Dealing With Isolation and Loneliness

 Social isolation is a growing problem for seniors. As people age, they are more likely to lose friends and family members, and they may also have to move to a new place where they don't know anyone. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.

If you are feeling lonely or depressed there are things you can do.

1. Reach out to family and friends. Make an effort to stay in touch with the people you care about, even if you can't see them in person. You can call, text, email, or video chat. 
2. Join a club or group. This is a great way to meet new people who share your interests. There are clubs and groups for seniors of all ages and interests, from hiking and gardening to book clubs and bingo.
3. Get involved in your community. Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and meet new people at the same time. You can volunteer at a nursing home, hospital, library or even homeless shelters or your church.
4. Take a class. Learning a new skill is a great way to stay active and meet new people. There are classes for seniors on everything from computers to cooking to art. Right now, it seems painting and wine classes are popular. I have been to them and they are so much fun!
5. Use technology. There are a number of online resources that can help seniors connect with others. You can join online forums, chat rooms, and social media groups. Just be cautious and careful. You don't want to give out too much personal information. 
6. Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling to cope with social isolation, don't be afraid to ask for help from a friend, family member, or your Doctor.

Social isolation can be a difficult challenge, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you cope.

• Be proactive. Don't wait for people to reach out to you. Make the first move and invite friends and family over for dinner, or suggest going out for coffee or a walk. 
• Get out of the house. It's easy to become isolated if you stay home all the time. Make an effort to get out and about, even if it's just for a short walk around the block. 
• Be positive. It's important to have a positive attitude when you're trying to make new friends. People are more likely to want to be around you if you're upbeat and friendly.
• Don't give up. It may take some time to find your social niche, but don't give up. Keep trying new things and meeting new people until you find a group of people that you connect with.

I know for me, when we moved to a 55 and over community, we have more friends than we ever did. There are so many people looking for friendship, and I have made some good friends here and really cherish it. It is a small community, and we have weekly activities to go to. As a matter of fact, I love to have a good time, so I organized and entertainment committee and a group of us run it and we have a blast!