How to Stay Socially Active As You Age

Loneliness and social isolation obstruct good health by increasing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, a weak immune system, obesity, depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, or death. Staying socially active can reduce the risk of these concerns and give you a sense of belonging while keeping you connected to those around you and happy. Here's how to stay socially active as you age.

Join a retirement community

If you live alone or want to downsize, joining a retirement community to live with others your age and with similar interests is the best way to stay socially connected. A retirement community like Riverview Retirement Community is among the best places to combat loneliness and social isolation. This is because when in these communities, you can interact with your peers and form friendships.

Retirement homes have a calendar of activities that residents can participate in while interacting with one another, including swimming, dancing, music, games online such as free hearts, exercises, woodwork activities, and more. They also provide dining experiences where you can gather and eat together as you socialize.

Travel

Engaging in new life experiences is vital in ensuring you're aging well. And traveling is an excellent way to explore new things and meet new people while improving physical wellness. It can help you stay active, prevent loneliness, and address social exclusion. Traveling offers a change to your daily routine and allows you to discover, interact with the environment, and enjoy social interaction and intercultural contact. Travel agencies offering group traveling options for older adults create an opportunity to interact with like-minded people, helping them stay socially engaged and physically active.

Leverage social media

While seniors are slow at adopting the newest technology, a study suggests that 70% of internet users aged 65 and older use the internet on a regular day. Leveraging social media as you age can be rewarding because it allows you to remain engaged with friends and acquaintances who don’t live close by or meet new people to create the social interaction you require to thrive. It provides a way to stay in touch and maintain relationships with your family, especially if you live far apart.

Through social media, you can engage with one another, share videos and photos, and stay socially connected. You can make plans with others your age to meet physically, and if you can't leave your home, socialize online, combating loneliness. Find social media community groups where you can engage with others your age and develop a sense of belonging.

Join an exercise class or group

Regular exercises enhance physical health and improve quality of life by boosting social interaction and mood. Exercise is the best way to improve your mood, especially if you're dealing with loneliness or isolation because of being away from family or limited mobility.

Physical activities like team sports and walking groups are excellent ways to create valuable social connections and stay connected. Joining group activities allows you to engage with others, develop supportive relationships, and look for meaningful methods to connect with community members. However, before participating in any physical activities, consult your doctor for professional advice to ensure you're fit.

Endnote

Remaining socially connected as you age is essential for a good quality of life. Use these tips to stay socially active and maintain your well-being as you age.