I came across a beautiful piece about this topic from the website of Expert Editor written by Eliza Hartley last April 7, and I couldn’t help but agree with some, if not all, of her 12 point tips on overcoming loneliness with age.
As people get older, their social circles decrease. Either people move away, a loved one passes or we simply grow apart from old friends. These can make us lonely and feel isolated.
But, try these 12 strategies given by psychologists to overcome loneliness and isolation as you age.
1) Stay active and be engaged in physical fitness to maintain, if not make, new social circles that would fill up your time.Join a club or group that shares your interest. Drive into hobbies and passions that light you up, whether it’s gardening, cooking, reading a captivating book to infuse joy in your life and be your shield against the feeling of aloneness.
2) Volunteer your time to something that would put you in contact with others, but gives you a sense of purpose and achievement. It’s incredibly rewarding to give your time to help others say, a local food bank, teaching a class in a community center or walking the dog for an animal shelter– maybe even your own dog. Volunteering often leads to new friendships and connections while giving back to your community, a win win situation indeed.so benefiting yourself.
3) Develop a routine to combat loneliness. Having a structured days filled with activities can make a big difference, like the group Senior Helpers point out. Eliza did hers like starting the day with a brisk walk in the park, followed by some reading and writing. scheduled regular video calls with friends and family who weren’t nearby. “Slowly but surely, I started feeling less lonely. My days had structure, and I was doing things I loved, which made me feel more connected and less isolated,” she narrated. Try creating a routine that involves activities you enjoy, and stick to it. You’d be amazed at how much it can change your perspective!
4) Embrace technology, a true lifesaver. From social media to video calls, there are countless ways to stay connected with loved ones, no matter the distance. Research showed that internet use can reduce the probability of depression by over 30% among older adults. Just by going online and connecting with others, you can significantly improve your mental health. You could set up regular Skype, FaceTime, Messenger or Viber chat for free, or video call via Telegram.
5) Adopt a pet. The four-legged companion may not communicate like humans but they give us boundless joy and companionship. Pets, whether they bark, meow, chirp, or swim, offer unwavering love and camaraderie. They breathe life into your home and infuse each day with anticipation. From feeding and grooming to simply sharing your space, caring for them instills a sense of purpose and helps stave off those lonely blues. A survey by HABRI and Mars Petcare showed that a whopping 85% of respondents believe that pet companionship is a powerful antidote to loneliness. Also, embracing pet ownership brings structure to your day, and if you opt for a pup, those daily walks double as prime opportunities to connect with fellow pet enthusiasts in your neighborhood.
6) Keep learning. Research shows that the more intellectually engaged you are, the less likely you feel isolated. Education isn’t just about books and grades—it shapes your mindset and skills, like how resilient you are and how you use technology. She shared a small secret from her life: “I believe that one of the best ways to combat loneliness is to never stop learning.” She went for a cooking class and “the experience was a game-changer. Not only did I pick up some seriously tasty recipes” and connected her with “a fantastic group of fellow food enthusiasts. Suddenly, I looked forward to each week and the fog of loneliness lifted. Never stop learning new things. It could be a new language, painting, gardening, or even astronomy. When you learn something new, you not only engage your mind but also open up the possibility of meeting like-minded people.
7) Accept the change. One of the hardest parts about getting older is that life changes. Your kids move out, friends pass away, or maybe you retire and suddenly find yourself with so much free time. These transitions can be really tough and can often leave us feeling lonely. It’s okay to feel lonely, to miss how things used to be. It’s all part of being human. What’s important is how we respond to these feelings. We can either let them consume us or accept them and take steps to feel better. Therefore, give yourself permission to feel lonely. Then, start to explore ways in which you can fill your time with activities you enjoy, or find new social connections.
8) Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Leading a healthy lifestyle can lessen your feeling lonely because when you take care of your body, it positively affects you mind. Research shows that seniors who engage in regular physical activity report lower levels of loneliness as exercise releases endorphins, or “feel-good hormones,” which help elevate mood and reduce feelings of isolation. Another study showed that feeling lonely can mess with your brain and make you reach for those not-so-healthy snacks. Try incorporating some form of physical activity into your daily routine like a morning walk, yoga, or dancing. Eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep are equally important. So eat well, move more so you will feel less lonely.
9) Stay connected with family and friends. Feeling out of touch when you’re not physically close to your loved ones, technology makes us stay connected. Regular phone calls, video chats, emails, social media – all these tools can keep loneliness at bay.
10) Seek professional help. If feeling persistently lonely such that it is affecting your mental health seek counsel. There’s no shame in reaching out to a professional when you’re struggling. Therapists and counselors are trained to help you navigate feelings of loneliness and isolation with valuable strategies and techniques to cope. Opening up to someone who listens to your thoughts can make a huge difference.
11) Be open to new relationships. As we get older, we lose people- friends move or pass away, our social circles shrink. But aging should not make us close ourselves to new relationships, even if initially it might feel scary. Being open to new relationships can bring joy, support, and a sense of community.
12) Practice mindfulness. This is a trendy buzzword that psychologists describe as being present and fully engaged with what we’re doing at the moment. By focusing on the present and accepting our feelings without judgment, we can feel less isolated and more at peace with ourselves.
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