5 Ways Older Adults Can Remain Socially Connected

Socializing helps us feel involved and build connections that keep us engaged with friends, family and the world. Unfortunately, a visible number of seniors describe themselves as “lonely” or “socially isolated”.

Research has shown that a lack of social bonds can be as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. Explore ways for older adults to remain socially engaged.

Effects of Loneliness and Isolation on Older Adults

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), loneliness reflects a sense of being and feeling alone, regardless of a person’s degree of social contact. Social isolation can occur in response to loneliness and is defined as having few or no connections to other people. An estimated one in five adults 60 and older report feeling socially isolated.

Beyond mental health, loneliness and social isolation can have a rippling effect on physical health, often leading to a sedentary lifestyle, smoking or obesity.

For older adults, social isolation may occur in response to:

• Limited mobility and being unable to travel as frequently
• Having a smaller and shrinking social circle with age
• Not having strong interpersonal relationships with existing connections

On top of these concerns, loneliness and social isolation can increase risks for stroke and heart disease in older adults and may contribute to or accelerate dementia progression.

How to Remain Social as You Grow Older

Older adults looking to keep their social circle strong are advised to:

• Use Technology: Zoom and other group video chat programs create channels of communication with friends and family. If you’re looking to remain connected, consider arranging for regular video calls involving members of your social circle.
• Look for In-Person Opportunities: Despite advances in technology, nothing is quite like meeting in person. Yet based on your social circle, these arrangements may be a challenge and are rarely spontaneous. To seek out social opportunities, older adults are advised to visit their local senior center to participate in activities with others in their age group. Also consider holding a monthly dinner with family and friends.
• Join a Group: Exercise and other activities in a group setting have a two-fold benefit for older adults: engaging with others and moving your body. Seek opportunities to stay physically active, remain involved in a lifelong pursuit or learn something new.
• Volunteer: Look for ways you can give back and help others. For older adults, volunteering often imparts a sense of purpose, allows you to remain active in your community, and helps you create connections with others.
• Contact a Friendship Line: The Institute on Aging oversees a 24-hour Friendship Line, which you can call to talk with a volunteer.

The transition from working to retirement can result in a major change when it comes to socialization. To keep your parent, friend or loved one stay active and engaged:

• Call or meet to have a genuine conversation, in which you both listen to each other.
• Help them set up and understand how to use online chat and related technologies.
• Sign up for a class together to learn something new or stay in contact with a friend.

Are you looking for opportunities to remain socially and physically active? Consider therapeutic recreation at Avon Health Center. Contact us to learn about upcoming events.