In the fast-paced world of New York City, it's easy to overlook how life may slow down for older adults. For many, retirement is a tremendous achievement that also marks a significant shift in both daily routine and identity. Losing the structure and purpose of a career, with fewer opportunities for social interaction, can leave even the most vibrant people feeling isolated. Additionally, mobility challenges or health concerns may make it harder to maintain the kind of active social lives they once enjoyed.
Loneliness isn't just an emotional burden — it can have far-reaching effects on overall well-being. For those caring for older adults, be they aging parents, friends, or neighbors, understanding these challenges is the first step toward helping them thrive.
In this article, we'll explore how isolation impacts health and share five strategies for creating meaningful connections that complement a dignified life.
Loneliness Can Be Harmful to Your Health
The impact of loneliness and social isolation can affect both mental and physical health, especially among older adults. Loneliness can be described as feeling alone or disconnected from others, and social isolation is not having relationships or contact with others. A person with a lot of friends can still experience feelings of loneliness, whereas someone with social isolation may not experience feelings of loneliness at all. Either condition can have far-reaching effects on a person’s well-being.
According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, approximately 25 percent of Americans 65 or older are socially isolated, and many also report feeling lonely.
Seniors who are lonely or socially isolated may have an increased risk for a variety of illnesses, including dementia, depression, heart disease, and stroke.
If your parent or older adult you care for is lonely, read on for some steps you can take.
How You Can Help Your Parent or Other Aging Adult Overcome Loneliness
Loneliness can feel overwhelming for seniors, but there are strategies you can try that promote a more engaging, active lifestyle to enhance their quality of life and overall well-being. You can maximize your efforts by combining strategies, like helping them join a Facebook group or seek a volunteer position based on their hobbies or interests. Ideally, they’ll find new friends who share similar interests while pursuing an activity they enjoy.
Here are five tips for helping someone minimize feelings of loneliness and social isolation:
1. Volunteer
Volunteering is usually at the top of the list for combating social isolation, and for good reason — focusing on the needs of others helps us gain perspective, which helps minimize feelings of loneliness.
Volunteering can be especially powerful for those struggling to find a sense of purpose. It allows us to meet and make new friends and share our wisdom and talents for a good cause.
Consider causes and interests that they find meaningful and connect with related organizations in the community. You may be surprised how quickly they feel empowered to make a difference.
Volunteer options include serving as a guest reader or assistant librarian at a local school or cuddling animals at a nearby community rescue shelter.
Help your parent or person in your care search for positions that interest them and make the initial connection between them and the organization. Go slowly and encourage them to try something new. To get started, check out VolunteerMatch.org, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to connecting volunteers with appropriate opportunities in their local area.
Explore tips for creating and strengthening friendships as you age >>
2. Get Social
Becoming fluent in Facebook and other social media platforms can benefit seniors. In addition to connecting your parent or other aging adult with former friends, Facebook hosts numerous topic-specific groups they can join.
With millions of groups available, there is something for everyone. Most groups are free, can be public or private, and allow members to chat about topics that interest them.
To search for a specific Facebook group to join, type the topic into the search bar and select groups to filter the results. If you are uncomfortable teaching them the nuances of social media, search for a class through your local library or senior center. Alternatively, grandchildren can serve as great teachers if they are willing and available. Make sure to provide basic tips about internet safety, like accepting friend requests only from people they know in real life. Remind them to avoid sharing personal information, such as their home address, phone number, or any financial details.
Find out how to protect yourself or a loved one from fraud >>
3. Embrace Technology
Virtual technology has advanced significantly over the past decade, allowing users to chat with friends and family from smartphones and tablets. Becoming proficient at Zoom or FaceTime will enable your parent or other person in your care to see friends and family and also participate in online activities.
If they need additional support with technology, try watching a simple how-to video together or practice video calls from the same room until they gain confidence. You can also print out a guide with explanations of the icons or buttons they’ll use regularly. Consider scheduling your first video call when you’d normally check in by phone.
Many craft classes, book clubs, exercise groups, and Friday night poker games meet virtually – offering adults with mobility or transportation issues additional ways to connect. Online classes are frequently available at the local library or senior center.
Learn how technology can benefit seniors >>
4. Exercise Daily
The positive physical and mental benefits of regular physical activity are well-documented. For seniors, a daily walk or yoga class can alleviate boredom, release stress, and improve mood. Something as simple as taking a walk around the block every day when the weather permits can help combat feelings of social isolation and help aging adults feel more connected to their community.
For a more structured exercise routine, help them choose an activity they enjoy or are interested in, and will be more likely to stick with, such as swimming, tennis, hiking, yoga, lifting weights, or walking. Local community centers are a great resource for group fitness and wellness classes. Virtual classes are also available in most areas – check with your local fitness and yoga studios.
Before starting a new exercise routine, it’s important to consult with their primary care provider.
Consider these 7 health and wellness goals for older adults >>
5. Adopt a Pet
Pets provide their owners with lots of love and unconditional acceptance. Research suggests that pet ownership offers many benefits, including reducing stress, providing a sense of purpose, and keeping us social and active.
Owning a pet is a significant responsibility, so be realistic about how much time and money your parent or other person in your care has available before bringing a new pet home. If they have decided to adopt a pet, assist them in finding the best breed for their situation based on size, temperament, and energy level.
If pet adoption isn't an option, explore ways they can volunteer at a local animal shelter. Plenty of dogs and cats want and need additional attention and love.
Check out the best companion dogs for NYC seniors >>
Find Social Connections and Enriching Opportunities at 305 West End
Our luxury senior living community offers residents a daily calendar of enrichment and socialization opportunities. Additionally, we are ideally located near numerous attractions and parks, including Lincoln Center, Central Park, The Beacon Theater, and the beautiful Hudson River. You’ll have endless shopping, dining, and conveniences at your doorstep.
To learn more about the services and amenities at 305 West End Assisted Living, request your complimentary brochure today.
This blog was originally published in 2020. It was updated in January 2025.
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