Loneliness is something that everyone experiences at least a couple of times in their lifetime, however, it’s a feeling that is far more common among the older community. At this age, people can begin to get isolated because of physical limitations and suddenly see their social life fall away.
Thankfully, there are many good ways to combat this feeling of loneliness, and plenty of measures to put in place to ensure that the elder in your life feels involved, connected, and fulfilled. Here are some of the best ways to combat loneliness in older people.
Don’t Close Yourself Off
When feeling lonely and isolated, it’s easy to reinforce these feelings and begin to shut off from the rest of the community, as it may feel easier to accept where you are. However, one of the best ways to combat loneliness is to make an effort to make connections with people. This can be as simple as smiling at passers-by or beginning small talk.
This gets you interacting more and can lead to bigger, more meaningful conversations and connections. If the elder is shyer, or not sure what to say, a good tactic is to ask others about themselves. It’s important not to be disheartened if you don’t get the response you’re after though, as a lot of people are growing more reserved, but if you keep trying, soon enough you’ll get some interaction.
Consider Senior Community Living
When researching your options, you might consider looking into assisted living communities, which offer a balance of independence and support. Many seniors find that these communities provide the right mix of social interaction and personalized care they seek.
Have People Over
A lot of the time, all it takes to see people is to invite them over for a small catch-up. Most of the time, people will appreciate the invite and would be more than happy to spend time with you. Events such as dinners, lunches, or even hosting a tea party are a great way to reconnect with loved ones and provide a relaxed environment for interaction.
If you’re unable to host, there are various events in your local community that can host for you, as there are regular free events that you can attend and either meet new people or bring those you care about.
Keep in Touch Through Technology
Technology may not be every elder’s strong suit, but learning how to use the basics such as social media, email, and mobile can help you stay more connected in a fast-growing digital world. There are many people finder websites and people search engines that can help you to find old friends or loved ones that you have lost touch with.
All at the click of a button once you know how to use the technology. Phone calls are the next best substitute for having the person there with you, and it’s a good idea to have a call scheduled once a week with the people you love.
Getting a social media account is also a great way to interact through instant messaging, as well as likes, comments, and shares, and you will also be able to post and receive photographs and videos. Social media is also a great place to reconnect with old friends who you have not heard from in a long time.
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