Expand Your Circles: Prevent Isolation and Loneliness as You Age (Part 2)
What steps can you take to stay connected and engaged?
Sometimes it takes effort to stay connected. You may have noticed that your social engagements have decreased or that you have gone days or weeks without speaking to or interacting with others. It never hurts to take stock of your network of activities and friends and to evaluate what you can do to make more connections.
Below is a simple self-assessment checklist that will help you determine your level of risk of becoming socially isolated or lonely, and whether you should take steps to expand your circles of connection and engagement.
Here are some actions you may want to consider taking to help you stay ahead of the "connection curve":
- Nurture and strengthen existing relationships; invite people over for coffee, or suggest a trip to a museum or to see a movie.
- Schedule a time each day to call a friend or visit someone.
- Meet your neighbors—young and old.
- Don't let being a nondriver stop you from staying active. Find out about your transportation options.
- Use social media like Facebook to stay in touch with long-distance friends, or write an old-fashioned letter.
- Stay physically active and include group exercise in the mix, like joining a walking club.
- Take a class to learn something new and, at the same time, expand your circle of friends.
- Revisit an old hobby you've set aside, and connect with others who share your interests.
- Volunteer to deepen your sense of purpose and help others.
- Visit your local community wellness or senior center and become involved in a wide range of interesting programs.
- Check out faith-based organizations for spiritual engagement, as well as to participate in activities and events.
- Get involved in your community by taking on a cause, such as making your community more age-friendly.
Self-Assessment Checklist
| I live alone. | Yes | No |
| I see or talk to my family members one or more times per week. | No | Yes |
| I see or talk to my friends one or more times per week. | No | Yes |
| I provide daily care or support to a family member or friend who needs assistance with everyday tasks (such as preparing meals, providing transportation, and grocery shopping). | Yes | No |
| I generally have a ride or the transportation that I need to get where I want to go. | No | Yes |
| It is difficult or impossible to leave my home without assistance. | Yes | No |
| I feel that I make a meaningful contribution to the world or people around me. | No | Yes |
| On a weekly basis, I participate in social activities with family/friends or attend organized group activities, such as church, cultural performances, group meals, exercise classes, support groups, etc. | No | Yes |
| I often fuel that I lack companionship. | Yes | No |
| I often fuel left out. | Yes | No |
| If I had a problem and needed help or advice, I know someone I could rely on. | No | Yes |
| If I had good news or an interesting story to tell, I know someone I could tell. | No | Yes |
| Within the past year I have suffered a major loss or change, like the death of a loved one or retirement. | Yes | No |
| Total your answers circled in left column: |
Scoring
- 2—You are at risk for isolation, but by becoming aware of the risk factors, you can take steps to avoid becoming isolated.
- 3 or more—You may already be experiencing the negative consequences of isolation and would benefit from taking steps to reconnect and address the barriers that may be causing your isolation.
If you are isolated and lonely now, what can you do?
If you feel you are currently socially isolated and grappling with chronic loneliness, reach out to your family, friends, and neighbors. Explore the resources described below to connect with others. There are lots of opportunities for you to get engaged in activities you will like with people you will enjoy.
In addition, you may want to visit your primary physician and explain how you feel. Recognizing that you feel isolated or that you're having trouble maintaining a social network that meets your needs is the first step to improving your quality of life.
National Resources
The following national resources can provide a comprehensive level of support for older adults, including the homebound, who are struggling with isolation and loneliness.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) serve older adults in virtually every community in America, and so chances are there is one near you. AAAs provide a welcoming environment for older adults and caregivers interested in participating in social and health promotion activities, as well as a range of services such as meals, transportation, and in-home services. To learn more about the AAA in your area, contact your workplace wellbeing program, search your state website, or look up your local branch at Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.payingforseniorcare.com/find_aging_agencies_adrc_aaa.
Connect2Affect
Connect2Affect is an online resource featuring tools and information to help evaluate isolation risk, reach out to others who may be feeling lonely and disengaged, and find practical ways to reconnect to community. It is for individuals, families, and the community at large. Learn more at Link opens in a new windowhttps://connect2affect.org.
Resources
"AARP Foundation Connected Communities" (about Connect2Affect)
Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k2QvVwoIJY
AARP offers free learning events, both online and in person (Link opens in a new windowhttps://learn.aarp.org), including one on networking and social media.
Link opens in a new windowhttps://learn.aarp.org/networking-and-social-media
USAging offers a number of brochures on staying connected.
Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.usaging.org/consumerbrochures
Aging in Place, "How to Volunteer as a Senior"
Link opens in a new windowhttps://aginginplace.org/how-to-volunteer-as-a-senior
Before You Give Up the Keys: Create a Roadmap for Transportation Independence Brochure
Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.usaging.org/Files/N4a-transportation-brochure-fnl.pdf
AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities
Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities
U.S. Administration on Aging, Eldercare Locator. (n.d.). Expand your circles: Prevent isolation and loneliness as you age. Retrieved September 8, 2022, from https://eldercare.acl.gov