Making new friends is important at every age, and seniors often discover it’s difficult to meet new people once they retire. If your aging loved one seems lonely, suggest a few of the following ideas to rebuild his or her social network.
Pick Up a Part-Time Job or Volunteer Position
Although your loved one may have retired, he or she can still enjoy serving the community. Depending on your loved one’s abilities and available time, he or she could apply for a part-time position or volunteer at a local community organization. Having something to do few times a week provides something to talk about with people, which makes it easier to make new friends.
Making new friends is just one of the many ways to help seniors prevent isolation and live a healthy life. In Clearwater, elderly care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
Exchange Pleasantries
Meeting someone new doesn’t have to be complicated. Some of the best friendships are formed during everyday encounters, such as saying hello when passing someone on the sidewalk. Encourage your loved one to smile at the people he or she meets at the grocery store and at appointments. Asking how someone’s day is could spark a long-lasting friendship.
Get Involved on Social Media
Technology has made making friends as simple as typing. Help your loved one find a social media platform that fits his or her needs. For instance, your loved one may want to go on a social media site that also involves his or her family, or he or she may prefer to sign up for a website that matches seniors up with new friends. After signing up, help your loved one get accustomed to the process of sending and receiving messages, and make sure to remind him or her about the basics of internet safety.
Break Down Barriers
In most instances, seniors become isolated for a specific reason. For example, your loved one may have difficulty driving, and it’s easier to just stay home than risk getting in an accident. If this is the case, arrange for transportation services to and from social engagements. Alternatively, your loved one’s hearing loss may cause him or her to feel awkward during social situations, and hearing aids combined with a companion to interpret could encourage him or her to participate. Whether your loved one needs help getting dressed for a special occasion or just emotional support, addressing these needs may help him or her feel confident meeting new people.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if you need someone to address your loved one’s care needs. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated home care, Clearwater, families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
Attend Social Gatherings
Even in the senior years, a person can overanalyze a situation. Your loved one may be worried about having no one to talk to at a new type of social gathering or think he or she won’t have a good time. However, most people end up enjoying social gatherings once they arrive. Ask your loved one to consider going to a senior event and commit to staying for at least 20 minutes. Most likely, your loved one will meet a few people and be so involved in conversations that he or she will never notice when it’s time to leave.
For families living in Clearwater, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at (727) 330-7862 today.