The Benefits of Socialization as You Age

A recent study exploring the impact social activity has on longevity found that the more people socialized as they aged, the longer they lived. This was especially true for those who socialized with others every day.

Unfortunately, many retirees find they have less opportunities to socialize. Your social circle can become smaller due to the absence of office interactions, friends moving away or the loss of loved ones. It’s common to look forward to the day you retire but feel bored when you finally get there.

Don’t feel discouraged. We put together tips to help you find the level of communal activity that best suits you.  

Why is Socialization Important?

Social connections are a fundamental part of life. The time you spend with friends and family helps shape who you are and how you see the world. As you age, remaining social is vital to maintaining your overall health. Socialization can improve your health and well-being by:

• Engaging your brain. The brain is a muscle that needs to be exercised, just like any other muscle in your body. Conversing with others can help keep the brain sharp and maintain memory. Socialization has even been shown to delay cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients.
• Keeping your body active. Everyone looks forward to more down time in retirement, but it is important to keep an eye on just how much sedentary time you are getting. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to poor health outcomes — including higher risk of death — no matter your age. Having a calendar of social activities can get you out of the house and moving. Even the act of walking to and from the car can provide needed physical movement.
• Helping prevent chronic conditions.  physical effects of quality time with others can prevent chronic diseases, like:
  • Stroke
  • Dementia
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Heart disease  

Studies have shown that individuals with a strong social network have lower blood pressure than those who are isolated. Plus, staying physically and mentally active can make you feel more tired at the end of the day, improving your quality of sleep and reducing stress.  

• Boosting your mood. Maintaining a bond with others can have a positive impact on your mental health. Social connections can give you a sense of purpose and belonging. It also helps to share life’s ups and downs and have people you can turn to for emotional support.

Lack of social connections can lead to feelings of loneliness and social isolation, increasing your risk of depression. Older adults are at higher risk for loneliness due to many factors, including changes in health, the loss of family and friends and living alone or far from loved ones.

In addition, many health conditions and disabilities can limit your ability to engage in activities. Older adults who have trouble getting around may find it difficult to get to and from social engagements. People with hearing loss may avoid social activities or engaging in conversation. And those with memory problems or dementia can have trouble following conversations or expressing themselves.

Signs of depression can include hopelessness, lack of motivation, loss of interest, weight change and sleeplessness. If you are showing signs of depression, reach out to your primary care provider for a formal assessment and treatment. If transportation is a barrier, you can also look into telehealth options.

It is important to recognize the signs of loneliness and depression so you can take care of your mental health. Learn more about prioritizing your mental health and how to access care with our behavioral health resources.

How Can I Get Involved in More Social Activity?

Staying social looks different for everyone, but there are a few ways to prioritize your social connections as you age:

1. Spend quality time with loved ones

Spend meaningful time with family and friends. Look for fun activities to do together, such as going for a walk around the neighborhood, taking an exercise class, playing games, traveling or knitting. Doing activities together can help strengthen your bond and remain active in each other’s lives. If your loved ones live far away, make time for regular phone calls to catch up.

2. Join a club or take a class

Finding like-minded people who share a common interest can build new meaningful relationships. Get in touch with your local community or senior center to find out if there are clubs for hobbies or activities you are interested in, such as reading, painting, walking or gardening. You can also look online for things like fitness, cooking or computer classes. If you are not sure what your passion is, it doesn’t hurt to try something new!

3. Volunteer

Stop by a local charity, library or animal shelter to find an organization that gives back to your community. Spending time volunteering can provide a sense of importance in your life. Plus, it benefits your community!  

4. Visit a community or senior center

Senior centers, or adult day centers, can be great places to meet new people and remain active. Many offer a range of activities, including arts and crafts, fitness classes, parties and dances.

Remember, being social does not mean stretching yourself thin or having a lot of friends. Focus on the quality of your relationships and the frequency of your interactions with your loved ones to feel more connected socially.

If you are not a naturally social person, give yourself grace as you incorporate some of these tips. It may feel uncomfortable at first to join a new club with strangers, but with time, it should get easier. Getting out there and showing up is a major accomplishment!

If you are not sure where to start, don’t hesitate to reach out to Compass Rose Aging Well. Our resource coordinator can help you find local organizations to join. We can also help you find transportation to your activities if you are unable to drive yourself. For more ideas on how to connect or hobbies to try, check out the resources on our Aging Well site.