Seniors may enter retirement eager to spend time with all the friends they have collected over a lifetime. And for a while, this may be true. However, as they continue to age, it is likely that friends and loved ones will pass away or move away. Their social circle shrinks, and senior loneliness starts to become a significant concern. Without the convenience of a workplace as a starting point for getting out of the house and making friends, forging new social bonds becomes an even greater challenge.
Senior loneliness is a problem not just for your loved one’s mental health but for their physical well-being as well. From increases in coronary artery disease and dementia to greater mortality risk from all causes, being alone has actual medical ramifications. If you are trying to help your aging parent find new friends in Northern Virginia, there are a few places to consider.
Get Involved With Local Resources
Your local community can offer a wealth of resources for socialization as long as you know where to start.
Adult day centers
Adult day centers offer a range of activities, educational panels, and other opportunities for your loved one to socialize and spend time with others. They can enjoy board games, bingo, puzzles, and more with the other folks who are there, or they can participate in talks about topics ranging from keeping plants to tuning a car. In this area, resources such as the Virginia Wellness Center for Older Adults or Shepherd’s Centers are excellent places to start.
Hobby groups
If your loved one is particularly passionate about a hobby, it is likely that others in your area feel the same. Using tools such as Meetup, look for hobby groups that schedule meetings where members can share their knowledge or simply talk about their enjoyment of the hobby. New people are likely to join the group from time to time, so your family member can establish relationships with new friends and then continue to welcome opportunities for friendship as their participation in the group continues.
Social clubs
Social clubs function similarly to adult day centers, but they tend to be more varied and often meet on specific days or at designated times. Common social clubs that seniors enjoy include the Audubon Society, AARP, AmeriCorps, and even The National Senior Games (take that passion for poker up a notch!).
Education
Many higher education institutions offer programs catered to seniors. They might provide reduced tuition or allow an older individual to sit in on a class, providing a great opportunity to make new friends every semester. Virginia Commonwealth University is one such institution, but your local schools may also offer options.
Don’t Be Shy
Sometimes, making a new friend is as simple as saying hello. As you and your family member explore the world during basic tasks such as visiting the doctor or shopping, do not be afraid to engage in small talk with others. You may find that your family member has more in common with someone they met in the waiting room than they first thought. Friends can be waiting anywhere, just one conversation away.
Bring New Friends to You
Not all older adults are able to leave their homes, or they may not have had success making friends in the places they have tried so far. Why not bring new friends to them instead? Friendly visitor or caller programs connect seniors with like-minded individuals who stop by for a visit or provide a phone call. They can share stories or even just relax and watch a movie together.
Another helpful option is to teach your loved one how to use internet resources. Education on internet safety and search engines might be all they need to start connecting with people in hobbyist Discords, on Twitch and YouTube, or via message boards. Video calls can bring friends from around the world into the same space, regardless of their financial situation, ability to travel, or mobility concerns.
Keep Your Loved One Away From Senior Loneliness & Active With Friends
Socialization is imperative for everyone, but it becomes increasingly important later in life when connections start to dwindle. Northern Virginia is full of social opportunities, and even older adults who cannot leave their homes have options for making new friends.
Contact us to learn how the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia is making a difference in communities like Oakton, Vienna, Dunn Loring-Merrifield, Great Falls, Herndon, and Reston. If you’re outside these areas but have questions, give us a call, and we’ll guide you to the Shepherd’s Center nearest to you.