Studies have shown that about 50% of all seniors in the country are at risk of social isolation (source), and about a third of them live alone. These are alarming numbers, and, if you’re currently suffering from loneliness, know that you’re not alone in that situation.
You should know that there are plenty of ways that you can avoid it, however, and, if you’re willing to make some effort, you’ll be able to connect with the outside world better. You should also see if you can make changes to your life that could favor more social interactions. Let’s take a look at a few ways that you can battle loneliness as a senior.
Join a Charity or Faith-Based Organization
One of the things you should consider doing is joining some kind of organization where you are. This could be a church or temple, or you could join a charity. Charities are always looking for help, and, if there’s a cause close to your heart, joining one that tackles that issue could give your life a greater sense of meaning while allowing you to reconnect with your community.
Consider Supportive Living
If you’ve never considered senior living or were thinking about it but didn’t know which option to pick, it would be a good idea for you to check out supportive living senior home facilities.
These facilities are often mistaken for assisted living facilities, but they’re slightly different and could be the perfect option if you like socializing. While they are similar to assisted living facilities in many ways, they focus more on autonomy and socialization, making them perfect for seniors who are independent and want to truly feel part of a community.
Find a Team Sport
Another thing you should do is check if you can find some team sport you could play. Organizations like the YMCA and plenty of others organize team sports like badminton, table tennis, and pickleball. You also have sports like water aerobics, which are gentle on the joints and allow you to socialize with people while getting a nice workout. So, look at the options out there and see what is available to people in your age group.
Don’t Be Afraid to Build Back Connections
If there is someone in your life you know you wronged in the past and would like to have back in your life, don’t be afraid to give them a call. Recognize what you did wrong and see if they would be open to you having a relationship with them.
Don’t be too proud to call some of your children or grandchildren who haven’t called you in a while either. You may assume that they’ve forgotten you when they could be going through something in their lives or are simply too busy. Don’t close the door to them, but if they don’t want to reconnect, let go and look somewhere else.
Conclusion
Dealing with loneliness is not easy, but you should know that there are plenty of things that can be done to build a solid social circle if you’re willing to take the first step. So look at what can be done starting today to rebuild connections and don’t get in your way.
