Many adults feel the need to work their socks off in their 20s and 30s so that they can enjoy a blissful retirement. You can have all the money you want in the world. But will that buy you time with loved ones?
Ten years can pass by very quickly, and if you find yourself without a partner or a family when you’re approaching your 60s, loneliness can weigh on you. But how can you establish new friendships when you barely have the energy to move around your house?
Find out why forming an inner circle is essential to your health. And then start from tip #1 and work your way to tip #5 to fight off loneliness!
The science is in. Humans are social animals.
We need to interact with others to feel fulfilled and content throughout our lives. This is especially true as we age. Older adults who maintain strong social ties are more likely to live longer and report higher levels of satisfaction with their lives than those who don’t. In fact, a meta-analysis mentioned by the American Psychological Association found that a lack of social interaction is equal to smoking around 15 cigarettes a day!
So, if you’re feeling lonely, it’s time to take action.
We all know that chronic stress is detrimental to our health. It weakens the immune system, increases inflammation, and can even lead to depression.
But did you know that socializing can help reduce stress?
Our brain releases oxytocin, also known as the “cuddle hormone,” when we interact with others. This hormone has a calming effect and can lower blood pressure and cortisol levels.
So spending time with friends or loved ones can help you relax and de-stress.
As we age, our risk of suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease increases. But socializing can help reduce this risk.
A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that socially active elders had a decreased risk of developing dementia than those who were isolated.
So if you want to keep your mind sharp, make sure to stay connected with others.
Older adults who have robust social ties are more satisfied with their lives than those who don’t. A study published by Harvard proved that forming a close-knit community increases life expectancy more than money or fame.
So if you want to reap your golden years, make sure to stay connected with your loved ones.
Older adults who maintain strong social ties are less likely to suffer from depression than those who don’t.
A 2009 study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that elders who had close relationships with others were less likely to experience symptoms of depression than those who were isolated.
So if you want to keep your spirits high, make sure to stay connected with your friends and loved ones.
As countries are still on the road to recovery from the pandemic, elders are some of the most affected.
Here are five tips to help elders combat loneliness and stay connected with their loved ones.
It sure seems like a bad idea to stroll around amid a pandemic. However, don’t be anxious to walk outside; breathe some air and say hi to neighbours.
It’s alright to be worried, but no one is going to give your days back if you sit at home all the time. So, take a stroll around your area or visit the park in the afternoon.
You don’t need to talk to anyone if you don’t feel like it. Sometimes all you need is to be among others to feel less lonely. Also, remember, whether you got vaccinated or not, it’s crucial to practice physical distance when saying hello to people.
If you’re a person who seeks knowledge and doesn’t want to stop learning, then enrolling in an online course will do wonders!
For example, let’s take a hypothetical case:
Betty was an accountant who loved working with numbers in her hay days. Now at 65, she recently discovered a course on programming that can help her work as a freelance consultant.
She’s got a lot of spare time, so why not teach and earn some extra cash to feed her pet cat Mrs. Paws.
Be like Betty! Strive to learn as much as possible since working your brain will prevent memory-related diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
There’s this belief that you can only be good at one thing, work in one job all your life. If you studied biology, then you should either be a biology teacher or get into research. But what about a biologist who loves to travel the world and take pictures?
Can’t they do that as well? Of course, they can. So if you’re a retired teacher or another public servant, there’s always a chance to try something new as far as your body allows you.
If you were obsessed with ballroom dancing and dreamed of becoming a dancer someday, then go ahead and sign up for a beginner’s dance class for elders! You won’t regret it!
If you’ve been part of your community for many years, volunteering can help you get close to the new generation. What are their dreams, their goals, and their hobbies? Working with teens and becoming their mentors can make you feel like a proud parent who leads their young towards a fruitful path.
Alternatively, you can also volunteer at a homeless shelter or a dog shelter to further connect with your humane side and help people and animals in need of care.
Living alone can have you talking to walls sometimes. With whom are you going to argue or discuss topics or share a sweet conversation if it’s just you in a spatial empty house?
That’s why the last tip is to search for a senior living community with like-minded people who can fill your life with joy and provide you with life-long bliss.
Loneliness is a common feeling that increases as we age. But that doesn’t mean you have to live a life of seclusion. By following these top tips above, you can make new friends, join communities, and find ways to connect with others.
Doing so will help improve your mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as add more zest to your life.
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