Social Well-being

Social engagement is important for people’s well-being, regardless of their age. Yet, it’s probably most vital during a person’s senior years because older adults and the elderly are sometimes more susceptible to social isolation than younger people.

When we attended the Over 50’s Expo recently it was great to meet so many active ageing people. Many of the people we spoke to enjoyed being part of groups mostly with active retiremet. This group provided the transport to the event and organise activities throughout the year.

It’s important to take care of your social well-being as it provides mental and physical health benefits.

Preventing Depression and Alzhiemers

Recreation is important for seniors because having an active social life helps prevent depression as well as Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. And intellectual stimulation helps keep your mind sharp.

You can learn new knowledge and skills while also having fun. But to do that, you need to find social events that interest you. Thankfully, making senior friends and staying socially active is quite easy if you’re willing to venture out and try new things.

We understand that some people have mobility issues or chronic pain which limits their access to events but its important to remember there are social networks online.

We looked at some activities and groups to help you build a network.

Enroll in an educational class.

A lot of colleges and universities offer senior classes. This is an excellent opportunity to make friends and learn new skills. You can often attend for free or at a discounted rate. This is also good for stimulating the brain which can prevent Alzheimer’s.

Volunteer

You can get out of the house, meet new people, and make a difference in your community. For example, volunteers at senior homes might play games, or swap stories with the residents. Many cities have foster grandparent programs in which you get to spend time with at-risk youth who need positive role models in their lives.

Back to work

Working part-time can be an excellent way to socialize with other people, keep your mind stimulated, and earn a bit of extra cash at the same time. You can pursue positions that draw on your existing skill set or go for something entirely different.

Senior social networking sites

Social Media is an excellent way to stay connected and engaged without even having to leave your home. Popular sites allow you to create personal profiles, connect with friends and family members of all ages, join groups of like-minded people, and engage in other social activities for seniors near you.

• Facebook—One of the largest social networking sites that offers everything from live chatting to videos to games
• Meetup—A social media site that helps people find groups and events of interest that take place offline in towns and cities across the country