Everyone needs social connections to thrive. But as people age, they often find themselves spending more time alone.
Being alone may leave older adults more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can affect their health and well-being.
Social isolation is the lack of social contacts and having few people to interact with regularly. Loneliness is when you feel like you are alone or have less connection with others than you desire. Although social isolation and feeling lonely are related, they are not the same thing.
There are things you can do to help protect yourself or a loved one from the negative effects of loneliness and social isolation.
First, it’s important to take care of yourself. Try exercising, eating healthy, getting enough sleep (7 to 9 hours), and pursuing activities you enjoy to help manage stress and stay as mentally and physically healthy as possible.
It’s also important to stay active and connect with others. People who engage in meaningful, productive activities they enjoy with others feel a sense of purpose and tend to live longer.
For example, helping others through volunteering helps you feel less lonely and allows you to have a sense of mission and purpose in life, which is linked to better health. Studies show activities like these may help boost your mood and improve your well-being and cognitive function.
Here are some actions you may want to consider taking to help you stay connected:
- Nurture and strengthen existing relationships; invite people over for coffee or call them to suggest a trip to a museum or to see a movie.
- Schedule a time each day to call a friend or visit someone.
- Meet your neighbors, young and old.
- Don’t let being a non-driver stop you from staying active. Find out about your transportation options. • Use social media like Facebook to stay in touch with long-distance friends or write an old-fashioned letter.
- Stay physically active and include group exercise in the mix, like joining a walking club.
- Take a class to learn something new and, at the same time, expand your circle of friends.
- Revisit an old hobby you’ve set aside and connect with others who share your interests.
- Volunteer to deepen your sense of purpose and help others.
- Visit your local community wellness or senior center and become involved in a wide range of interesting programs.
- Check out faith-based organizations for spiritual engagement, as well as to participate in activities and events.
- Get involved in your community by taking on a cause, such as making your community more age-friendly.
