Seniors sometimes discover it becomes challenging to make friends as they get older. Most seniors have retired, and they may find it difficult to connect with people their age when they no longer gather in the same place. Fortunately, seniors can make new friends after retirement by using these strategies to connect with other older adults.
Take a Volunteer Position
If your senior loved one is past retirement age but still able to work, he or she should consider volunteering. Many older adults serve in volunteer positions that put them in touch with people who have similar interests. For instance, working at an animal shelter could help your loved one meet someone who loves cats and dogs just as much as he or she does.
Enroll in a Class for Seniors
Taking a class is another way to meet people who like the same things. Some colleges and recreation centers offer classes specifically for seniors. Your loved one can learn how to dance or take a class in creative writing. Either way, your loved one will have plenty to talk about with his or her new classmates.
A home caregiver can help your loved one exercise his or her cognitive skills every day. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior care. Fair Oaks families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
Check Out the Local Senior Center
Senior centers are staples in many communities. Your loved one might find one in the community that offers things such as game nights and lunches. Since everyone there will be around your loved one’s age, it may be easy to start making friends right away. Keep in mind you can arrange for transportation services to get your loved one to and from the senior center if he or she is unable to drive.
If your loved one needs help with transportation to social events, a home caregiver can be a great resource. Elder care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Find a Matchmaker
Most likely, someone you know also knows a lonely senior. Encourage your loved one to start letting the people in his or her life know he or she wants to make new friends. You might even have friends with older parents who want to spend time with other adults. While it may seem strange, using those networking skills can pay off with a few new friends for your loved one.
Try an Online Group
Seniors can now make friends without even having to leave the house. There are online groups set up to help seniors connect. Alternatively, your loved one can get involved in an online community that focuses on his or her specific interests. Naturally, your loved one needs to practice general online safety when interacting with people, but online groups can provide expanded social opportunities far beyond his or her immediate neighborhood.
Go for a Stroll in the Park
Just going outside is sometimes all it takes to find someone new to connect with. Encourage your loved one to try going for a walk around the neighborhood or a local park and make it a goal to say hello to at least one other person. Most likely, your loved one will see other seniors working in their gardens or taking walks as well. Keep in mind safety should come first. Consider having a companion go along for the walk if your loved one has limited mobility or feels worried about saying hello to people he or she may not know well.
A home caregiver can help your loved one find ways to stave off feelings of isolation and loneliness. For families living in Fair Oaks, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (916) 485-4663 to learn more about our customized care plans.