have a good chat. I feel part of things again.”
Her story shows that digital tools don’t replace people; they reconnect them.
Overcoming Common Worries
About Using Technology
Many older adults worry that technology will be too complicated, too expensive, or simply not for them. These are understandable fears, but most can be overcome with a little guidance and reassurance.
“I’m not good with technology, I’ll probably do something wrong.”
It is impossible to truly “break” a tablet or smartphone by exploring it. Most mistakes can be fixed with a few taps, and your care worker or a family member can show you slowly, one step at a time.
“I can’t see or hear well enough for screens.”
Modern devices are designed with accessibility in mind. You can enlarge text, brighten the screen, or even use your voice to control apps. Carers from Quarry Home Care can help adjust these settings to make them comfortable for you.
“I don’t have anyone to talk to online.”
There are plenty of welcoming groups across the UK. Organisations such as Age UK and Re-engage run online friendship programmes and local video meet-ups. These spaces are designed specifically for older people looking for company and conversation.
“I prefer to talk to people in person.”
That will never change, nor should it. Technology should never replace real human contact, it simply gives you more options to stay connected when travel or visits are difficult.
The goal is not to make life digital, but to make life less lonely.
How Quarry Home Care Helps Clients Stay Connected
At Quarry Home Care, we understand that social connection is just as important as medical or physical care. Our carers are trained to support clients gently and respectfully in using technology, only if and when they wish to.
This might include:
- Helping to set up a video call with family or friends.
- Reminding clients about online community sessions or streamed church services.
- Showing how to use simple apps to order groceries, send photos, or watch familiar TV programmes.
- Supporting clients to use the NHS App or GP booking systems, if they choose to.
We approach this with patience and understanding. There is no rush and no pressure. Our goal is to help every client feel confident, connected, and cared for — whether that happens through a conversation at the kitchen table or through a screen.
Simple Steps to Start Connecting Online
If you or a loved one would like to try using technology to connect more, here are some easy ways to begin:
- Start Small: Ask a family member or carer to show you one app, such as WhatsApp, Zoom, or FaceTime.
- Use What You Have: Most smartphones and tablets already have everything you need for video calls — no extra equipment required.
- Practise Regularly: Try setting aside ten minutes a week for an online chat or activity. Repetition helps build confidence.
- Look for Local Support: Libraries and community centres in Liverpool offer free digital help sessions. Age UK Liverpool & Sefton also runs friendly technology workshops.
- Be Patient with Yourself: Everyone learns at their own pace. Take your time and celebrate each small success.
Remember, you are not learning technology, you are learning new ways to stay connected.
Technology and the Human Touch
Technology cannot replace the warmth of a handshake, a shared laugh, or the comfort of someone sitting beside you. What it can do is bridge the quiet moments in between, helping you feel closer to others even when distance, health, or weather make visits harder.
At Quarry Home Care, we believe that connection is at the heart of good care. Whether it comes from a daily visit, a neighbour’s phone call, or a video chat with family, every moment of contact matters. With gentle support, technology can make those moments easier to reach, turning silence into conversation and loneliness into companionship.
Useful Resources
If you would like to learn more or get started, these trusted organisations can help:
- Age UK – Telephone Friendship Service
- Re-engage – Online Social Groups for Older People
- Good Things Foundation – Learn My Way
- Liverpool City Council – Community Activities
