Social isolation is a common problem for those in their 50s, and its effects cannot be overlooked. As you age, it’s easy to lose touch with social networks and resources, with an increased amount of time spent at home during retirement. Limited mobility or other types of health issues can make it difficult for those in their 50s to reach out to others in the community and build connections with their fellow neighbors. Social isolation in your 50s is a serious problem, as everyone needs frequent social interaction to maintain healthy levels of mental wellness. Social isolation can lead to memory loss, cognitive decline and even higher mortality rates. For mental and physical wellness, you must stay connected to family members, friends, and community members. Here’s how you can do it:
Join A Social Club
One of the best ways to fight loneliness and prevent social isolation is to join a club that’s aligned with your hobbies and interests. Look into local organizations to see if they plan any activities that are of interest to you. Otherwise, it’s also possible to turn to the power of the Internet, engaging sites like Meetup.com to gain information on the wide range of local events that are available for many to join. Clubs help you form fast friends with people who share interests with you, giving you an easy way to strike up a conversation. They can also make your week feel more structured, offering you an event to look forward to every week that allows you to travel out of the house.
Alternatively, our retirement community provides you with many easy ways to stay busy, make friends and explore your interests, with our Celebrations Activities and Events program, thoughtfully designed by our full-time activities director.
Chat With Others During Meals
For most, meals have been inherently social activities for a large part of their lives. Eating alone can heighten feelings of isolation. To fight this feeling, have communal meals with others as much as possible. You can invite your neighbors over for a meal, or head to dinners hosted by church groups or local organizations. Another simple way to make mealtimes more lively is to head down to a local restaurant.
Stay in Touch Via Video Chat
If you live far away from family members or friends, keeping in touch can be difficult. Make the process easy by enlisting the help of a video chatting platform. This also helps you feel closer to them, as you’re able to communicate face-to-face, instead of just hearing their voice over the phone. Since multiple people can join in on one call, it’s a good way to bring the whole family together.
Enlist Personal Care Services
In-home caregivers help you out with daily tasks you might find difficult to complete, or check in periodically to make sure you’re doing well. The care provider will be able to provide you with the assistance you need, helping you get out and about to connect with your community, while also being a source of social interaction. Alternatively, you can join a retirement community that offers personal care services to prioritize your health and wellness, surrounded by fellow residents that you can regularly socialize with.
