More Than an Outing: Why Aged Care Social Programs Matter More Than We Think

As we get older, the things we look forward to each week become even more important. 

A lunch with friends. 
A harbour cruise. 
A trivia afternoon. 
A familiar face greeting you at the door.

Across our growing communities, Lumia Care delivers aged care social programs and day programs designed to help older Australians stay active, connected and engaged — whether they’re receiving support at home or part of a broader home care package. 

And the impact goes far beyond the activity itself. 

The Power of Social Connection in Healthy Ageing 

Research consistently shows that social support for older Australians plays a critical role in healthy ageing. 

• Older adults with strong social networks live longer. 

• Regular social interaction is linked to better cognitive health. 

• Meaningful friendships are strongly associated with increased life satisfaction and emotional wellbeing. 

In fact, studies suggest that having close friends may be just as important — and sometimes more important — than being in a romantic relationship when it comes to long-term happiness and health. 

Friendship matters. 
Belonging matters. 
Community-based aged care matters. 

“Please Add My Name to Your List” 

After a recent harbour outing, one member shared: 

“Thanks for a great day on the harbour last week. You did a great job wrangling us oldies and keeping everything moving and on time. 
I would like to go to the next social at Cherrybrook — I do love a bit of trivia. Please add my name to your list.” 

There’s something powerful in that simple request. 

Please add my name to your list. 

It shows anticipation. Enthusiasm. A desire to come back. 

For many older Australians receiving aged care support, having something enjoyable in the calendar gives structure and energy to the days in between. 

Looking Forward to Catching Up Again 

After another social event, we received this message: 

“Thank you for a wonderful day yesterday. The event and your organising was amazing. Looking forward to catching up with you whenever.” 

That sense of continuity — catching up again — is what transforms a single event into a community. 

These aren’t one-off outings. They’re part of an ongoing rhythm within our aged care day programs — familiar faces, shared laughter, and friendships that grow over time. 

“I Really Look Forward to the Next One” 

Another member recently told us: 

“Thank you so much, I've been telling my friends and family how terrific you are for organising everything and encouraging us oldies to go outside — I really look forward to the next one.” 

That phrase says everything. 

I really look forward to the next one. 

Psychologists talk about the power of anticipation — how having something positive ahead of you strengthens mood, builds motivation, and creates a sense of forward momentum. 

For many participants in our aged care social support programs, a weekly or fortnightly gathering becomes that anchor — something meaningful to look forward to. 

Aged Care That Builds Community 

At Lumia Care, we believe aged care is about more than clinical support or daily assistance. It’s about enabling independence, confidence and connection at every stage of life. 

Our aged care social programs and day programs are designed to: 

• Encourage meaningful friendships 

• Support participation and confidence 

• Create welcoming, inclusive environments 

• Complement home care and support at home services 

• Give older Australians something to genuinely look forward to 

Because when someone asks to be added to the next event, or says they can’t wait for the next outing, it shows something deeper: 

They feel included. 
They feel valued. 
They feel part of something. 

And that’s what quality aged care in Australia should do.