Did you know that Dr. Ruth Westheimer was recently appointed by the Governor of New York as the State's Loneliness Ambassador? At 93 years old, Dr. Westheimer, a Holocaust survivor, is taking on the important task of helping to combat loneliness. Loneliness can have serious impacts on both mental and physical health, and it's a particular concern for seniors who are aging alone, without the support of family to rely upon.
Here are some ideas to help you if you are feeling lonely:
Reach Out for Help
If you're feeling lonely and it's affecting your mental health, don't hesitate to reach out for help. The national mental health hotline 988 is available for immediate support. You can also call the Senior Loneliness line to talk to a volunteer to relieve loneliness at 800.282.7035 or the Friendship Line at 888-670-1360.
Seniors Helping Seniors
If you are physically able to work, consider finding a job. There is a wonderful organizations called Seniors Helping Seniors, providing companionship and homecare to seniors who need help. This provides a source of income and offers opportunities for social interaction and the chance to help others.
Join a Village-to-Village Network
The Village-to-Village Network is a national organization that supports community-led groups of seniors who help each other stay in their own homes as they age and get together for social events. Joining a local "village" can provide a strong social network and practical support. If you want to find a village network near you, click here.
Participate in Religious or Spiritual Communities
If you're religious or spiritual, participating in a local church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious community can provide a sense of belonging and a network of support.
Visit Your Local Council on Aging or Senior Center
Most towns have a senior center. These organizations offer a variety of programs and activities for seniors, from exercise classes to book clubs to day trips. Participating can provide opportunities to meet new people and try new things.
Volunteer
Volunteering for a cause you care about can provide a sense of purpose, keep you active, and offer opportunities to meet like-minded people. At SoloAllies.com, we feature a charity each month that offers volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in some ideas, click here.
Consider Moving
Senior living communities are an ideal option for seniors who want to enjoy an active social life and a supportive community. These communities cater to seniors who are completely independent as well as those who may need more support. They offer a wide range of social activities and most have nightly community dinners. If you feel alone and crave a sense of community, moving into a senior living community could be the perfect solution. Additionally, it is a smart decision to ensure that you are supported if your needs change in the future. If you would like to explore senior living options in your area, our senior living advisors are available to assist you. To find a senior living advisor near you, click here.
Hire a Companion
Hiring a companion can provide regular social interaction. Companions can also assist with tasks around the house and accompany you to social events, appointments, or grocery shopping. Maybe you don’t need much help now, but is a good idea to have someone there to support you even before you really need it.
Join an Online Forum
There are several groups on Facebook for Seniors who are aging alone, including a group called "Orphan Elders". Although, the name of the group is sad, they have 10,000 members. At SoloAllies.com, we are working on creating an online forum to help you connect with others. If you are interested in joining this group, once we have enough interest, we will launch it. Please fill out this form, to let us know if you are interested in joining. In the future, we also hope to have local events several times per year across the country. We will need volunteers to help organize these events. If you are interested in helping, please email kathy@soloallies.com or indicate your interest on the online forum interest form.
Journaling
Writing in a journal can provide a way to express your thoughts and feelings, reflect on your experiences, and explore your inner world. It can help combat feelings of loneliness.
If loneliness is affecting your quality of life, don't hesitate to reach out for help. You're not alone, and there are many resources and strategies available to help you. For more information, resources, and a directory of professionals and services to support you, visit SoloAlliies.com. Our mission is to help solo seniors thrive. We're here to support you every step of the way.