Undoubtedly the benefits of healthy socialization for seniors are many, from increasing self-esteem to cognitive support.
Maybe you understand these benefits but hesitate accepting the challenge of taking a new class or learning a new skill.
You’d like to broaden your horizons but not at your age. Hogwash!
Seniors are more capable than they know according to a study from the University of California – Riverside.
They concluded that when older adults applied themselves to simultaneously learn multiple real-world skills,
their cognitive abilities started to improve. This improvement was even measurable in as little as 6 weeks,
to levels similar to middle-aged adults some 30 years younger! (1) Sounds good but don’t know where to start?
Keep reading because in this article we have compiled over 90 suggestions to help seniors find interesting
activities that are challenging and fulfilling. First we’ll discuss why some seniors are not more socially active.
Then we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of being more socially active and finish with a “brain-storm” activity list!
Causes of Social Isolation in Elderly
Seniors may be less socially active due to a variety of factors, including physical and mental health issues, limited mobility,
lack of confidence, fear of crime, and lack of transportation.
Additionally, the pandemic has caused many seniors to be more isolated due to social distancing guidelines.
Benefits of social interaction for seniors:
- Relieves stress and improves moods
- Increases self-esteem
- Improves immune system functioning
- Reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation, in turn reduces depression and anxiety
- Helps to maintain cognitive functioning (1)
- Helps seniors to increase their overall activity which helps their mobility (2)
- Helps seniors to increase and maintain a sense of purpose
- Decreases the risk of self-harm and suicide (3)
So indeed socialization is good for both mind and body.
Mayo Clinic Minute: Benefits of being socially connected
Social Activities for Seniors
Please note: Always be sure to consult with your doctor or qualified medical provider before starting an exercise program or other new physical activity to make sure that it is right for you.
Here is a list of ways that seniors can expand their horizons and be more social!
Links to online resources have been provided for your convenience.
Otherwise if the topic is worth exploring further and if no link has been provided, please do a search of that topic in Google.
Keep moving with SilverSneakers Exercise online or at the gym! Offered at no cost for those 65 and over through select Medicare plans.
Join a Senior Center: Senior centers provide a variety of social activities and services that allow seniors to take part in activities they enjoy while making new friends.
Take a Class: Many community centers offer classes geared toward seniors. Taking a class is an excellent way to meet new people and engage in activities that can stimulate both the mind and body.
Participate in Social Media: Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can be great ways for seniors to connect with old friends and make new ones.
Attend Senior Events: Many organizations host special events for seniors. These events often include activities like movies, game nights, group trips, and more.
Join a Club: Clubs tailored to seniors can be great places to meet new people and engage in activities that you enjoy.
Go on Group Outings: Group outings like trips to the zoo, museum, or park can be fun for seniors and give them the opportunity to meet new people.
Attend Community Events: There are often events in the community that are tailored to seniors. Attending these events can be a great way to make new friends and experience new things.
Take Up a Hobby: Taking up a new hobby can be a great way for seniors to meet new people and stay active.
Join a Faith Community: Faith communities are often great places for seniors to connect with people who share similar values and beliefs.
Play Games: Board games, card games, and video games can be a great way for seniors to connect with others while having fun.
Attend Local Festivals: Local festivals often provide a great opportunity for seniors to experience new cultures, make new friends, and enjoy music and entertainment.
Take a Trip: Going on a trip with friends or family is a great way for seniors to explore the world and make new memories. See: Flying with a Rollator
Try Online Dating: Online dating can be a great way for seniors to meet new people and explore potential romantic relationships.
Where can you find online dating for seniors? Online dating for seniors can typically be found on websites and apps like OurTime, SilverSingles,
and SeniorMatch. These websites are designed to help seniors find potential partners and make connections.
Try Group Fitness Classes: Group fitness classes are great for seniors who are looking for a fun way to stay active and meet new people.
Join a Book Club: Book clubs provide a great way for seniors to discuss literature, meet new people, and exchange ideas.
Where can you find book clubs? Book clubs can typically be found in local libraries, bookstores, and even online.
Some organizations like the American Library Association also have local chapters that host book clubs.
Take a Dance Class: Dance classes are a great way to stay active, have fun, and meet new people.
Join a Sports Team: Joining a local sports team is a great way to stay active, make new friends, and have fun.
Visit a Farmers Market: Farmers markets are a great way for seniors to find fresh produce and connect with their local community.
Visit Local Museums: Visiting a local museum can be a great way for seniors to learn about history, meet new people, and explore their local area.
Attend Concerts: Going to a concert can be a great way for seniors to experience live music and meet new people.
Go on Walks: Taking a walk in the neighborhood or a local park can be a great way to get some exercise while also meeting new people.
You may even want join a local walking club. Walking clubs are a great way for seniors to get some exercise and meet new people. Where can you find walking clubs?
Walking clubs can typically be found in local community centers, parks, libraries, and even online. Some organizations like the American Volkssport Association also have local chapters that host walking clubs.
Download your free eBook: A Walking Guide for Seniors.
Join a Support Group: Support groups can be a great way for seniors to share their experiences and receive support from those who have gone through similar situations.
Where can you find support groups for seniors? Support groups for seniors can typically be found in local hospitals, community centers, and even online.
Some organizations like the American Association of Retired Persons also have local chapters that host senior support groups.
Visit a Senior Living Community: Senior living communities are a great way for seniors to meet new people and engage in activities they enjoy.
Take a Cooking Class: Cooking classes are a great way for seniors to learn new recipes and make new friends.
Take a Road Trip: Taking a road trip with friends or family is a great way for seniors to explore new places and spend quality time together.
Join an Investment Club: Investment clubs are a great way for seniors to learn more about investing and meet new people.
