Loneliness impacts everyone, but it’s particularly impactful for our seniors. According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, one in three adults above the age of 50 reported feeling isolated.
These feelings can have significant detrimental effects on us, but how can we avoid them? Understanding how to stay socially active in retirement feels complex, but it’s easy once you know how.
If you’re curious about an active retirement lifestyle, we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about encouraging social activities for seniors and how you can benefit.
Why Stay Socially Active: Benefits
To start, what are the benefits of being socially active? There’s more at play than having someone to talk to. Here are the primary benefits of staying socially active as a senior.
Battling Isolation
Battling isolation is one of the biggest reasons. We know that roughly a third of adults feel isolated, but what does that do to us? Is loneliness a medical condition?
According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults are at a higher risk of isolation and loneliness. These issues aren’t only mental and can manifest as physical health issues, such as:
- Heart and cardiovascular disease
- Depression and anxiety
- Decline in cognitive abilities
- Significant impacts on motivation and physical state
Elders in poor health are more likely to experience isolation. Staying socially active will help you to ward off such feelings and their effects.
Relieving Anxiety
If isolation causes anxiety, it stands to reason that socialization can help with the problem. Socialization is one of the best ways to get rid of some of your anxiety.
According to Mental Health, socialization has a direct impact on our stress and anxiety. Socializing affects our hormones in a way that improves our confidence and energy, and decreases our anxiety.
Enhancing Mental Wellness
Anxiety and depression aren’t defeated by a single day of socializing. Instead, you’ll need to socialize with some frequency to keep such things away.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, isolation can lead to cognitive decline and culminate in issues like dementia or Alzheimer’s. These neurological illnesses are worsened by feelings of anxiety and depression.
Passing the Time
Beyond all the health issues and mental effects, socializing still has plenty of benefits. You have more to gain than your health. You also have your happiness.
Socializing with your peers and neighbors will help you fill your days with more enjoyable memories. Rather than staying isolated in your room, you’ll enjoy socializing with your friends and learning new skills.
Meeting new people is a great way to improve your quality of life. That way, even the days when you feel lonely will still have a brighter undertone, especially if you’re looking forward to new events for seniors.
How to Stay Socially Active in Retirement
Now that we understand the benefits of an active retirement lifestyle, how can we start engaging seniors in activities? Socialization for seniors isn’t too difficult. Here are some of the best ways for you to find social activities for seniors.
Join Local Groups
One of the best ways to get out and socialize is to look for local groups to join. Most communities will have a social outreach program that works to connect excited seniors with the right people.
To start this, you should think of what your hobbies and interests are. Local history clubs or music clubs are a great choice if those are your passions, for example.
Consider what’s most important to you and what you’d like to interact with while socializing. That way, you can join the local group that brings you the most joy.
Take Up Outdoor Hobbies
Another great way is to take up hobbies that get you out and about. Taking up hobbies like reading and writing are great. However, they’re not as social as some others, unless you join book clubs or writing groups.
While we do wholeheartedly recognize the importance of creative hobbies, we also recommend finding something that will help you socialize. Outdoor hobbies include, but are not limited to:
- Nature walks and bird-watching
- Gardening or lawn care
- Walking, jogging, or other exercises
Think of what you’re willing to do, but also consider what’s safe for you to do. As we age, some outdoor hobbies can become more dangerous or troublesome. Don’t risk your health for socializing.
Find Time to Exercise
Speaking of exercise, you should also find time to work exercise into your routine. While there are definite health benefits, the best part of this for us is the socialization.
Many communities have exercise classes and groups. These groups provide a great opportunity to socialize, meet your fellow community members, and work up a sweat. You’ll improve your mental health while working on your physical health.
Be Welcoming and Enjoy Diversity
When it comes to socializing, the best thing you can do is be welcoming to new people. That includes people from all walks of life.
You’ll meet many people in your communities who are of different races, religions, ethnicities, and even nationalities. Many may speak multiple languages as well.
Instead of being thrown off by this, do your best to embrace the beautiful cultures you’re experiencing. You may even find time to begin learning new things.
Try New Things
While you’re embracing new things, why not try some new things yourself? Working on your social life often means leaving your comfort zone.
Take this chance to pick up a new hobby that you’ve wanted to try throughout your retirement. Learn a new language, take up a new skill, or begin performing.
Doing so will not only help you socialize but also help you learn new skills. You’re never past the point where you can keep learning!
Maintaining an Active Retirement Lifestyle
Understanding how to stay socially active in retirement can help you immensely with your physical and mental health. Socializing improves your mood and general happiness.
At the Conservatory at Champion Forest, we’re committed to offering you exceptional service. We offer housekeeping and a lifestyle catered to your personal needs and preferences. Schedule a tour to see how we can help you improve your golden years.
