Avoid Loneliness and Stay Connected: Tips for Maintaining Social Ties

How to Stay Connected and Combat Loneliness

Maintaining social connections is crucial for our well-being. Studies have shown that staying connected with others can help combat stress and anxiety, and may lower health risks such as heart attack and hypertension. Perhaps more than other generations, older adults need to maintain social ties. According to the Association of Health Care Journalists, older adults who experience social isolation and loneliness are more likely to develop dementia, have an increased risk of falls and hospital readmissions, and have increased mortality.

When in-person interactions are limited, many hospitals and long-term care facilities across the country restrict visits to protect vulnerable individuals, including older adults and those with chronic health conditions.Seniors who are residing in these facilities, as well as those who live on their own, may feel especially isolated during this break from their families and friends.

Ideas for Staying Connected

We have seen people taking creative measures to engage with their loved ones. This granddaughter shared her engagement news with her grandfather through the window of his senior living facility. We have more ideas on how you can stay socially connected without taking unnecessary risks:

• Set up regular phone calls. Set up regular phone calls. Schedule regular calls at the same time and on the same days. These recurring conversations give everyone something to look forward to.
• Discover the lost art of letter writing. Everyone loves getting a letter in the mail. Share your favorite stories and memories. If you’re writing to a younger family member, consider including a self-addressed stamped envelope to encourage them to write back.
• Set up easy-to-use technology. Set up easy-to-use technology. A tablet, smartphone, or home device will allow your family to use apps like FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, and Alexa to easily video conference with seniors.
• Watch a show together — virtually. Netflix Party is a new feature that allows friends and families to watch movies and TV shows together. If you have a Chrome browser on a desktop or laptop computer, you can join watch parties through an invitation URL. “Party goers” can also chat during the show.
• Discover online events and activities. Meetup is an online platform where people with similar interests meet virtually. In response to government guidelines, many meetings on the platform are now hosted via Zoom. Visit Meetup.com to see if there are any local events that interest you.

Another way to stave off loneliness and boredom is to find other ways to do the things you enjoy.

• Attend virtual religious services. If you attend worship services, find out if services are available to stream online.
• Dust off the library card. Public libraries may be closed, but many have increased their sharing services for things like e-books, audio books and movies.
• Keep minds and bodies active. Attend a virtual exercise class — check with your local YMCA or YouTube for available fitness classes. The National Institute on Aging provides a free, 15-minute at-home sample workout. SilverSneakers members can also access on-demand workout and wellness videos online.
  
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• Visit the great outdoors. Even just a step outside onto the porch for fresh air can refresh your mind and spirit. If you’re able, go for a short walk while keeping a safe distance from others.

Staying connected with loved ones is essential for our well-being. With a little preparation and thought, you and your family can find new ways to stay connected and keep your aging loved ones safe from isolation and loneliness.