Put a Little Spring into Your Social Life

Socializing is an important part of the human experience, throughout one’s lifetime. In early infancy, socializing helps a young baby develop and learn important skills, such as communication. Throughout childhood, socializing helps a person learn to share and cooperate, while also developing empathy. By the time one reaches adolescence, socializing becomes a part of who someone is, and it isn’t given too much thought. Teenagers make plans with their friends to hang out after school or on the weekends. Young adults form bonds with college roommates and classmates and establish peer relationships with coworkers when they begin their careers. Parents seek out other parents in order to commiserate with one another. Neighbors become like family over time.

However, as one reaches older adulthood, their social contacts tend to decrease, putting the individual at risk for senior isolation. There are a variety of reasons for this, such as retirement, relocation, the death of a spouse, family or friends, or a physical decline. Senior isolation puts an older adult at a greater risk for depression, long-term illness, and cognitive decline. It is important that older adults continue to pursue a social life as they enjoy their golden years. With spring on our mind, here are a few ways that you can put a little spring into your social life and breathe life into your physical health and emotional well-being.

Head Outdoors
As spring-like weather returns, head outdoors with the intention of meeting other people. Take a walk in the early evening, when neighbors are getting home from work, so that you have more opportunities to say hello. Visit local nature centers and sign up for classes that interest you in order to meet others with similar hobbies. Join a walking club or sign up for a senior softball league, according to your physical fitness ability. Stroll through the local farmer’s market or join a community garden. The more you’re able to get outdoors, the more likely you’ll be to make new connections or reestablish connections with others.

Say “Yes” More Often
Instead of declining social invitations, choose to view them as social opportunities and accept the invite. Join a neighborhood book club, take that jewelry making class at the local senior center, say “yes” when your neighbor invites you over for coffee, or accept the invite to a round of golf from an acquaintance. Then, keep your commitment and don’t allow any room for doubts. Go with the attitude that this is going to be fun. If this is out of your comfort zone, tell yourself that it’s only an hour or two out of your day, and if you truly don’t have a good time, then you can decline the next time.

Volunteer
Another way to add more spring into your social life is to volunteer. After retirement, many older adults report feeling purposeless. The freedom to travel, visit family whenever, or have nothing on the agenda that only comes with retirement often leaves many seniors feeling bored. Sure, a few lazy days here or there are certainly well deserved. But after the novelty of retirement wears off, fill the void by volunteering. Give of your time during your neighborhood’s spring clean-up, pursue opportunities to be a crossing guard for the elementary school, or tutor students struggling to pull up their grades before the end of the semester. Consider your talents and abilities and find ways to share them with others.

Plan a Yard Sale
Spring is a great time to have a yard sale. It’s also a great excuse to meet neighbors. Not only will you clear the clutter in your home, but you’ll also make a few bucks while meeting neighbors. If your neighborhood organizes a neighborhood sale, be sure to participate. Even if you only put out a few items or set up a stand to sell your famous cookies, you’ll create opportunities to connect with others.

Visiting Angels Richmond understands the importance of staying connected as loved ones age. That’s why we offer a holistic approach that entails care for the individual, both inside and outside of the home. Our Social Care Services helps families stay connected using modern technology. Not only do our Angels provide another social connection for you throughout the week, they can teach you how to utilize modern technology in order to connect with others. Our compassionate caregivers help many of our clients with text messaging, FaceTime, e-mail, setting up a Facebook account, or online shopping. Give us a call to learn more about our Social Care Services, as well as other in-home care services we can provide for you.