Queensland Mental Health Week, starting in October, is an opportunity to raise awareness and start conversations about mental wellbeing. While this week highlights the importance of mental health support, the reality is that mental health affects everyone, every day, not just during awareness campaigns.
For older Australians, changes in routine, social isolation or health concerns can increase the risk of feeling disconnected, anxious or overwhelmed. Supporting mental wellbeing is not about doing more – it’s about doing what matters. Often, small daily activities can make a big difference.
At Trilogy Care, we support older Australians to live independently through flexible, self-managed home care. Mental wellbeing is part of this, and we work with clients to ensure their support plans reflect both physical and emotional needs.
Everyday activities that support mental health
Mental wellbeing doesn’t always require specialist intervention. Everyday ways to support emotional strength, focus and connection include:
- Gardening – Spending time in the garden offers more than fresh air. Planting, watering or caring for a veggie patch brings routine and a sense of purpose, while exposure to nature is known to lower stress hormones. For older Australians, gardening can also encourage gentle physical activity and connection with neighbours through community gardens.
- Meditation – Mindfulness practices don’t have to be complicated. Simple breathing exercises, guided meditation or short daily moments of stillness can reduce anxiety, improve focus and help with sleep. These techniques can be done anywhere and are especially helpful for older people managing health changes or feelings of worry.
- Creative activities – Painting, knitting, journalling or playing music are more than hobbies; they provide an outlet for self-expression and mental stimulation. Creative pursuits can improve memory, coordination and problem-solving skills, while also helping process emotions that may be difficult to express in conversation. Joining a local art or craft group adds the extra benefit of social connection.
- Group volunteering – Giving back creates a sense of meaning and contribution. Many older Australians find that volunteering in groups, whether at an op shop, a community kitchen or a charity event, helps them feel valued while also building friendships. The shared purpose of volunteering supports emotional resilience and strengthens ties to the community.
- Lifelong learning – Staying curious keeps the brain active. Taking a short course, learning to use technology, or exploring a new hobby stimulates cognitive function and builds confidence. For older Australians, lifelong learning can also reduce feelings of isolation by opening doors to new social circles. Community centres, libraries and online programs often make learning affordable and accessible.
Trilogy Care - Your partner in wellbeing
Trilogy Care supports clients to build support plans that include more than just daily tasks. We focus on the whole person, recognising that staying well means staying connected, creative and engaged.
Queensland Mental Health Week is a chance to talk more openly about what mental health means in later life. It also reminds us that mental wellbeing is not a one-off event. It is something we can support every day, in small but meaningful ways.
If you or someone you care for could benefit from support that includes mental wellbeing as part of everyday life, Trilogy Care is here to help.
