Social connection is the experience of feeling close and connected to others. It involves feeling loved, cared for, valued, and forms the basis of interpersonal relationships. I believe the importance of social connection is vital to our health and well-being. Having friends and family to connect with regularly provides substantial health benefits to aging.
Having strong social ties has been shown to:
- Increase your quality of life
- Dramatically lower rates of disease and premature death
- Strengthen your immune system
- Lower anxiety and depression
- Increase self-esteem
- Decrease stress during major life transitions
- Reduce physical pain
- Support recovery
- Lower blood pressure
Also, studies have shown that maintaining social connections can bring meaning and purpose to those living with dementia. Studies have also shown that people who engaged in a lot of social activity in their 50’s and 60’s had slower rates of memory decline compared to those who were more socially inactive. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to isolation and loneliness as their lifestyles change, such as no longer regularly going to work, health issues, and spouses and friends that have started to pass can make finding the time and opportunity to maintain social connections that much harder.
Below are are some tips to help you or someone you love increase their opportunities for connection.
Set Time Aside to Meet with Friends
You need to pursue socializing actively. Set a goal to reach out to friends or family weekly in hopes to set up a time to get together. Be mindful not to get discouraged as we are all busy and planning can be troublesome. Try to remember that the effort is what matters and your friends and family do like to hear from you even if they can not commit to a plan at on your first attempt.
Volunteering
Volunteering for a cause you believe in can find you new friends! It also brings you joy that has a purpose. One way to start volunteering is to find a local community or local library and offer your services in anything you enjoy. Volunteering can spread your happiness while giving you the opportunity to meet new friends, a win-win!
Get a Pet
Connection with a pet can be extremely beneficial. Studies have shown that older adults who were pet owners were 36% less likely than non-pet owner to describe feelings of loneliness. Walking and playing with your pet can provide excellent exercise and a way to meet new people. Additionally, many animal shelters offer discounted adoption fees for seniors. I know I look forward to visiting my loved one’s pets!
Walk the Neighborhood
Walking provides amazing health benefits and a way of meeting new people. Making a point to take a walk a few times a week at different times of the day could be great way to meet new people and get exercise. Becoming aware of other seniors in your neighborhood could be a easy way find a walking buddy near by. Check out your neighborhood; you never know what or who could be just around the corner!
Find a Class or Lecture 
Most neighborhoods have a library or community center that offers free lectures or classes, and many community colleges offer free or discounted classes for seniors. Attending a lecture or class can increase your chance of making new friends with similar interests as well as serve your personal interests. Staying active and stimulating the brain can provide great benefits to your health and overall well-being. Finding a group exercise class is also a great fun and healthy way to maintain your regular social connections. Why not seek free and fun education with others?
The desire for connection and bonding is part of the human condition and it is built into our DNA. Loneliness doesn’t have to be unavoidable for seniors. It just takes active efforts and changes in lifestyle choices. Make a point to get yourself or your loved ones out there and socializing! One of the biggest challenges our seniors face is losing their social networks. Being proactive in maintaining your social connections is vital to our health and overall well-being.
