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As people age, they tend to lose some of the connections they once had. Many friendships were tied to the workplace, and, after retirement, it can be hard to keep those relationships alive. Seniors often imagine retirement as a time of freedom, but when the day finally comes, some are surprised to find themselves feeling bored. Without a place to go, they can become shut-in and inadvertently distanced from friends and family.
Throughout America, loneliness has become somewhat of an epidemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 11.8% of older people experience loneliness.
Human beings are inherently social creatures, and interaction is a fundamental need. Prolonged isolation can actually increase the risk of premature mortality. A total of 148 studies, involving approximately 30,000 participants, were conducted and found that continued friendship and community involvement reduced the risk of death by around 50 percent.
This evidence shows that we cannot let ourselves become disconnected from the people around us, but this can be hard. Retirement can leave you not knowing what to do with yourself. With so much newly found free time, the question becomes: How do we remain engaged with others in our Golden Years?
Finding something you’re interested in is a great place to start. Whether it’s a hobby or a grandchild who lives nearby, being invested in something that gets you out of the house is the key to remaining healthy. Here are some examples of possible endeavors.
Get Active.
Remaining active is a great way to combat loneliness. Joining a local gym or participating in a gentle yoga class can help seniors break out of their shell and open up the possibility of meeting new people. Or, if that’s too far out of your comfort zone, simply try going for one or two walks a day. Just getting out of the confines of your home can present opportunities for community involvement.
Pursue a Part-Time Job.
If you just loved the hustle-and-bustle of a workplace atmosphere, there is no reason you must give that up simply because you’ve grown older. Look into some part-time job openings, maybe in a field you’ve worked in previously or one you feel you may enjoy.
Give Back.
Many seniors have found fulfillment through volunteering. Reach out to a charity, church, or organization that you find interesting or have previously been a part of and find out what you can do for them. An involvement opportunity like this can be a great way to make friends and could end up being something you’re passionate about.
Learn Something New.
Sign up for a class at the community center, craft store, or even a local community college, or build a garden. Begin a brand-new undertaking and really break out of your comfort zone. This will allow you to open your mind and expand your social circle. Picking up a new hobby or skill will give you something to practice on your own as well.
Reconnect with Friends.
Perhaps there’s an old neighbor, co-worker, or classmate with whom you have lost touch. It’s never too late to reach out. Try inviting them out for coffee or lunch, or just striking up a phone conversation. They will probably be touched that you’re inquiring about their well-being.
Abacus Life functions as a leader in the secondary market for life insurance. Our primary mission: work to help you understand your financial options. If you decide that selling all or a portion of your policy is right for you, we can offer to purchase it from you at fair market value. We will provide all the numbers and details to show you how we determined its value and our offer, and if you decide to accept our offer, we will provide you with a lump sum amount and then take on all future obligations for the policy, including premium payments.
