The risk of social isolation becomes more pronounced after retirement, but many seniors are well-versed in using technology and expect to keep it up long after they’ve left the workforce. This is even more important for retirees chasing a tree or sea change, says Dr Graham, as the lifestyle advantages of moving away from the city can be outweighed by more limited access to specialist in-person health services. “For me, the ongoing greater adoption of digital technology is the only way to bridge the health inequality that exists between someone who lives in a metropolitan area, versus someone who’s living out in rural NSW.”

He adds that “seniors are quite receptive to adopting new technology” but may need a friend or family member to help them get set up. His advice: make a printed hard copy of any instructions and include pictures and diagrams showing each step.

The nbn research also showed more than half (52 per cent) of nbn users accessed medical resources online, and two-in-five (39 per cent) accessed telehealth via the nbn network, with more than three-quarters (77 per cent) reporting this improved their health outcomes.

Making it meaningful

To get the most benefit from online social connections, Tomlinson recommends trying a variety of methods and platforms. “Each form of digital communication offers us something different and balance is important to support our emotional wellbeing. It’s important not to rely too heavily on one mode of contact, as having a mix of interactions mimics how we connect in the offline world.”

Online communities can be valuable for fostering shared interests or purposes; video calls allow us to have real-time interactions and see people face-to-face; and group chats can help us maintain contact and a sense of closeness with people that we don’t see all that often. Along with a strong internet connection, being authentic and consistent is your best bet for making meaningful connections.

“Keep in touch, be present and reliable in order to build trust over time,” Tomlinson advises. “Quality over quantity is key. You don’t need to have a constant stream of messages going or have hundreds — or thousands — of friends and interactions online. A few deep, meaningful interactions are likely to be more fulfilling than shallow ones.”

Ultimately, the digital age has not diminished our need for connection; it has amplified our ability to achieve it. For many, increased access to stable and reliable broadband, and forced adoption during the COVID-19 lockdowns, helped transform virtual interactions from glitchy gimmick to an indispensable lifeline. The power to forge meaningful relationships, support our wellbeing and bridge distances now rests, quite literally, at our fingertips.

And those great connections can only be made better with a stable and reliable internet connection powered by the nbn network. Learn more by visiting the nbn website.