Where can you find Investment clubs? Investment clubs can typically be found in local financial institutions, community centers, and even online.
Some organizations like the National Association of Investors Corporation also have local chapters that host investment clubs.
Go to the Theater: Going to the theater is a great way for seniors to experience live performances and meet other theater-goers. Find out what is playing near you at Ticketmaster.
Where can you find theater clubs? Theater clubs can typically be found at local theater venues and performing arts centers. Organizations like the American Theater Wing and Playbill
also have ways for you to get involved with theater.
Attend Community Events: Community events such as street fairs, festivals, and parades are a great way for seniors to explore their local area and meet new people.
Go Shopping: Shopping in local stores and malls can be a great way for seniors to explore their local area, shop for items they need or want, and meet new people.
Take a Painting Class: Painting classes are a great way for seniors to express themselves, have fun, and meet new people.
Take a Photography Class: Photography classes are a great way for seniors to learn more about photography and meet other photographers.
Take a Language Class: Language classes are a great way for seniors to learn a new language, broaden their cultural horizons, and meet new people.
Take a Pottery Class: Pottery classes are a great way for seniors to explore their creative side, have fun, and meet new people.
Take a Writing Class: Writing classes are a great way for seniors to explore their writing skills, make new friends, and share their stories.
Take a Computer Class: Computer classes are a great way for seniors to learn more about technology and meet others with similar interests.
Take a Gardening Class: Gardening classes are a great way for seniors to learn more about plants and meet new people.
Become a Foster Grandparent: Giving back as a foster grandparent is an incredible way to make a difference in the lives of children.
Take a Knitting Class: Knitting classes are a great way for seniors to learn a new craft and meet new people who share the same hobby.
Take a Woodworking Class: Woodworking classes are a great way for seniors to learn a new skill and meet other woodworkers.
Take a Music Class: Music classes are a great way for seniors to explore music and meet others who share the same interests.
Join a Senior Social Club: Senior social clubs are a great way for seniors to make new friends and participate in activities they enjoy.
Where can you find Senior social clubs? Senior social clubs can typically be found in local community centers, libraries, senior centers,
and even online. Some organizations like AARP also have local chapters that host senior social clubs.
Join a Bridge Club: Bridge clubs are a great way for seniors to learn a new game and meet other bridge players. Where can you find bridge clubs?
Bridge clubs can typically be found in local community centers, libraries, senior centers, and even online. Some organizations like the
American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) also have local chapters that host bridge clubs.
Join a Garden Club: Garden clubs are a great way for seniors to learn more about gardening and meet other gardeners.
Where can you find Garden clubs? Garden clubs can typically be found at local nurseries, botanical gardens, and even online.
Some organizations like the American Horticultural Society also have local chapters that host garden clubs.
Join a Chess Club: Chess clubs are a great way for seniors to learn a new game and meet other chess players. Where can you join a chess club?
Chess clubs can typically be found in local community centers, libraries, and even online. Some organizations like the United States Chess Federation (USCF)
also have local chapters that host chess clubs.
Join a Bird Watching Club: Bird watching clubs are a great way for seniors to explore the outdoors and meet other bird watchers.
Where are there bird watching clubs? Bird watching clubs can typically be found at local nature centers and wildlife preserves.
Organizations like the National Audubon Society and the American Birding Association also have local chapters that host bird watching clubs.
Join a Photography Club: Photography clubs are a great way for seniors to learn more about photography and meet other photographers.
Where can you find photography clubs to join? Photography clubs can typically be found in local community centers, libraries, and even online.
Some organizations like the American Photographic Artists (APA) also have local chapters that host photography clubs.
Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors
Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way for seniors to give back to their community while meeting new people and developing new skills.
Places that seniors can volunteer their time: Local Soup Kitchen Animal Shelter Senior Citizen Center Food Bank Hospice Care Facility Meals on Wheels Program (America, Let’s do lunch!)
Church Active and athletic seniors should consider sport competitions Homeless Shelter Senior Companion Program (Catholic Charities to find help or to volunteer) Veterans Organizations
- K9s for Warriors
- Semper Fi & America’s Fund
- Taps
- Midwest Shelter For Homeless Veterans
- Hope For The Warriors
Big Brothers Big Sisters Program Senior Center Local Theater Tutoring Program Environmental Volunteer Program Volunteer abroad Oceanic Society
Beach Cleanup Red Cross Senior Legal Aid Program Community Garden Senior Sports League Adult Literacy Programs Many local museums, libraries and hospitals are always seek out volunteers Special Needs Programs (Easter Seals)
Senior Support Groups Write someone a kind letter to brighten their day!
Senior Care Facilities Senior Outreach Senior Advocacy Group Community Health Clinics Senior Transportation Program Senior Art Program Senior Writing Program Senior Computer Training Program Habitat for Humanity
Senior Exercise Program Senior Financial Planning Program
Senior Gardening Program Volunteer Match Virtual Volunteering Elder Helpers AmeriCorps Seniors: Service opportunities for Americans 55 and older.
If you need more information about volunteering, Indeed has a good article here→ How to Volunteer
References
- Shirley Leanos, Esra Kürüm, Carla M Strickland-Hughes, Annie S Ditta, Gianhu Nguyen, Miranda Felix, Hara Yum, George W Rebok, Rachel Wu. The Impact of Learning Multiple Real-World Skills on Cognitive Abilities and Functional Independence in Healthy Older Adults. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 2019; DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbz084 [online]. Accessed January 26, 2023.
- Harvard Health Publishing (Harvard Medical School). Broader social interaction keeps older adults more active [online]. Accessed January 24, 2023.
- National Library of Medicine. Strategies to Promote Social Connections Among Older Adults During “Social Distancing” Restrictions [online]. Accessed January 22, 2023.
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