Living this life is all about connecting with friends and family and enjoying every experience. As we grow, we start with our family unit and become independent from our parents, only to become parents ourselves. When you get older, those younger family members often get busy with their own lives, and sometimes we are left all by ourselves, wishing we had more human contact.
Many seniors live in isolation, and it creates a sad final few chapters of their lives. This doesn’t need to be the case, though, because there is a lot they can do to change their lonely situation.
Are you advanced in years and unsure how to find others to spend time with? This is how to reduce social isolation in the elderly.
Recognize the Risks
You may have lived a very social, active life, but things have changed. Often, it happens slowly, and you don’t even realize you are becoming more distant and separated from friends and family, leaving you by yourself too much.
Here are the risks of social isolation:
- Living alone
- Having money challenges
- You are hearing impaired
- There are language barriers
- You can’t leave your home
- You’ve experienced a major life change, like the death of a spouse
- You feel a lack of purpose
These and other life realities can lead to a separate existence that isolates you, so recognizing it and doing something about it is key to changing your path toward a more fulfilling existence.
Retirement Homes
Deciding to move to a retirement home is a smart choice for those who are socially isolated. You instantly become part of a thriving community where people of advanced years have the time of their lives.
Many of these retirement homes have busy social calendars with lots of activities to get involved in, like:
- Exercise classes
- Book clubs
- Art classes
- Lecture series
- Game nights
These and more activities challenge the mind and exercise the body, which you need. However, meeting new friends and forming lasting relationships with fellow residents and staff is more important. It’s like living 24/7 at a resort for people of the same age.
Reconnect with Old Friends
If you are without your spouse or family, you need to replace them with other people you have a previous connection with. This can be achieved by reaching out to old high school or college classmates. These folks are your age and may be experiencing the same obstacles.
You might be a literal lifeline to someone else, and it becomes a mutual support and connection that will bring you joy. Another avenue to find old friends is from your previous work life or any clubs you may have participated in. Everyone can use another friend, so seek out those old pals and rekindle your old relationship.
Start a New Activity
When we are busy working and raising a family, often we don’t get to do the things in life that interest us. Once we are elderly, we now have the time to pursue them. It may not be rock climbing or mud wrestling, but you probably have some activity you’ve always wanted to do.
Maybe it’s a hobby that you left behind years ago or a class in something that you want to learn. Get involved and meet like-minded individuals with whom you can share an experience.
4. Get a Pet
Animals are amazing companions and can give you a new sense of purpose in life, especially when lonely. If you are mobile, get a dog because they will get you out of the house and into nature, which other dog owners frequent. You may end up bonding with another pet lover at the same time.
For those with limited mobility, a cat is the perfect pal. They love to cuddle and will quickly take to you, never leaving your side. They can become incredibly social and even communicate with you in their way.
5Volunteer
Volunteering is perfect for those who have become isolated, and many causes are looking for people to join and lend a hand. You can get involved part-time or make it your new cause by attending several weekly events and meetings. This gives you a sense of purpose, and you meet others with the same type of giving personality. You may also build relationships where you socialize with them outside of the volunteering organization.
This is how to reduce social isolation in the elderly, and you can get involved in many of these activities simultaneously. Before you know it, you will be so busy you don’t have time to feel alone.