Loneliness is one of the biggest problems facing seniors. As we age, it’s common to become isolated due to family and friends living far away or passing away. It can feel very difficult to stay in touch with loved ones, and even more difficult to meet new people. However, it is incredibly important to never give up on trying to beat loneliness, as this can be very bad for your mental health. Here’s a few suggestions to keep you or a loved one staying sociable:
Invite friends or neighbours for a chat
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. A great way to feel less lonely is to invite a friend, family member or neighbour around for a cup of tea and a chat. Sometimes it can be scary to reach out, and you can feel like people don’t want to hear from you, but this is almost certainly not the case. Many people feel lonely and would probably be incredibly grateful to be invited for a catchup with you.
Adopt a furry friend
Adopting a pet can be a great way to stave off loneliness. A furry companion, such as a cat or dog, can provide invaluable friendship and company. An animal’s love is truly unconditional, and the rewarding relationship between a pet and its owner is incredibly special, and great for reducing feelings of loneliness.
Stay in touch with relatives
Sometimes we end up losing touch even with those we are closest to, such as our family. This can happen as a result of people moving away or difficulties or disputes within the family. However, as we age, it’s important to make the most of our family relationships and to rebuild those bonds. Be brave enough to make the first move by reaching out to a relative you’ve been meaning to speak to. They will probably be very glad to hear from you.
Move into a residential community or home
If you’re in the south of England, there are many care homes in Essex that are very communal and offer many social activities for their residents. This can be an especially good option if you feel you need assistance with day-to-day living, as there are carers on site at all times to help you with tasks you may find difficult. Moving into a community filled with people of a similar age is a great way to feel less lonely and make new friends.
Experiment with technology
A great way to stay in touch with family and friends that live far away is through technology. If you have a mobile phone, computer, or tablet, you can use the built-in camera to video chat with people anywhere in the world. Or, you can text, email, or even stay in touch through social media. If you’re not too comfortable with technology, see if you can get a friend or relative to get you set up and show you how it all works.
Get involved with the community
Getting involved with your local community is another great way to meet new people. You could volunteer, join a club, or take up a new hobby. You’re bound to meet likeminded people who will become good friends before too long.
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