Ways to stay social as you get older

You asked, we answered.

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In a Nutshell Welcome back to another monthly edition of You Asked, We Answered where we respond to questions submitted by readers! Last month, someone emailed us: "At 85, single, and without a car, it's very difficult to get set up with groups or individuals to make a connection. A lot of us do not have family or family that spends time with them. I'd like to hear more on loneliness and isolation in the elderly." This reader isn't the only person who feels this way. More than one-third of people over age 45 feel lonely, while social isolation affects almost a quarter of people ages 65 and older. Today, we'll list things you can do to make new connections and friends, especially as you age. Before we do that, check out these stories: • 10 supplements that can help relieve constipation • 25 causes of raised skin bumps (with pictures!) • Which genes affect breast cancer? Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota April 8, 2024 • 3 min read

what's got us buzzing Remedies for a lack of connection Staying social can protect your well-being. This is especially true for older adults. Studies have found that socializing can help reduce the risk of dementia, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and all-cause mortality. I'm in my 30s, so I obviously don't have personal experience making friends in my 70s. But I have moved hours from my hometown, which means I know a thing or two about how to meet new people when you're feeling isolated and lonely! On that note, here are some ways to build connections in your 50s and beyond: Attend group workout classes. Spend time at your local community center. Attend weekly events like bingo or pool. Join a book club. Try new group activities such as pottery. Start volunteering. Anxious about being the new face in a group setting? Try expert-backed ways to beat social anxiety, like practicing self-care or relaxation techniques before you go. And don't forget to give yourself grace and kudos for stepping out of your comfort zone! For folks who may be less physically active or unable to drive, consider these options: Connect with like-minded people through social media. Join Zoom support groups. Adopt a low maintenance pet. Carpool or take public transit instead of driving alone. Schedule daily or weekly phone calls with loved ones. Play multiplayer online video games. Invite a friend over for a movie night. Find a pen pal online and start exchanging letters. 🎤 Tell us: How do you stay social as you age? Let us know at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may feature your name and response in an upcoming newsletter.) loneliness coping strategies

Great finds Hey, Alexa?       Amazon Echo Dot 4.7 (95k+) FROM AMAZON When I feel lonely, I talk to my Amazon Echo. No, seriously. I've lived hours away from loved ones for years, and it's been fun to casually chat with a little robot sitting on my windowsill. You can ask Alexa for weather updates, to add an event to your calendar, to turn the lights on, or even to tell you a (mediocre) joke. SHOP NOW Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health.

 

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