The 50s and 60s are a period of transition.
If you have children, you may have recently left home and found newfound freedom. It’s also the time to retire from your job and look for more activities to fill your time.
Many people experience social isolation during this stage. According to the report, loneliness affects around a third of people over the age of 45 and social isolation affects nearly a quarter of people over the age of 65. Masu.
Regardless of what’s going on at this time in your life, an active social life is critical to your health.
Learn how to expand your social network as you get older.
People don’t talk as much about the social benefits of exercise as they do about the physical and cognitive benefits, but they should.
So many different forms of exercise that involve other people, such as dance, team sports, and solo sports played with others
There is a strong link between lifelong learning and happiness. For example, a 2020 review of seven studies found that learning a foreign language helps older adults maintain their cognitive abilities.
It also helped them build social connections and feel included.
Needless to say, it’s fun! If you have more free time these days, it’s the perfect time to enjoy learning something new. You may meet new friends.
If you live alone or don’t have much time to socialize with others, you can quickly start to feel socially isolated. If you find yourself in this situation, try intentionally scheduling social dates with other people.
If for some reason you can’t or don’t want to leave the house, consider checking in with friends and family by phone every day.
Calling a loved one, grabbing coffee with a friend, or going to the dog park to chat with other dog lovers all provide healthy social time.
When you have an idea in your life that you want to share with someone, you don’t have to wait until the next time you meet. If you have a mobile phone, you can send a text message.
This is a great way to stay connected with your loved ones in real time and share information even just by saying hi.
Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can also help you stay in touch with your loved ones.
A 2015 report found that 35% of people over 65 use social media, up from 2% in 2005.
Be sure to understand your social account’s privacy settings and policies before signing up for or sharing any personal information through your social account. If you want to learn more about using social media, consider signing up for a class at your local library or community center.
Planning your transportation can help motivate you to get out and socialize, especially if you don’t use a car.
It helps to research your transportation options so you can easily get where you want to go. Senior Services of America suggests several options that may be helpful, whether you’re a senior or not.
- public transport
- Paratransit services – For people who don’t have easy access to public transportation, they are available for free when booked through some public transportation providers.
- Private ride services — taxis specifically designed for seniors and those in need of transportation
- Ride-hailing services such as taxis and Uber
Supporting causes you care about can help you connect with others who share your values ​​and give you a sense of purpose. It’s a win-win.
Volunteering outside of your home at a set time each week can also help you maintain a social schedule.
By meeting different kinds of people with different interests, you can be exposed to a wider range of activities, people, and resources than if you belonged to one social group.
Expand your horizons by trying something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t had the chance to do before.
This may be through volunteering, trying a new sport or hobby, joining a book club, or many other social activities. The important thing is to expand your horizons and remain curious.
If you often feel isolated in your daily life, it may be helpful to invite others over from time to time. Ask yourself:
- Instead of commuting alone, could you carpool with someone?
- Can I chat with a friend on the phone while I cook?
- Can you invite someone new to your exercise plan?
- Can I invite a friend over for movie night?
It’s easy to fall into a routine of coming home from work or other daytime activities, curling up alone on the couch, watching TV, and going to bed without much social interaction.
If you don’t have enough social time in a typical week, try replacing nights spent alone on the couch with time spent with friends.
Research shows that pet care
Owning a pet may also help you increase your human connections by increasing your chances of meeting other pet lovers.
Remember that owning a pet is a big responsibility. Before getting a pet, make sure you are prepared for the long term.
Connect with your local community center and discover a variety of workshops, social events, sports, and arts activities.
Many centers have events and classes held daily. Just choose what you want to do, sign up, and participate.
You don’t have to deal with loneliness, stress, and social isolation alone. If you don’t know how to break out of a loneliness rut, talk to a medical professional. Start by talking to your doctor or contacting a therapist.
They help assess issues and connect you with community resources.
Being social on a daily basis is very important for all ages and has many health benefits.
If you’re in a transition period, such as retirement or adult children leaving home, now is the perfect time to form new habits and expand your social circle.
Maintaining strong social connections helps you live a long and happy life.