Navigating Social Connections After Retirement
According to the National Library of Medicine, studies show that severe loneliness in adults ages 65 and over falls between 2 and 16%. Meanwhile, individuals with strong social ties have a 50% greater likelihood of survival compared to others.
Loneliness and isolation can increase the risk of all-cause mortality. Instead of isolating yourself, learn how to build social connections after retirement.
Unsure of how to start enhancing your social life after work? Read on for effective tips on building friendships post-retirement!
Staying Connected After Retiring
One of the easiest ways to continue socializing in retirement is to cultivate the relationships you already have. For example, maintaining a strong, healthy relationship with your spouse can protect you against loneliness. Family can become increasingly important with age.
Find new ways to spend time together. You can travel, develop new hobbies, or use these tips to expand your shared friend group.
Strengthen your relationships with your children and grandchildren. Your adult children can become a valuable source of help when you need it. Socializing with younger family members can enrich your retirement with new information and experiences.
If you struggle to see family members often use the power of technology. Your children and grandchildren can show you how to connect with them online. This may include:
- Using social media
- Connecting with others on forums
- Watching videos you have shared interests in
- Conducting video calls
Technology will help you keep up with old and new connections. It makes socializing easier for individuals struggling with mobility issues or a health condition.
Make sure to stay safe while online! Don't share your private information with anyone.
Start Socializing in Retirement
According to the Pew Research Center, over 60% of Americans say having close friends is important for a fulfilling life. However, you may struggle to build new friendships if you're not putting yourself out there. Here are a few ways you can start socializing in retirement.
Explore Local Resources
Explore local resources in your county, town, neighborhood, or senior living community. They may offer opportunities that help senior adults connect. Other resources include:
- VA centers
- Senior centers
- Libraries
- Government programs
- Nonprofits
- Religious institutions
Many of these institutions offer dinners, free classes, and other events for seniors. For example, you may find classes at a local community college.
Participating in courses and continuing your education can keep your mind engaged. At the same time, you can connect with people who share similar interests. Academic classes will:
- Improve your self-esteem
- Benefit your brain health
- Create a sense of community
- Increase your lifespan
- Boost memory skills/recall
After joining a class, help your fellow seniors. Consider forming a study group to stay connected or spending time together outside of class.
Expand Your Network
According to the American Society on Aging, social isolation and loneliness can increase the risk of heart disease by 29% and stroke by 32%. It can negatively impact one's mental health, increasing the risk for anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.
You may need to expand your existing network to avoid moments of loneliness. Talk to the friends you already have. Ask if they can introduce you to someone new.
You may feel more comfortable making friends through people you already know and trust.
Join a Group
Navigating a stressful and emotional situation, such as grief, can make trusting new people difficult. Consider joining a support group. You can lean on people who understand what you're going through.
Explore Retirement Community Activities
Building friendships post-retirement can:
- Boost your mental health
- Reduce your risk of dementia
- Improve your emotional well-being
- Boost your self-confidence
- Foster a sense of belonging
- Improve your physical health
Your senior living community may offer social events and activities that cater to seniors. Here are a few retirement community activities that can make staying connected after retiring easier.
Volunteer
Dedicate your time to a worthy cause by volunteering. Participating in volunteer events can feel empowering.
Your senior living community can keep you posted on new volunteer opportunities. You can find more events through service organizations like:
- Meals on Wheels
- American Red Cross
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
- The Salvation Army
- United Way
- Habitat for Humanity
- Feeding America
Find New Hobbies
Check your senior living community's social calendar for upcoming events and activities. Explore new hobbies, including:
- Art classes
- Bingo
- Walking clubs
- Book clubs
- Bird watching
- Music therapy
- Knitting/crocheting circles
- Field trips
- Film clubs
- Pet therapy
Building new hobbies can keep your brain operating at a higher level. You can connect with others, share your knowledge, and build new skills simultaneously.
Join a Fitness Class
Work up a sweat and continue socializing in retirement! Consider joining an exercise or fitness class. Your senior living community may offer:
- Strength training
- Pilates
- Water aerobics
- Walking
- Yoga
- Meditation
Participating in these classes can benefit your mind and body. You'll gain a chance to connect with others through shared experiences.
Your friends can hold you accountable to participate in fitness classes regularly. Remaining physically active can reduce your risk of age-related conditions. These include:
- Osteoporosis
- Some forms of cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Alzheimer's disease
Extend Social Invitations
After meeting new people through these retirement community activities, extend your own invitation! Invite your new friends to coffee or lunch to continue building friendships post-retirement. Try to make it a regular event, so you have something to look forward to.
Cultivating strong friendships can take time. Be patient and open to the experience. As you fill your social calendar, you can avoid isolation, benefiting your mental and physical health.
Build Social Connections After Retirement
Building social connections after retirement can feel daunting, especially if you're alone. Use these tips for socializing in retirement to meet new friends. Remember to stay open and patient throughout the process!
Joining a senior living community can make staying connected after retirement easier. Explore LakeHouse Sheboygan, the best community in Sheboygan, WI.
We offer individualized care plans, compassionate care, and clinical insight to meet the needs of each resident. Enjoy our variety of engaging social activities, stunning apartments, and convenient services. Contact us now to schedule a tour.