The Importance of Staying Social as You Get Older
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As you get older, it’s important to stay social. There are many benefits, including reducing your risk of loneliness, improving your mental health, and keeping your brain sharp.
Loneliness can be a major problem for older adults. A study published in the Journal of Gerontology found that loneliness is associated with a greater risk of mortality. In fact, the study found that lonely adults had a 26% increased risk of death over a six-year period.
Staying social can help reduce your risk of loneliness and improve your mental health. Social activities help keep your mind active and engaged, which can help prevent cognitive decline. In addition, socialising with friends and family can help reduce stress and anxiety.
There are many ways to maintain social contact as you age. You can join a club or class, volunteer, or participate in social activities in the community. Staying social doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Just make sure you find activities that you enjoy and that make you feel good.
Here are some ideas that we’d like to highlight that are more for seniors (over 50) who want to find a way to make friends:
- Join a senior centre or day centre: Senior centres or day centres usually have a wide variety of activities available, so you can find something that interests you.
- Get a part-time job: Working part-time can help you stay social and active and meet new people.
- Volunteer: Volunteering lets you give back to your community and meet new people. There are many different types of volunteer opportunities available, so you can find one that fits your interests.
- Join a class: Attending a class helps you meet new people and learn something new.
- Go on day trips: Day trips are a good way to get out and explore new places. This can be especially enjoyable if you go with a group of friends.
- Attend social events: Social events like concerts, plays, and festivals can introduce you to new people while enjoying entertainment.
- Join a club or organisation: Joining a club or organisation puts you in contact with people with similar interests. There are many different types of clubs and organisations available, so you can find one that’s perfect for you.
There are also certain activities that provide much-needed comfort and socialisation and do not require full mobility, great condition, or financial investment. These can be practised by older people as well.
Practise Tai Chi
Tai Chi can be done alone or in groups, and it’s a great way to get some exercise. There are many Tai Chi classes available, and it’s a good idea to try a few different ones to find the one that’s right for you. Tai Chi is a great way to stay healthy and fit, and it’s also a lot of fun.
Play Chess
Chess is a game that requires strategy and critical thinking, and it’s also a different way to meet new people. Chess clubs are popping up all over the country. There are many benefits to playing chess, including:
- It can help improve your memory and cognitive skills
- It can help reduce stress and anxiety
- It can boost your self-esteem and confidence
- It’s a great way to socialise and meet new people
There are many different ways to play, so you can find a style that suits you. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s a place for you in the world of chess.
Be a Member of a Book Club
Book clubs can help promote mental stimulation and provide a sense of community.
Additionally, book clubs can be a great way to encourage getting out of the house, as members often meet in person to discuss the books they are reading.
Staying in Contact with Your Family
You may feel like you’re not as connected to your family as you used to be. But there are ways to stay in touch and keep the bond strong.
Here are some tips:
- Make an effort to stay in touch, even if it’s just through phone calls or text messages.
- Talk about things other than just the day-to-day stuff. Share memories and stories with each other.
- Get involved in each other’s lives. Ask about your family member’s hobbies, interests, and work.
- Plan visits and outings together, even if it’s just a simple lunch or coffee date.
- Make an effort to stay connected on social media. ‘Like’ and comment on their posts and tag them in photos.
By staying in touch with your family, you can keep the bond strong no matter how old you get.
When We’re Old We Tend to Overthink
When we’re old, we often find ourselves overthinking things. We might worry about what other people think of us, or whether we’re doing something wrong. This can lead to anxiety and stress.
Try to focus on the present moment and what you’re doing right now. This can help you to relax and enjoy your life more. Remember, everyone makes mistakes sometimes – it’s part of being human!
Final Word
Staying social as you age is important for your mental and physical health. By following these tips, you can stay connected and active well into your senior years.
