How to Combat Loneliness in Seniors

Figuring out how to combat loneliness as a senior can definitely feel daunting. For some of us, forging new connections feels hard enough in youth when we have boundless energy and opportunity. That's why knowing how to guard against the lack of connection that isolated seniors can become at risk for is so crucial. Both for ourselves as we age and for our loved ones.

The following does not constitute medical or psychological advice and is not meant to replace professional help. If you or someone you love is struggling with isolation and loneliness, there are a variety of available resources for connection. Please reach out for further information.  

5 Tips for Staying Connected as a Senior

Discovering how to combat loneliness often means building a toolbox of solutions that click with your identity and interests. Here are some tips to get you started.

There's Nothing Like Friendship Close to Home

It's one thing to have good friends and a supportive community. It's another thing entirely to have good friends and a supportive community on your street and in your own neighborhood. Have you ever spent time making plans and dressing up only to get on the road and realize your energy is already dwindling? While those nights can be wonderful sometimes, always having to drive somewhere just to see friends can take it out of you. You may not always feel up to that.

Of course, neighborhood friendships aren't always possible — not all homes are near other homes. The question of how to combat loneliness can become a little more complicated when we're out in the middle of nowhere. We also just don't click with every single person we meet.

If any of these scenarios sounds like your own, an activity-rich retirement community with plenty of friendly and diverse personalities could be a great option for you.

You Have the Right to Communicate Your Needs

This can be a big hurdle for many of us. Nobody wants to feel like they're a burden. But can you guess what refusing to let others support us can lead to? You guessed it! Loneliness and feelings of isolation.    

Just remember: it is wise, healthy, and reasonable to communicate our needs! What's more, by giving others the opportunity to support us, we're giving them the chance to connect with someone they probably care deeply about (you!). This can prove to be a beautiful opportunity to connect for everyone involved.

Animal Companionship Can Work Wonders

Few things bring the joy and sense of purpose that caring for a pet does. Dogs and cats may be the obvious choices, but if a traditional four-legged pal is too much to handle, there are other avenues you can explore. According to SeniorAdvisor.com, a pet fish, rabbit, or bird can also be a wonderful companion.

Animals have always been an excellent answer to the question of how to combat loneliness. Their love for us can give a great big boost to a person's overall sense of connection at any stage in life.

Group/Community Events Provide Low-Pressure Ways to Connect

From groups and classes to sports and concerts, there's just something about getting out of your head and out of the house for a couple of hours. And with a friend or two by your side? Well, that's a pretty awesome recipe for connection!

At Sovereign Village, we feel strongly about creating environments where social isolation and loneliness never have to come into the picture. The social activities, outings, groups, and classes contribute to an overall warm environment that is the fabric of our community and our crowning achievement.

Wondering how to combat loneliness when your transportation options are limited? Here's something a lot of folks miss.

Transportation Comes in Many Forms

Having access to a motor vehicle may feel like a big part of maintaining one's independence, warding off social isolation, and combatting loneliness. So losing that ability and/or desire to drive oneself may also feel like the end of your autonomy.

Luckily, nothing could be further from the truth.

No car? No problem! There are PLENTY of other options — and not just options for getting around, but options for bringing "around" to you!

What do I mean? I mean giving your immediate surroundings a major upgrade.

Accessibility is the key here. Just ask a New Yorker! When everything you could need or want is close by, there's no great need to to travel long distances. When you do need to get somewhere on your own, arranging a ride is simple.

That's not to suggest you up and move to the Big Apple for your golden years, just that some living options, neighborhoods, and communities have more to offer than others.

By way of example, golf carts and bicycles are wonderful and easy ways to get around a resort-style home like our own retirement community.  

If you still need to go far though, other transportation options are available for those who don't drive. Of course, these services will vary depending on where you call home, but they might include weekly buses, individually arranged grocery pickups, taxis, or ride shares.

Feel free to reach out for more information. Our staff can connect you with plenty of options.

How to Combat Loneliness at Sovereign Village

We hope these five tips for staying connected have been helpful to you. In many ways, our own retirement community is built around solving the question of how to combat loneliness. That's why we do things differently than any other retirement community in the country.

From being golf cart friendly to providing endless opportunities for social engagement right where you live, we know how to combat loneliness. Our large dog park, group outings (ballgames, the Columbus Zoo, etc.), and long list of amenities— truly make Sovereign Village a one-of-a-kind community.

Want more Resources on How to Combat Loneliness?

Learning how to combat loneliness means keeping an eye on it. No one is immune to feelings of isolation. But ensuring we have the right tools and environment can make all the difference at the end of the day.