Staying involved with the community and keeping or making new friends is very important. If you are retired and no longer have a social or community outlet it is critical that you do not isolate yourself, this is especially true if you are living alone. Isolation, as we all know from the recent pandemic has caused a serious threat to all of our mental health, not just seniors. Having extra time after a lifelong time working may seem like a dream, however, statistics have shown that if we isolate ourselves it affects our overall health. “One reason for concern is that neuroscience research has shown that loneliness can speed cognitive decline. For example, one study found that individuals who were age 75 or older and lonely – defined as feeling unseen or unheard within a group – had a 210% increased chance of developing dementia. At the same time, there was a 60% increase in lifespan for individuals of the same age group who had rich social networks” (1.)

In this article you will learn:

Questions to Ask Yourself
Why it is important to stay connected to a community and social activities
Ideals on staying connected socially and with your community

Questions to ask?

Community and Social interaction is important

Do you attend family, church, or other events you enjoyed in the past?
Is there a seniors group that meets in your area?
Are there activities at an elementary school, an animal rescue, or other volunteer opportunities that you might enjoy?
Do you enjoy reading, playing cards, or sewing, are there groups in your area with your interest you can join?
Do you enjoy golf, tennis, or pickleball? What about shuffleboard?
Is there a new hobby you have always wanted to try, but never had the time for?

One of the reasons retirement communities like The Villages in Florida are so popular is the social and community feel of the place. They offer seniors a wide range of amenities, including golf courses, swimming pools, fitness centers, and social clubs. There are hundreds of social clubs where you can meet people with similar interests as well as shops and cultural events. They offer a variety of housing options and a sense of community, which can be appealing to seniors who are looking for a place to retire. My brother and sister-in-law retired to a small community about an hour south of Orlando. Some of their neighbors are “snowbirds” while others live there year-round. Their social life and their sense of community, where neighbors help neighbors, are amazing and honestly a little enviable.

Why it is important to stay connected to the community and social activities

There are many reasons why it is important for seniors to have community and social interaction. Some of the main benefits include:

Improved mental health: Socializing and interacting with others can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common among seniors. It can also help improve mental health by providing a sense of purpose and connection to others.
Physical health benefits: Socializing and participating in physical activities with others can help improve physical health by increasing physical activity levels and reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Cognitive benefits: Social interaction can help stimulate the brain and keep it active, which can help improve cognitive function and prevent cognitive decline.
Emotional support: Having a strong social network can provide emotional support and help seniors cope with challenges and stress.
Quality of life: Social interaction can help improve the overall quality of life by providing a sense of belonging and purpose, and can help seniors feel more connected to their community.

Ideas for Staying Social and Connected:

Here are a few ideas for how to stay social and connected to their community:

Staying active and socializing with friends over a game of cards.

Join a club or organization: Many cities have clubs and organizations specifically for seniors, such as a senior center or a hobby group. These groups often offer activities and events that can help seniors stay active and social.
Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way for seniors to give back to their community and make new connections. Many organizations welcome volunteers of all ages, and there are often opportunities to volunteer in a variety of roles, from working with children or animals to helping out at community events.
Attend social events: Many communities host events specifically for seniors, such as dances, potlucks, and movie nights. These events can be a great opportunity to socialize and make new friends.
Take a class or workshop: Many communities offer free or low-cost classes and workshops for seniors, ranging from art and cooking to computer skills and exercise classes. These classes can be a great way to stay active and learn new things while also meeting new people.
Use technology to stay connected: If it's not possible to go out and about, seniors can use technology to stay connected with others. This might include using video chat or social media to stay in touch with friends and family or joining online discussion groups or forums to connect with others who have similar interests.

In summary, seniors should remain socially active and connected to their community. It is critical for maintaining their independence and enhancing their overall well-being. Loneliness and isolation can have serious effects on their health and may cause them to have an increased risk of cognitive decline. Seniors need to stay connected and active They need to look for opportunities to join clubs and organizations, volunteer, attend social events, and participate in physical activities that align with their interests and abilities. Finding ways to stay engaged and connected to others can improve mental and physical health and increase the quality of life for seniors.

We all need to be able to get to doctors’ appointments, social activities, shopping, and visits with friends and family. Transportation is important to think about.

Next Read: Aging in Place Transportation Options for Maintaining Independence

( 1) “Lifestyle, Social Factors, and Survival After Age 75: Population-Based Study”, BMJ,