Retirement looks a little different for everyone.
It’s easy to get caught up in one’s own retirement activities, and it’s hard to stay in touch as people age or move on to different stages of life. Plus, if you’ve downsized your home for retirement you may find it difficult to entertain guests like you did before. From an emotional, physical and mental standpoint, you need the support and stimulation that comes from maintaining friendships and engaging with other perspectives, especially in retirement.
Take it from the experts; much of your well-being hinges on how active and healthy your social life is. Let’s take a closer look.
The Importance of Staying Social After Retirement
Psychologist Rob Pascale asserts that social isolation is as high a risk to physical health as obesity or smoking 15 cigarettes a day. In fact, a lack of healthy social relationships can contribute to a number of health hazards, including:
- 50% increased risk of dementia.
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Greater risk of malnutrition and poor sleeping habits..
- Decreased cognitive function.
- Weakened immune system.
Loneliness isn’t just a physical health hazard; it’s a mental health risk as well. And lest you think we’re being over-dramatic, the National Institutes of Health report that about 20% of American seniors over the age of 65 suffer from depression in some form, and suicide rates are highest in this same demographic.
The link between loneliness and mental health runs deep, and can lead to issues beyond depression, including:
- Anxiety.
- Poor self-esteem.
- Substance abuse.
An active and robust social life isn’t a luxury – it’s a deep-rooted human need, and as we can see from the research, it’s also crucial to maintaining a good quality of life. But how do you stay socially active during a time when friends and family seem to be drifting apart? Thankfully, the options are abundant.
Reach Out to Old Friends
If you’re ready to start building a more active social life, we have several ideas to help you avoid a path out of loneliness.
In the age of social media, it’s easier than ever to reconnect with old friends. If you have Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, you can search for your high school or college buddies, or even join groups specifically dedicated to bringing certain classes together as a sort of online reunion.
Reigniting old relationships is a fantastic way to stay social, and since you already have history it’s easier to build on those friendships and find common ground.
Make New Friends
For introverted people the idea of trying to make new friends can be overwhelming. But finding new friends is not nearly as complicated as we make it seem in our minds.
Again, we live in an age of social networking, and sometimes making friends online first can be a good icebreaker for developing face-to-face friendships. Find an online forum centering around a personal interest and get to know people in the group. Sometimes all a friendship takes is a little bit of common ground! Joining clubs or pursuing new hobbies can also help establish new friendships.
There are also lots of apps for finding people with similar goals, interests and ideas within your area. You probably immediately think of Tinder or Bumble, but there are others like Meetup that are designed more for networking and platonic friendships.
Go Back to Work
Wait. Go back to work?? I just retired!
We know, it seems counter-intuitive. But a part-time job doing something you enjoy can give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment, plus it’s an opportunity to meet new people and build new friendships!
Getting into volunteer work can be another excellent way to extend your social circle. Choose a cause you’re passionate about, whether it’s animal adoption, keeping the environment clean or helping out the less fortunate in your community. You’ll be doing something positive for yourself and others, while working alongside those who share your passions.
Take a Class
No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to learn something new! A great way to stay mentally active during retirement is to sign up for a course or two at your local college or community center. Not only will you be exercising your mind, but you’ll also be benefiting your emotional and mental health with social interactions and friendships.
Don’t Forget to Plan for the Future
While you’re planning your retirement years and how to build and maintain friendships, your plans should also be looking beyond your retirement. This means purchasing senior or elderly life insurance to ease any burden that may fall to your friends or family after you’ve passed.
The best life insurance for seniors will provide the coverage you need to cover end of life expenses, along with any other debts you may have. It’s just one more way to care for your loved ones in your absence! Not sure where to find the best senior life insurance? Talk to an Americo Senior Life representative today. With whole life coverage that never expires, our insurance policies are designed to be the safety net you need at a cost you can afford. Contact us today to get started!