According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults may have an increased risk for social isolation and loneliness. Social isolation refers to a lack of social contacts and regular social interaction. Loneliness is the distress associated with feeling alone. Studies have shown that adults who are lonely or socially isolated are less healthy, have longer hospital stays and more hospital readmissions, and are more likely to die earlier than those with meaningful and supportive social connections.1
Importance of socialization for seniors
Aging may contribute to changes in social connections due to hearing, vision or memory loss, disability and mobility restrictions and the loss of friends who are also aging or have died. In addition to the emotional pain inherent in that loss of connection, social isolation and loneliness are also associated with higher risks for:2
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Weakened immune function
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease
Seniors may be at particular risk of social isolation and loneliness if they:3
- Live alone
- Can’t leave home
- Have experienced a major loss or life change (death of a spouse/partner or retirement)
- Have limited financial resources
- Have psychological or cognitive challenges or depression
- Live in a rural, unsafe or hard to access neighborhood
- Experience discrimination related to age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Older adults who are exercising, eating well and getting enough sleep, as a part of a routine designed to keep them healthy, active and independent as they age, understand that it is equally important to stay socially engaged. Connecting with other people, especially while participating in meaningful and enjoyable activities, has been shown to boost mood, and to improve well-being, cognitive function and overall health.4
Social activities for seniors
- Similar to scheduling exercise, set up a time each day to interact with family, friends or community members. Maybe that’s a neighborly visit, writing a letter, making a phone call or using electronic communication technologies like email and social media.5
- Many activities that a senior already enjoys can become opportunities for social engagement. Create an informal senior social club by inviting friends or family members to join in. Make an exercise date with a friend or join or form a walking club.6 Consider hosting a group board game night.7
- Older adults may enjoy re-engaging with an old hobby or taking classes to learn a new one while meeting new people.8
- Adopting a pet provides companionship at home and adopting a dog may also provide opportunities to meet other dog owners on walks through the neighborhood, at dog parks or in obedience classes.9
- Volunteer opportunities can provide seniors with a way to socialize while contributing to meaningful projects in the community. Consider getting involved with a cause—political, environmental, educational—or with a faith-based organization.10
- Research resources and programs offered by local service agencies, community and senior centers and public libraries. There may be book groups, special-interest meet-ups, fitness classes, parties or congregate meals offered by these kinds of organizations.11
Social activities for seniors who are homebound or without transportation:
1 in 6 seniors living alone, in the United States, experiences physical, cultural and/or geographical barriers that contribute to social isolation and loneliness. Some ways to address these challenges include: 12
Telephone reassurance programs in which program staff or volunteers make regular phone and/or video calls to homebound seniors.
Intergenerational connections. Increasingly, programs are bringing younger people, like high school or nursing students, together with homebound seniors to provide social and practical support. And intergenerational mentoring programs bring older and younger adults together to learn from and support each other.
Activities for those with physical/cognitive impairments. Consider designating a trusted person who can visit, in-person or via video-call, and be an emergency contact for a senior who is homebound. Look into home- and community-based support and services offered by local nonprofits and area agencies on aging. Some social service agencies offer programs, in-person or online, that provide support and socialization opportunities for people living with memory loss, and for their caregivers.
Special meal companionship programs. Many are familiar with Meals on Wheels, but increasingly more senior service agencies are providing companionship programs that include food delivery as well as company and conversation during the meal.
Social media for seniors
Older adults are using social media in growing numbers. Social media are interactive computer-mediated technologies for creating and sharing information, communicating and connecting via virtual communities and networks. Most social media can be accessed free of cost (although social media platforms do collect identification and other information from users for advertising purposes). Despite some challenges regarding privacy and safety, social media networks make it possible to stay engaged with and connected to multiple people and communities, even at a distance, and may be especially useful for seniors who have limited mobility.13
Consider signing up for a class at a local public library or community center, or with an online company that specializes in tech training for seniors, to learn how to use electronic communications technologies and social media.14
As they age, older adults can find themselves spending more time alone. Just as we pay attention to the changing needs of our aging bodies, put more intention into staying engaged with friends and family members, and within communities.
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Sources:
1“Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected,” National Institute on Aging, last accessed October 18, 2022.
2“Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected.”
3“Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected.”
4“Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected.”
5“Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected.”
6“Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected.”
7Alana Tompkins, “Staying Socially Engaged Keeps Brains Mentally Fit,” AARP, last accessed October 18, 2022.
8“Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected.”
9“Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected.”
10“Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected.”
11“Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected.”
12“Senior Centers Reach the Hard-to-Reach,” National Council on Aging, last accessed October 2022.
13“Social Media For Older Adults,” Senior Tech Club, last accessed October 18, 2022.
14“Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected.”
This information is provided for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns.
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