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This article was co-authored by Justin Barnes. Justin Barnes is a Senior Home Care Specialist and the Co-Owner of Presidio Home Care, a family-owned and operated Home Care Organization based in the Los Angeles, California metro area. Presidio Home Care, which provides non-medical supportive services, was the first agency in the state of California to become a licensed Home Care Organization. Justin has over 10 years of experience in the Home Care field. He has a BS in Technology and Operations Management from the California State Polytechnic University - Pomona.
There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 5,907 times.
Many people find that their social circle changes as they age. As time passes, friends and family members move far away, become ill, or pass away. For some, this can mean entering old age with a dwindling support network. But staying connected is important for physical and mental health – studies have found that loneliness can damage health just as much as smoking does. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get the social interaction you need as an elderly person. Keep your social circle strong by maintaining social habits, reaching out to your loved ones, and finding ways to contribute to your community.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Maintaining Social Habits
Pursue your hobbies and interests.[1] Participating in activities you enjoy keeps your mind sharp and your personality well-rounded. It also gives you plenty of opportunities to connect with others who share your interests. Look for local clubs and groups for like-minded hobbyists, or consider starting your own group.[2]- For instance, you could join a book club, a cooking club, or a walking group.
Get a pet. Taking care of a furry friend can boost your mood and help you stay healthy. Pets are a great source of company, especially if you live alone. If you get a dog, you'll also have a reason to go for regular walks and chat with other dog owners.- Dogs and cats offer more companionship benefits than smaller pets like gerbils.
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Exercise. Regular physical activity will help you stay healthy and capable, both physically and mentally.[3] Exercise also provides a good opportunity to socialize with others. Look for a class that interests you at your local senior center or YMCA, or ask a friend to exercise with you.[4]- If you're not in the habit of exercising frequently, there are plenty of gentle workouts that will help you build up your level of fitness gradually. Even walking or stretching can make a big difference to your overall health.
Participate in faith-based activities. If you are religious, attending services at your church, synagogue, or mosque will help you stay connected with like-minded people. If you don't currently attend religious services but would like to start, don't hesitate to get involved – most places of worship welcome newcomers.[5]
Consider taking a part-time job. If you're retired, working a part-time job might be an ideal way to stay busy and active in your community. Look for a position that puts your skills and knowledge to good use while leaving plenty of time for your hobbies and friends.[6]Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Connecting with Friends and Family
Maintain regular contact with your family.[7] Reach out to your children, siblings, and other family members to stay in touch. Try hosting a family gathering at your house, babysitting your grandkids more often, or having a weekly phone chat with a family member who lives far away.[8]- It can be easy to grow apart from your family members as you all get older, but this doesn't mean they don't want to keep in touch with you. Don't feel shy about sending the first email or making the first phone call – your family will probably welcome it.
Share meals with other people. Making and sharing food is a social activity, and eating together is a simple, enjoyable way to spend time with friends and loved ones. Try attending a potluck at your church, scheduling a lunch date with a friend, or inviting family over for a home-cooked meal.[9]
Use technology to stay in touch. Thanks to cell phones and the internet, it's easier than ever to stay connected with loved ones who live far away. Emails and texting make it possible to chat with friends every day, while apps like Skype and FaceTime let you have face-to-face conversations with the click of a button.- If you're not familiar with current technology, ask a friend or family member to show you how to use it.
Meet people by participating in new activities.[10] Stepping outside your comfort zone can help you make new friends as an older person. Pick up a new hobby, sign up for a continuing education class, or check your local senior center's schedule for activities that interest you.[11]- Take the initiative in talking to people, and avoid assuming that they already have enough friends. They may be thinking the same thing about you.
- Look for groups that meet on a regular basis, so you can get to know the other participants over time.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Contributing to Your Community
Get to know your neighbors.[12] Invite your neighbors over for a cup of coffee or a cookout, and take the opportunity to chat with them. Offer to help them out by fixing their lawn mower or watching their pet when they go out of town. Making friends with the people around you gives you [13] a support network to lean on, and it fosters a sense of belonging in your neighborhood.[14]
Volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to help others and give back to your community. It also gives you a sense of purpose and helps you stay connected with other people. Look for a volunteer position that lets you use your particular skills and talents.[15]- There are all kinds of volunteer positions available. Depending on your abilities and interests, you could tutor students, help a nonprofit organization, work with animals, or help people do their taxes.
