Meeting Socialization Challenges in Our Later Years

In the January 2010 issue of Choices, we saw that spending time with others promotes healthy aging in many ways. No matter what our age, social engagement remains important for well-being. If you are an older adult or you have senior loved ones, read on for some ideas for increasing contact with others.

Breaking the Cycle of Loneliness and Inactivity

During our later years, we retire from work, our children grow up and move away, and we may face the loss of our spouse or partner. Changes in our health status can lead to decreased energy, communication or mobility challenges, and reduced transportation options.

These changes can result in a negative cycle: health challenges decrease opportunities for socialization, resulting in loneliness and depression, which in turn contribute to physical decline…making it even more challenging to get out of the house and be with other people.

So, it is worth it to make the effort, make a plan, to add more socialization to your life! One of the gifts of being older is that you have more time to spend developing relationships and doing the things that bring you pleasure. Make a list of the activities you currently enjoy, as well as interests you've always wanted to pursue. Do you like to play cards, do needlework, or arrange flowers? Are you a birdwatcher or a fly fisherman or a bowler? Do you enjoy cooking, or art, or going to the theater? Have you always wanted to learn to ballroom dance, to quilt, to do woodworking, carpentry, or remodeling projects?

To help translate your interests into activities with other people, check into the opportunities offered by your local senior centre, community colleges, parks and recreation agency, your church or other faith community, and your friends, neighbors and acquaintances.

And as you think about creating a life that is full of meaningful interaction with other people, consider the possibility of becoming a volunteer. The need has never been greater in all communities, and volunteering is a great way to meet new friends. A 2010 Johns Hopkins study even showed that seniors who are at risk for cognitive impairment showed improvement after six months of volunteer service. Many worthy organizations—schools, hospitals, museums, social service agencies—rely upon volunteers. Fortunately, many retirees are answering the call, serving their communities, sharing their gifts, and helping others. No matter what your skills and abilities, there is a way you can help.

Yes, as we grow older, it takes a little more effort and more planning to stay fully engaged with life, but the rewards are great. Of course, some of us are born social butterflies and others need our "alone time" more than do others. But for most people, socialization is as important as physical activity—and when it comes to social skills, "use it or lose it" applies.