According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, nearly a fourth of everyone 65 and older is socially isolated. That means they aren’t interacting regularly with friends, family, or other individuals.
If we don’t look for ways to prevent loneliness it can negatively impact our mental health and lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease.
As we get older, our social circle gets smaller, and we begin to lose the social connections we need to stay happy. The good news is: there are things you can do to prevent feelings of loneliness. It may require you to step out of your comfort zone every once in a while: however, the benefits you’ll receive will provide you with a higher quality of life.
Let’s take a look:
Take workout classes or join a fitness center
The older we get, the more important it is to prioritize fitness and get our bodies up and moving. Not only that, but joining a fitness center or taking workout classes can also help you meet new friends and socialize with others. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can be a world of difference, and if you meet a friend in a class that wants to go with you, you can both motivate each other to get active!
Look for volunteer opportunities
Volunteering in your local community is a great way to give back and make new friends. The best part is: there are volunteer opportunities everywhere! Consider contacting your local food bank, homeless shelter, or church to see if there are any opportunities in your area. You can also reach out to nonprofits or local organizations to see if they need a helping hand. Sometimes they will have volunteer options just for seniors so you can meet others that are your age as well.
Checkout local senior centers
Finding a local senior center in your area can help you connect with others in your community. These centers also provide engaging activities and opportunities to meet and connect with other people your age. Making it a weekly routine to visit a local senior center can improve your social life and provide you with a new network of friendships. Plus, it will be something you can look forward to every week.
Spend more time with loved ones
Don’t let the chaos of life keep you away from the ones you love most. Make sure to make time for your friends and family in your life. Don’t be afraid to call them: ask them if they want to get coffee or let them know you want to spend some more quality time with them. Your loved ones will always love you, no matter how busy they get! Keeping those connections with them will help you feel loved and keep you from feeling lonely.
Join a club or take a class
Clubs can be a great way to connect with like-minded individuals who have the same passions and interests. If you don’t know what kind of club or class you’d be interested in, don’t be afraid to explore different avenues! It’s never too late to pick up a new hobby and explore your talents, and you never know who you might meet that has similar interests as you!
How Senior Care Companions can help
At Senior Care Companions, we offer hourly and live-in care that can help seniors who need help with basic needs or suffer from loneliness. Our team will be there with you to provide you with frequent socialization and give you anything else you may need. We also have Alzheimer’s and assisted living care for those who need more specialized care.
Living with loneliness isn’t easy, and you shouldn’t have to live that way. If you’re ready to make a change in your life and think our Senior Care Companions can help, contact us today. We’d love to improve your life: anyway, we can.
