Socialization is essential for mental health, and it may even offer physical health benefits among older adults. Seniors meeting people regularly and remaining socially active have a decreased likelihood of developing dementia, obesity, high blood pressure, and other health risks.
5 Tips for Seniors Who Want To Meet New People
You may be wondering, how do seniors meet other seniors? With over 13 million older adults living alone, there are plenty of opportunities for them to get out and socialize. Consider one of these approaches to help you stay socially engaged.
1. Take an Exercise Class
Exercise classes that cater to the needs of older adults can be a lot of fun. They are specially designed to engage your mind and encourage socialization while your body gets a workout. Some options you might want to consider include:
- Balance and fall prevention classes
- Chair or gentle yoga
- Specialty classes like Silver Sneakers
- Zumba Gold and Chair Zumba
Remember, you don’t need to be in top-notch physical condition to enjoy the benefits of a good exercise class. You can customize the different exercises to your unique fitness abilities to ensure you get the physical, emotional, and social benefits without injuring yourself. However, it is usually a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program.
2. Find a Local Game Night
Games are a fantastic way for older adults to stay active and social. Game nights allow seniors to meet new people and enjoy laughter and connection while spending time with old and new friends. Playing games can also help seniors by stimulating their cognitive abilities and keeping the brain active and engaged
Whether you play Bingo, Bunko, or Bridge, you should be able to find a group that gets together to enjoy your favorite game. Check local clubs, libraries, and community centers to see if they have game nights. Those catering to older adults may also offer game sessions during the day. If you can’t find one, consider organizing one yourself.
3. Join a Faith-Based Community
Seniors meeting people in faith-based communities often enjoy a very tight bond with one another. The opportunities and relationships enjoyed in such communities can instill a sense of purpose and belonging in senior adults. When you join a faith organization, you can experience:
- Bible study
- Community service
- Prayer meetings
- Structured sermons
Many faith groups meet in warm and welcoming ways. Even if you have had a bad experience in this area in the past, it may be worth giving it another shot. Talk to friends and family members about where they go and what they like about it, then get out and try to meet some new people with similar worldviews.
4. Join Hobby Groups To Meet Like-Minded People
It’s easier to socialize with like-minded people than with those of entirely different opinions. While you will probably never find someone else who agrees with every idea you hold, you can find like-minded people who agree on the things that matter most.
Look for groups of people that share your most important interests or views. Check out special interest clubs, community organizations, and educational seminars. You can even join a group on social media to connect with others in different areas. You can make video calls to maintain old friendships and connect with family members.
Auditing a class at the local community college or taking an online class is another great way to meet others who want to learn about similar topics. No matter how you meet like-minded people, seek out those who make you feel comfortable and safe.
5. Choose a Socially Supportive Community
Some older adult communities and organizations heavily support seniors meeting people through social interactions and activities.
Elder Care Alliance understands the importance of socialization for older adults. Each of our communities offers Life Enrichment programming to engage residents’ spirits, minds, and bodies. Social interaction is one of the eight wellness domains the Life Enrichment program stresses.
Why Friends for Seniors Are Important
Seniors meeting people is more than just for fun. Health experts regularly tout the importance of social engagement for older adults. It is widely considered a key factor in aging healthfully. In some cases, doctors encourage meeting new people to support better health outcomes.
Some of the most notable benefits of social activities that encourage new experiences and meeting new people include:
- Improved physical health
- Lower stress levels
- Reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation
- Support for cognitive function
It’s easy to see why evaluating social health is as important as any other checkup. It can be as simple as reviewing a checklist for social wellness. Remember that there are plenty of opportunities for seniors to meet new people even if they do not socialize very much right now.
Overcoming Obstacles for Seniors Meeting People
Obstacles can prevent seniors meeting people and staying engaged in their communities.
- Cognitive decline: Older adults with memory challenges may struggle to make social connections. These situations may call for specialized attention, such as that provided through memory care centers.
- Fear of new situations: It is perfectly normal for people of any age to be nervous in new and unfamiliar situations. Attending a social function with established friends can help reduce some of that discomfort.
- Lack of transportation: Many people reduce driving, especially at night, as they age. Coupled with a lack of public transportation, this can limit their ability to get to activities and events.
- Physical limitations: Some older adults avoid activities because of physical limitations, such as joint pain, decreased speed, and hearing difficulties. You should address these issues. For example, using hearing aids can improve communication when meeting new people.
While there are some challenges for seniors who want to meet new people, there are also ways to overcome them. Families and caregivers can work with older adults to create realistic plans that encourage social engagement.
Seniors Meeting People Regularly Enjoy Improved Wellbeing
Elder Care Alliance operates communities for older adults throughout central and southern California. Our programs create opportunities for older adults to meet people, make meaningful connections and enjoy shared experiences. Meeting new people helps our residents thrive. Call to schedule a visit to one of our communities.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277953610007185?via%3Dihub
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/staying-social-as-a-senior
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6304477
https://www.televeda.com/posts/older-adults-meet-new-people-make-friends
