The Talk: 5 ways Seniors can make new friends and avoid isolation
A conversation about engaged living for seniors
The topic of Senior Isolation has been getting a great deal of attention lately. In fact, the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) Foundation identified certain factors that increase the risk of becoming isolated. Some of those include:
- Living alone
- Losing a close family member or friend
- Retiring
- A low income
Isolation has been associated with people developing more chronic illnesses and a decline in a senior’s mental health.
While family plays an important role in helping a senior family member remain active and engaged, here are five ways a senior can also work toward an active and engaged lifestyle:
- In an appropriate manner, create a social media presence for themselves. Social media can connect seniors with others that are like-minded.
- Stay active by signing up for a class to explore a hobby or area of interest. There are many opportunities for seniors to explore with other seniors – classes can range from art to adventure; history to horticulture.
- Keep your mind engaged and meet new people through volunteering. There are many organizations that benefit from, and want, senior volunteers.
- Stay fit and join an exercise group. Seniors can find opportunities for highly structured exercise classes or more informal opportunities to join a walking club.
- Keep working. In today’s high-employment environment, many organizations are looking for part-time help where a senior’s experience and skills would be an asset.
The Talk: 5 ways Seniors can make new friends and avoid isolation is one in a series of conversations for seniors provided by the Mirowitz Center. For more information, visit www.mirowitzcenter.org.
The Talk: 5 ways Seniors can make new friends and avoid isolation is one in a series of conversations for seniors provided by the Mirowitz Center. For more information, visit www.mirowitzcenter.org.