10 Ways to Avoid Social Isolation as You Age
Posted August 22, 2024 by Bassey Ijoma MSN, RN, BSN, Manager, Clinical Quality Improvement
Social relationships are central to your well-being. Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive. But as we age, factors such as mobility challenges, hearing loss, chronic illness and death of a partner can leave older adults spending more time alone and disconnected from the outside world.
Unfortunately, social isolation and loneliness can lead to a decrease in physical and mental health, and an increased risk for early death. In fact, the World Health Organization states social isolation can negatively impact mortality as much as smoking, obesity and sedentary lifestyles do.
Social isolation can lead to the following health concerns:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Impaired immune function
- Cognitive decline
- Dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease
In contrast, studies show when you have regular meaningful social interactions, you’re happier, have fewer health problems and live longer.
Thankfully, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce the negative effects of social isolation on your health. After all, there’s more to living a healthy lifestyle than simply eating well and exercising regularly. You have to connect, too!
Benefits of social interaction
Socializing can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by decreasing feelings of loneliness, isolation and anxiety. Research shows your body releases endorphins during positive social contact, similar to the physical response after a hard workout, which gives a boost of happiness, while reducing stress.
In addition, socializing stimulates brain activity — kind of like exercise for your brain — and staves off cognitive decline.
What’s more, increasing social interactions not only gives you a sense of belonging and connectedness, but it’s fun, to boot, and increases your quality of life.
Symptoms of social isolation
Common symptoms of social isolation can include:
- Apathy or a lack of motivation/interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Irritability
- Avoidance of others
- Poor sleep quality
- Poor self-care
- Increased substance use
- Suicidal thoughts
If you feel intense loneliness most of the time, are nervous talking to others or think social isolation is affecting your daily activities, sleeping and eating habits, it may be time to seek professional help. A therapist can help you process feelings of isolation and recommend strategies or therapies to cope.
10 ways to avoid social isolation as you age
Thankfully, there are many ways you can stay socially connected — and perhaps meet a new friend in the process:
- Volunteer. Volunteer at your local food bank, animal shelter, church, school or other organizations that serve the community. Helping others provides a sense of purpose and a mood boost.
- Join a social club. Whether it’s a book club, garden or chess club, joining a group is a great way to connect and have fun with like-minded people. Look for events going on at your local library, community or senior centers.
- Re-engage in a physical activity you once enjoyed. Join a pickleball, racquetball, bowling or golf league, or grab a loved one to play a game of shuffleboard, bocce ball, horseshoes or croquet. Participate in water aerobics or other group exercise classes. Physical activity benefits not only your physical health, but emotional health, too.
- Cultivate a new hobby. Take a painting, pottery or knitting class, participate in a local play or other performance arts, or pick up birdwatching.
- Learn something new. Sign up for music lessons or a dance class, such as ballroom, tango or salsa dancing. You also could sign up for a class at your community college that encourages social interaction, such as a foreign language or acting class.
- Entertain your grandkids. Go to the movies together, play board games or a backyard kickball game. Try cooking a new recipe or making friendship bracelets together.
- Find a church home. Many churches not only offer you a way to reconnect and deepen your faith, but also offer a whole host of volunteering and social activities to get involved with your community.
- Use technology to connect with loved ones. Schedule weekly phone or video calls with loved ones, chat with messaging apps or challenge a friend through online games. You also can look for virtual exercise classes or religious services online. For local loved ones, schedule regular visits.
- Adopt a pet. Furry friends can be a source of comfort, and studies show may also lower stress and blood pressure.
- Join a community support group. Talking with others in similar circumstances can help a lot. Check out resources and programs at your local social service agency, community center and public library. Also, search online for local or virtual groups.
The good news is that there are effective strategies for overcoming social isolation and rebuilding community connection to ease negative effects on your health. Even taking a few small steps can make a big difference.
