For many, it's not until you face isolation as we have done during the COVID-19 pandemic, that you fully appreciate how much you miss about 'normal' life.
For some older Victorians staying busy and socially connected has been a challenge, so COTA Victoria has made a downloadable book freely available to help those who might be battling with iso-life.
Written by 74 year-old communications consultant Ron Smith, 'Stay Socially Connected - 20 Things to Keep you and Your Loved Ones Happy While Self-Isolating and Beyond', outlines a range of simple and constructive activities to do while spending a lot more time in and around the home.
It's very readable and practical, covering tips like making a schedule, raising awareness on social media and with those around you about the importance of self-isolation, social distancing and taking care - especially as we start to wind back restrictions.
Then there's things like organising your space, keeping physically active, connecting via technology with family and friends, tidying up, sorting clothes and other stuff you don't use, organising paperwork, deleting unwanted data from devices, taking up a new hobby and getting into the garden.
Author Ron Smith said it's important for many that they don't look back on this period of isolation in 2020 and feel like they achieved nothing productive.
"The ideas in this book should be seen as part of the COVID-19 self-isolating strategy," he said.
"Small things like making regular phone calls for a FaceTime session with friends and relatives are vital in breaking down the barriers of loneliness during this period.
"That's especially important for older members of the community who live on their own."
The 28-page book can be downloaded here: https://www.medialaunch.com.au/pdf/COTA-Connect.pdf