During our youthful years, our social circle is often determined by the people we go to school with or work with. But as we get older, it becomes more challenging to meet new friends. What’s more, due to attrition – the gradual loss of friends over time – our social circle tends to shrink over time. This can be problematic if we find ourselves aging alone. Meanwhile, you can learn more about the senior care decisions at Senior Care authority.
Besides that, the thought of being lonely is scary. Hence, wouldn’t it make sense to be proactive about finding friends? Is there a chance you can establish new relationships or rekindle old ones if you don’t make an effort? I don’t think so. Well then, here are a few pointers to hopefully help you make inroads in the battle against loneliness, especially as you age solo:
Just because you don’t have a built-in social circle anymore doesn’t mean you have to become a hermit. Make it a point to socialize as often as you can. The options are limitless. For instance, it could mean:
Whatever you choose, the idea is to put yourself in situations where you’re likely to meet like-minded individuals. By so doing, you open yourself up to the possibility of making friends.
While at it, don’t be afraid to reach out. If you see someone you know, even if it’s just a casual acquaintance, take the opportunity to chat with them. You never know, you might have more in common with them than you realize. And even if you don’t become BFFs, at the very least, you can make someone’s day by showing an interest in them. In turn, it can lead to a meaningful relationship.
Who said volunteer work is only for the young? Well, even the young at heart still have IT in them. Aging is no excuse to sit on the sidelines. You can lend a hand to many causes, including working at a soup kitchen, helping out at a local animal shelter, or teaching children to read.
Giving back makes you feel good about yourself. And as you volunteer, you get to meet all sorts of people from all walks of life – with different kinds of backgrounds and interests. And best of all, you’re helping to make a difference in your community.
Such engagement also bodes well for your mental and physical health, which are vital as you age. And as a bonus, you can forge new friendships while giving back. It’s a win-win all around.
Your peers are a great source of companionship. Besides, only they can fully comprehend the joys and challenges of growing old. To find social activities geared towards seniors in your area, consult your local senior center.
At such a facility, you can participate in all sorts of activities, from arts and crafts to golf and even day trips. And if nothing strikes your fancy, you can always suggest an activity of your own.
Your local YMCA is also a great resource. They offer plenty of programs and services specifically for seniors, such as fitness classes, swimming, and even Tai Chi. As you get your body moving, you might also form new bonds with others.
Old age isn’t reason enough to shun technology. In fact, you can use it to your advantage by joining social media groups or participating in online forums that align with your interests. Basically, you can find a group for just about everything. Not sure where to start? Here are a few resources to get you on track:
Making friends as an older adult should be a source of joy, not a nerve-wracking experience. Hence, go out there and start socializing. And as we said, the onus is on you to make the first move. And once you do, it might surprise you just how easy it is to establish new relationships and expand your circle. After all, age is just a number. Isn’t that what we keep saying?
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