According to Greater Good Magazine: Science-Based Insights for a Meaningful Life, promising practices for increasing social connection include;
- Having three to five close friendships that you can reach out to in a time of need: Research has shown that individuals with close-knit friendships experience the lowest levels of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and other adverse health outcomes.
- Senior Centers offer opportunities for social interaction and friendship connection through a variety of offerings such as group trips, exercise programs, painting classes, games, foreign language classes, or even virtual programming.
- Aiming for one to three hours of social interaction per day: Social interactions may include casual conversation with a grocery store clerk, a phone call to your neighbor, or conversation over dinner.
- Social interaction can be more challenging for those that have vision, hearing or mobility impairments. Assistive technology devices and services help individuals with disabilities lead full and active lives and help break down the barriers to social engagement.
- Family caregivers of older adults are at an increased risk of isolation and loneliness because of the focus on caregiver duties. Respite provides a temporary, short break for caregivers and to keep social ties healthy. Additionally, caregiver support groups offer additional assistance for coping and problem-solving through peer interaction.
- Sometimes just hearing a friendly voice on phone can be helpful during times of loneliness. AARP Friendly Voice has volunteers ready and waiting to chat with you.
- Prioritizing spending time with those closest to you: Balance social energy by spending time with close friends and family. The ability to visit family and friends can sometimes pose challenges because of mobility or financial constraints. Our resource database can assist you with locating potential transportation options in your community.
- Nurturing diversity in your social network: For those individuals that you do not have close relationships with, those interactions are still important and can build a sense of community.
- For example, training and employment programs and volunteering opportunities provide an opportunity to share gifts and talents through more casual, but purpose filled connections.
- Understanding the risks of living alone: Those who live alone are at an increased risk of loneliness. That means that if you live alone, prioritizing social relationships may be especially important to you.
- For those who may have difficulty leaving the home, companionship services and virtual social groups, such as those offered at community centers or from organizations like Senior Planet from AARP, may be a good option.
- Understanding the risks of living alone: Keeping and maintaining relationships can be difficult. Renewing old relationships can be a way to build-up your social calendar, but make sure to keep engagement with new people as well.
- Making time for yourself: It is also important to have time alone to restore your social reserves and meet personal needs.