At any age, social interaction can be imperative to the mental health and wellbeing of an individual. Human connection is essential.
That said, as you age, you might notice opportunities for social interaction to slowly diminish. There are many reasons that this can happen quite naturally.
Perhaps your circle of friends has grown smaller, or your family does not live nearby. If you are divorced, widowed, or single, socialization might feel that much more overwhelming.
The companionship of a friend, peer, or neighbor can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll tell you about some platforms for seniors that are right at your fingertips.
Facebook Groups
- Seniors Supporting Seniors (50+ Senior support group): Exactly what it sounds like!
- Pen Pals for Seniors and Youth: Bonding all ages in a meaningful way.
- Elder Orphans: A platform specifically built for those without a spouse or children.
- Senior Citizens’ Travel Club: For those who love to travel and would rather not do it alone!
- On Her Own / But Not Alone: A travel group specifically reserved for women.
- Acrylic Pour by Seniors: A group for seniors who enjoy painting!
- Aging Alone: A support group to discuss the challenges of aging alone.
- FACE For Seniors: “Family Advocate Care Experience” for sharing stories of those who provide necessary care to their loved ones but have been separated since COVID.
- Senior Fitness Workouts: Workouts for seniors.
Other Platforms
- Silver Sneakers: A community designed to assist with healthy living, mentally and physically.
- RVing Women: A group for women who enjoy road-tripping!
- Meetup: A platform for finding events, classes, and support groups in your area
- My Itchy Travel Feet: “The baby boomer’s guide to travel.”
- University of Third Age: A place to meet people in retirement.
- Stitch: A place for activities, communities, and companionship.
- Buzz50: An online chatroom for seniors.
- Red Hat Society: A “international women’s society.”
More Places To Look
- Church Groups
- Local Fitness Center
- Local AARP Chapter
- Library (or book store) Book Clubs
Find comfort in the shared experiences of fellow seniors.
Why It’s Important
Aside from making friends, finding valuable connections, and having fun, keeping a community as you age has known effects on your health.
According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), 1/3rd of adults over the age of 45 are likely to experience loneliness. While that might not seem like a big deal, sustained loneliness can be detrimental. By the age of 65, 1/4th of adults are categorized as socially isolated, as reported by the NASEM.
This pressure on your mental health can then have serious effects on your physical health. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social isolation and loneliness can increase your likeliness for issues such as dementia, heart disease, depression, anxiety, and premature fatality.
Of course, those statistics sound quite scary and intimidating. That’s why we are here to help you overcome those challenges. If you feel as though you are experiencing feelings of loneliness, or social isolation, check out these groups.
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