If you have ever experienced living in a place that was far away from the ones you love, or you have been cut off from friends or relatives for other reasons, then you may know how difficult it is to be isolated in this way. Although you might have found some things to occupy your time, there is only so much you can do to distract yourself before you start craving interaction with others, especially the ones who mean something to you. As you move into older age, this is an issue that might become more prevalent, particularly if friends and relatives you were close to start to pass away. This doesn’t mean you have to live in isolation, however, and below are some tips to help you avoid this.
1. Make an Effort to Reach Out
A good place to start is by making sure you are making an effort to reach out to the people you care for. Even arranging video calls can be a good way to stay connected and offers some social interaction for you throughout the day. It might not be as satisfying as face-to-face contact, but it can be beneficial nonetheless. Doing this might also make it easier for you to arrange in-person social events as well.
2. Get Involved in Local Activities
Another option to explore if you have been feeling lonely or isolated lately is to get involved with social clubs or volunteering opportunities near you. Consider what activities would be suitable for you, as if you do have limited mobility or other conditions that can make things more challenging. It might feel a little bit daunting to do this at first, especially if you don’t know anyone there. However, this is a great way to make new friends and can give you something to look forward to each week.
3. Consider Moving to a Care Home
Retirement communities are perfect for those who can still manage to live independently, but who have been feeling isolated. Assisted living facilities can also be a good option for those who want more socialization but also need help with some everyday things like grooming or medication management. This home run by Signature at Farnham Common is an ideal example of what is on offer, and at residences like this, there is a range of organized activities each week that can allow you to connect with others in the home.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
It can be easy to become isolated in older age due to physical ailments, or perhaps not wanting to feel like a burden to your children or other relatives. It is important, however, to make sure that if you are feeling lonely or you are struggling with other things, you ask for help. Having the right support in place will allow you to do more in your daily life and boost your confidence, so always reach out when you need assistance to make sure you can get the most out of this chapter in your life.
If you have been feeling lonely or isolated recently as a senior citizen, consider the tips above and see if they can help you turn things around.