- If you need help finding a volunteer position in your area, visit VolunteerMatch.org, which lets you search for jobs by location and cause.[16]
Reach out to other people who need company. Social isolation is a big problem among housebound and elderly people. Instead of falling victim to loneliness, help be a part of the solution. Befriend an isolated person in your life, spend time with residents at a local retirement home, or volunteer for a local service that provides visits to housebound people.[17]Advertisement
Expert Q&A
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- QuestionHow can I continue to stay social when I get older?
Justin BarnesJustin Barnes is a Senior Home Care Specialist and the Co-Owner of Presidio Home Care, a family-owned and operated Home Care Organization based in the Los Angeles, California metro area. Presidio Home Care, which provides non-medical supportive services, was the first agency in the state of California to become a licensed Home Care Organization. Justin has over 10 years of experience in the Home Care field. He has a BS in Technology and Operations Management from the California State Polytechnic University - Pomona.
Senior Home Care SpecialistTry exploring new hobbies or activities that you've wanted to do. Look for clubs or groups in your area where you can meet up with other people. - QuestionWhat are some good activities for senior citizens?Justin BarnesJustin Barnes is a Senior Home Care Specialist and the Co-Owner of Presidio Home Care, a family-owned and operated Home Care Organization based in the Los Angeles, California metro area. Presidio Home Care, which provides non-medical supportive services, was the first agency in the state of California to become a licensed Home Care Organization. Justin has over 10 years of experience in the Home Care field. He has a BS in Technology and Operations Management from the California State Polytechnic University - Pomona.
Senior Home Care SpecialistTry looking for a club or interest group, like a cooking class or a local workshop, near you.
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Tips
- Increased socialization or social interactions among elderly people may help to improve or enhance mental health and decrease the risk of depression and loneliness.Thanks
- Elderly people with a strong social life may benefit from higher self-esteem and self-worth, and fewer feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A strong social life may also provide a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaning.Thanks
- Overall physical health may improve as well as their bodies naturally release health-promoting chemicals to boost their immune system. They may also eat healthier regular meals due to the opportunity to socialize, and have better cognitive functioning, which can decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.Thanks
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References
- ↑ Justin Barnes. Senior Home Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 6 March 2020.
- ↑ http://www.aarp.org/relationships/friends/info-04-2011/never-too-old-for-friends.html
- ↑ Justin Barnes. Senior Home Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 6 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/0201/p419.html
- ↑ http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/geriatrics/social-issues-in-the-elderly/religion-and-spirituality-in-the-elderly
- ↑ http://www.aarp.org/work/working-after-retirement/info-10-2010/5-great-part-time-jobs-for-retirees.html#quest1
- ↑ Justin Barnes. Senior Home Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 6 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/aging-well/staying-healthy-as-you-age.htm
- ↑ https://www.aarp.org/relationships/friends/info-04-2011/never-too-old-for-friends.html
- ↑ Justin Barnes. Senior Home Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 6 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-friendship-doctor/201003/making-friends-after-the-age-65-what-are-the-options
- ↑ Justin Barnes. Senior Home Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 6 March 2020.
- ↑ and them!
- ↑ http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_social_connections_keep_seniors_healthy
- ↑ http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_seniors_get_from_giving_back
- ↑ http://www.volunteermatch.org/
- ↑ http://patient.info/doctor/social-isolation-how-to-help-patients-be-less-lonely
About this article
Justin Barnes
Senior Home Care Specialist
This article was co-authored by Justin Barnes. Justin Barnes is a Senior Home Care Specialist and the Co-Owner of Presidio Home Care, a family-owned and operated Home Care Organization based in the Los Angeles, California metro area. Presidio Home Care, which provides non-medical supportive services, was the first agency in the state of California to become a licensed Home Care Organization. Justin has over 10 years of experience in the Home Care field. He has a BS in Technology and Operations Management from the California State Polytechnic University - Pomona. This article has been viewed 5,907 times.
Co-authors: 5
Updated: August 10, 2021
Views: 5,907
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 5,907 times.
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