Stay connected and content
BEING on our own when we d don’t ’t want t t to b be, or feeling lonely, is a common experience.
But it can make us anxious and miserable — and eat away at our confidence and self-esteem. Yet loneliness isn’t a sign of failure — it’s just a normal human experience that can be overcome.
And it can happen for many different reasons. It’s not uncommon to feel lost or as though your life lacks purpose when you stop working. In later life, we’re also more likely to lose loved ones or have health or mobility difficulties that make it harder to get out and about.
Despite our best efforts, we can end up spending more time on our own than we’d like to, even if we are still in touch with family and friends. Thankfully, there are lots of organisations out there to help older people connect with others. And most cost very little or nothing at all.
Staying connected is good for our health and can bring a sense of contentment back to our lives.
The charity Independent Age has a fact sheet on its website listing some social activities and befriending services, including its own and those provided by Age UK and Royal Voluntary Service.
And it also includes some practical steps that you can take to feel more connected, such as booking regular activities, inviting others in the same boat to go shopping or to the cinema and taking care of your health by eating well and exercising.