Your retirement is a time of transition that can be exciting! But it can come with its challenges, too. One of those challenges can be dealing with loneliness, which is a big issue for many seniors. According to the 2018 Australian loneliness report, one in four Australians reported feeling lonely on a weekly basis. Loneliness is part of a growing global issue. The UK recently made headlines when it introduced a ‘Minister for Loneliness’ in response to a 2017 report which found that nine million of the country’s 67 million people are lonely at some or all times. Japan also followed suit by appointing a Minister for Loneliness in February 2021 to prevent and reduce the rising rate of suicide due to feelings of isolation and loneliness. These are some sad and concerning reports.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Once you retire, of course, it is natural to feel isolated after saying goodbye to the routine you once had and the camaraderie you shared at your workplace. The good news is that you can effectively manage and conquer loneliness throughout your retirement years if you take charge early on and adopt a proactive attitude that is determined to keep on top of your health and are open and eager to try new things and welcome new opportunities.
This post will discuss some ways to make meaningful connections and live a successful and happy life post-retirement.
The Relationship Between Seniors and Loneliness
More often than not, we carelessly interchange the terms loneliness and being alone. Being alone is when you have no contact with other people, while loneliness is feeling emotionally disconnected. Some people can be ‘alone’ and quite happy enjoying their own company. Others can be in the company of others, but still, feel lonely. And loneliness can be triggered by major life events such as the death of a partner, relocation or retirement.
One of the first steps in handling and addressing loneliness is recognising and acknowledging that you are feeling loneliness. Denial only exacerbates the feeling and may then lead to further isolation. And sometimes, once one feels isolated, it can be hard to get oneself out of that situation. The prevention of getting to that point is always better. But understanding its effects on your mental and physical health can motivate you to shift gears and take the next step.
Steps to Beat Loneliness
Fortunately, there are small shifts you can make to combat and fight off the feelings of loneliness. Participating in our community is one of the best and easiest ways to feel connected to people around you. Retirement communities and those over 55 living on the North Shore Sydney provide many social activities and events suitable for elders to participate in. Participating in community events keeps you socially engaged and allows you to contribute to a cause or a group that is important to you.
Social media platforms and online community groups are also great ways to interact and meet people who share your interests or life experiences. Virtual communities are often a boon to retirees who may be physically confined or have limited access to local social networks. Keeping an open mind is key at this point in life.
Going for long walks, swimming and enrolling in dance classes can be great, too, since regular physical activity keeps you physically fit and improves your mood and energy levels, and you never know who you might meet during these activities.
Try and prioritise a good diet and restful sleep, too, which always makes you feel better mentally and physically.
Attitude
Unlike in previous times, retirement is no longer looked down upon as an end-of-life inning. Especially in Australia, where there are so many opportunities for retirees provided by the community or retirement villages and communities. There’s so much to be grateful for.
These days, the importance of sustaining physical and mental well-being in retirement is becoming widely recognised. But seniors are no longer seen as being individuals needing to stay home and rest up. They are seen as active members of our society who can not only share their wisdom, but who will be getting out there and enjoying life. Think of the grey nomads!
We may not realise it but there are many countries where seniors have little access to such activities and services and so the attitude is quite different. Retirees in Australia can take advantage of all there is to offer and beat loneliness at the same time.
People are now more aware and are actively looking for ways to give back to their communities through volunteering, mentoring or pursuing their passions. Overall, the shifting attitude towards retirement and retired life shows a desire for continuous personal growth and fulfilment and rejection of old concepts. It is now a transition towards an active, purpose-driven and rewarding lifestyle in your golden years.
Winding Up
So, retirees need to remind themselves that retirement is a new chapter of their lives that can be beautiful and enriching if they love and embrace it, even in the face of potential loneliness. Prioritising existing relationships, finding new hobbies and using technology too, can help seniors feel connected and active in the long run.
