Ways older adults can stay connected

Keeping social connections and making new friends is important, particularly as we age. According to the National Institute on Aging, having meaningful and productive connections may help you live a longer, healthier life. Staying social boosts our mood, gives us a sense of purpose, and improves our cognitive function.

 

Loneliness can act as a fertilizer for other diseases, heightening your health risk.  A study published in the Perspectives on Psychological Science revealed that the risks of loneliness are the same as smoking 15 cigarettes in a day.

 

The National Institutes of Health has linked loneliness and social isolation to:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Weakened immune system
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Alzheimer's

Our bodies can perceive the lack of connections to the point where biological changes occur. For example, loneliness may change the cells in the immune system and cause inflammation. Inflammation is necessary to help the body heal from injury and illness. When inflammation lasts too long or is chronic, it may increase the risk of chronic diseases.

 

Loneliness may be more common than you realize. According to research by the Kaiser Family Foundation, one in five Americans always or often feels lonely, or they have socially isolated feelings.

Feelings of loneliness can happen to anyone, everywhere-even if you are surrounded by friends and family, or even when you are physically alone.
 

Loneliness and social isolation are different.

• Feelings of loneliness tend to strike when we don't feel a sense of belonging with people.
• Loneliness is emotional and happens when a person feels alone or separated from others, regardless of the amount of social contact they have.
• Social isolation happens when we're separated from other people. We don't have social connections like allow us to physically socialize with others.

The world is full of opportunities to remain vibrant and engaged. When a lifestyle changes or health needs require a new perspective, look around your local community and online to see how to get involved.

 

Be a volunteer

Join service organizations that are intended for older adults. Community centers often have volunteering opportunities that can help provide a sense of purpose and match your skill and your interest levels.

 

Take a class or join a club

Local colleges and community centers provide classes designed specifically for seniors. Explore clubs that have activities you like such as knitting, bowling, or art. Activity groups exist that cover many hobbies and interests, like crafting, woodworking, and puzzles. Others exist for the sole purpose of socializing.

 

Learn new technology

Technology tools can provide the perfect way for you to connect via social media, email, or apps with family or friends that may live far away. Online classes and social groups offer another way to chat with people who may share your interests.

 

Exercise

In the world of health, exercise is considered free medicine. We were built to move. Taking an exercise class can help you get active, and you can make new friends. Walking, yoga, Zumba, or online classes all offer a safe, fun way to meet people with your same interests and can help you develop friendships.

 

They’re also a great place to meet up and keep each other empowered and accountable.

 

With a little imagination and organization, older adults can find fun, inexpensive ways to socialize and stay connected. Here are just a few ideas to get you started.

 

Movie night

Host a movie night and invite family and friends. Include snacks, games, and even movie trivia!

 

Potluck

Sharing a meal with friends can be one of life’s most memorable and satisfying moments. Plan a potluck where everyone brings a favorite dish. Pick a themed night, like Mexican or Italian, and swap recipes.

 

Game night

How about a game night? You can play card games, favorite board games, puzzles, or online games. Pull out those games that you loved in childhood like bridge, canasta, poker, bingo, or charades.

 

Craft day

Craft day is also another idea for an organized gathering. Making crafts is very enjoyable and the ideas are endless. Try jewelry making, painting, adult coloring, or woodworking.

 

Host a formal dinner party

Pull the formal clothes from the closet and dust them off. Host a formal evening party where you prepare for friends or have it catered.

 

About half of older adults over 64 use social networking websites to connect with friends and find new companions. Think about your own interests and how important it is to invest in a new relationship. Get to know a new partner over time and focus on a balanced friendship.

 

Tips for cultivating these new relationships

Finding new friendships or strengthening existing relationships takes time and commitment. Change is inevitable, and with age, living situations and work evolve even more with retirement. Nonetheless, staying social and meeting a new friend is more than possible. Here are a few points to keep in mind.

 

1. Be confident about your own life and values 

Older adults tend to do better in relationships, since they know what they want in life and are less likely to compromise over strong health beliefs. Know your likes and dislikes and seek out companionship that reflects your values.

 

2. Practice your communication skills

Practice your communication skills and don't forget to also ask questions. Be curious about what other people have gone through and their personal life story. Listen to what’s important to them and their own beliefs.

 

3. Be available

Show that you can be trusted and care enough to be present. It's important to be punctual and respect your new friend's time.

 

Staying Safe

Staying safe is top of mind for older adults, especially when meeting new people or going to new places. It’s more than possible to have fun and stay safe by keeping a few key safety tips in mind.

 

Practice safety

Meet in a public place or take a friend along for extra security. You can never know if the person you’re meeting is honest and has good intentions. If you feel unsure, threatened, or uncomfortable in any way, just figure out how to exit the situation again.

 

Guard your personal information

If you feel unsafe online, stop any communication and contact authorities. It is crucial to remember to never divulge personal contact information. This includes your full name, phone numbers, home address, or any other identifying information. Never post personal information online.

 

Be aware

Be aware of your surroundings, like where the nearest parking lot is and which areas have sufficient lighting. Know where you’re going ahead of time.

 

Keep in touch

Make sure you have contact numbers for your group or friends. When meeting up with someone new, let a trusted friend know when you're arriving or when you have made it home safely.

 

Content contained on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your health care provider before beginning any new fitness or dietary plan. References provided are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement of any websites or other sources. Should you have any health-related questions, you should contact your health care provider.

 

Related articles:

• Coping with Loneliness in Seniors
• Internet Safety
• Alone for the Holidays? Beat the Loneliness