When seniors become isolated and lonely, there can be negative health consequences and can lead to adverse health effects like an increased number of falls, an increased risk for dementia, and even an increased risk for rehospitalization. Therefore, it is important to promote social integration among seniors and even ourselves.

The following are just a few ways you can help curb social isolation and alleviate loneliness for seniors:

Finding Hobbies and Learning Something New

If there is already a hobby that they love doing and want to continue or if there is something new that they want to try, then this should be encouraged. It gives seniors something exciting to look forward to every day. 

Crochet knitting is a social activity, for example, that can be done in a group. Dancing is another fun activity that can have a very positive impact on senior wellness. Taking weekly classes with a senior-oriented class is a good way to stay active and meet new people. It also helps increase and improve muscle movement and even mobility.

Other hobbies that may be of interest include gardening, arts and crafts, learning a new instrument, reading,  puzzles, or even finding a pen pal to converse with regularly.

Technology and Resources

Technology, accessories, and other resources can also be useful when it comes to alleviating senior loneliness. Having a Google Home or Amazon Echo can help seniors with their daily routines. Since they are voice-activated technology, they can simply ask the devices for a weather report or to play their favorite song. Having a cell phone is another good way to curb isolation because it makes it easier to stay in touch with friends and family. 

Community Activities

Local senior centers are often a good resource when it comes to finding different classes, outings, and other social functions that are happening in the community. There are also churches, health clubs, and other organizations, including special interest groups that can be joined as well. In doing so, seniors can make new friends and can even find different ways they can volunteer their time. 

Adopt a Pet

Pets know how to love unconditionally and are very accepting. Caring for a pet may be just what is needed to help avoid isolation and provide seniors with a new purpose in their life. If they are currently living in a senior living center or retirement community, be sure to review the rules and guidelines regarding pets ahead of time to avoid any problems. 

When seniors have a pet, they can take care of; it gives them the opportunity to once again care for something like when they were younger and perhaps had children or a spouse. They will have something to depend on them again. The pet also provides them with some companionship and can even help to create new social connections.

Encourage Healthy Lifestyles

Finally, another good way to curb loneliness in seniors is to encourage them to stay active and exercise. Poor health can lead to increased isolation, and when they also have ongoing health problems to contend with, they may choose not to continue to maintain any social contact. 

Exercise can ultimately lead to increased life spans as well as a notable decrease in falls, fractures, and joint pain. It also encourages social connections. By nurturing their health, they are actively preventing loneliness for seniors. 

Getting older can be difficult and is not void of its own set of challenges for seniors. Loneliness and feelings of isolation can cause health problems in the future, so encouraging new hobbies, emphasizing the importance of staying active, and even providing them with a pet for some companionship can go a long way in helping them experience new and meaningful things to overcome depression, loneliness, and feelings of isolation.