Staying in Touch With Aging Parents: A Simple Guide
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Small, simple acts of connection can make a difference. This guide offers easy ways to check in and shares why staying connected matters.
Why connection matters
Staying connected to others creates feelings of belonging and of being loved, cared for, and valued. Social connections are important to mental and physical health.
Being connected to others helps protect against serious illness and disease. Stable and supportive relationships provide the support needed to cope with stressful life challenges.
- People with healthy relationships are more likely to make healthy choices that lead to better mental and physical health.
Simple ways to check in
Improving social connections can be simple but meaningful, and small acts can make a difference. A simple check-in lets someone know you are thinking about them.
It helps to make time in a routine to contact others who care about you. That can include setting aside regular time to reach out to your parent.
- Reach out and check on one another. It is a simple thing to do.
- Share activities you are already doing, such as exercising or cooking, with others.
- Screen time should not distract from connecting with people in person.
When connecting feels hard
Making social connections can be hard, especially with poor health, money problems, or living alone. Still, a few small acts of connection can build supportive, meaningful relationships.
Reaching out to different people can create a broad network of support. Joining a group activity can also help with social connections.
This is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. For your own situation, talk to a doctor or another qualified professional. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
Where to get help
United States
- Eldercare Locator — Care and support services · Phone: 1-800-677-1116
Australia
- My Aged Care — Care and support services
Sources
- Social Connection — U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), retrieved October 18, 2026
- Improving Social Connectedness — U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), retrieved October 18, 2026