According to the National Library of Medicine (a scientific literature database), rates of severe loneliness in adults ages 65 and up are as high as 16%. Up to 32% of individuals ages 55 and up are lonely. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that loneliness can affect their mental and physical health.
Before that happens, read on for our tips for making senior friends. With this advice, you can discover the power of finding friendship in later life. Start connecting with others today!
Tips for Making Senior Friends
According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, over 60% of American adults say having close friends is extremely or very important to a fulfilling life. However, about 8% of Americans say they have no close friends. Adults under the age of 50 are more likely than their older counterparts to have between one and four close friends.
If you don’t put in the effort, you could also struggle to make friends. Here are a few tips to help you take initiative.
Explore Elder Social Activities
Explore your senior living community’s elder social activities calendar. Your community hosts regular events that can help you meet people with common interests. These may include activities like:
- Book clubs
- Bird watching
- Gardening
- Art classes
- Group exercise classes
- Music therapy
- Pet therapy
- Field trips
- Film clubs
- Knitting or crocheting clubs
- Cooking classes
- Walking clubs
- Bingo
Participating in senior social clubs and engaging in new activities can benefit your quality of life. Explore new hobbies and expand your skill set while connecting with other seniors.
New activities can keep your brain refreshed and operating at a higher level of cognitive capacity. Your brain will form new neural pathways as you develop new skills.
A part of the brain called the nucleus accumbens will light up. This area is active when we engage in activities that demand focused attention. Accessing this part of the brain can keep your mental acuity well-functioning.
Engaging in these activities will allow you to share your knowledge, talents, and skills with others. You’ll have the chance to develop leadership abilities by nurturing others. Consider imparting your talent and knowledge to the next generation.
Continue Your Education
Find seniors connecting with others by continuing your education. Participating in classes will keep your mind sharp and engaged. You’ll meet people with similar interests who also want to expand their minds.
Taking academic classes can:
- Improve your brain health
- Increase your lifespan
- Create a sense of community
- Strengthen recall and memory skills
- Enhance your self-esteem
Academic classes include computers, language, finance, and history classes. Consider forming a study group with other seniors. You can support each other, make new friends, and ace your course!
Join an Exercise Class
Join a fitness group or exercise class to make friendships in later life. These classes allow you to remain active while becoming part of a united group. Fitness classes include:
- Water aerobics
- Yoga
- Walking
- Meditation
- Pilates
- Strength training
Explore your senior living community’s wellness programs to determine what classes are available. These courses can benefit your mental and physical well-being.
Join Support Groups
If you’re navigating grief or another challenging situation, consider joining a support group. These groups will help you connect with people who are going through similar situations. You can learn from and support one another while learning how to cope with grief.
Volunteer
Consider giving back to your community by volunteering. Volunteering can be fulfilling and empowering. It’s also an easy way to meet like-minded adults.
Explore service organizations that need volunteers, including:
- American Red Cross
- Habitat for Humanity
- United Way
- The Salvation Army
- Meals on Wheels
- Feeding America
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Extend Social Invitations
Don’t wait for other seniors to break the ice. Instead, extend invitations to other seniors in your community. For example, you can invite them out to coffee or lunch to get to know one another.
Extending invitations will show people you’re interested in making senior friends. It will also fill your social calendar, reducing your risk of loneliness and isolation.
The Benefits of Friendship in Later Life
Maintaining social connections can improve your outlook on life. It can also boost your mental and physical health. Here are a few benefits of making senior friends.
Improved Mental Health
According to a study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychology, loneliness can increase a senior’s risk of dementia by over 60%. Loneliness can be more damaging to the body than:
- Obesity
- Pollution
- Drinking
Maintaining healthy relationships can benefit your mental and emotional well-being. As you form a community, you’ll learn to empathize with others.
Making new friends could help boost your self-confidence. You may have an easier time embracing change alongside new friends.
Socially active adults often experience slower cognitive decline. Maintaining friendships could lessen symptoms of dementia.
Stronger Sense of Belonging
Developing close relationships can give you a sense of belonging. You can build a community to become part of something greater than yourself.
Gaining a sense of belonging may give your life more purpose. You’ll feel excited engaging in new elder social activities alongside friends who care about you as much as you care about them.
Improved Physical Health
Making senior friends may encourage you to remain socially and physically active. This could reduce your risk of age-related conditions like:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Some forms of cancer
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Osteoporosis
Encourage other seniors in your social group to participate in senior social clubs and fitness classes. Explore your local senior living community’s events calendar together.
Improving your mental and physical health may increase your longevity. Meanwhile, you can enjoy your senior years with friends, improving your quality of life.
Meet New Senior Friends in Columbus, IN
Making senior friends can improve your mental and physical health while giving you a sense of belonging. Apply these tips to find seniors connecting with others. Remember to check your senior living community for upcoming activities.
GreenTree at Westwood is the best senior living community in Columbus, IN. Our comfortable amenities, excellent social events, and wellness programs deliver a dignified yet fun lifestyle.
Live an exciting and enriching life full of themed parties, fun games, and educational programs. Schedule a tour today to learn more.
