May is Older Americans Month! We are joining the Administration for Community Living in celebrating meaningful relationships and the profound impact they have on our health and well-being.
Despite the importance of social connections in helping people continue to age in their own homes, nearly a quarter of Americans over the age of 65 are considered socially isolated (National Library of Medicine).
If you find yourself feeling lonely, find comfort in knowing there are plenty of opportunities to get out and meet new people. Rekindling old friendships and reconnecting with your family are also great ways to fight social isolation. Here are a few ways you can reach out and build connections:
Ideas for meeting new people
Check out the local community center for free programs on a variety of topics. Visit the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation website for information about activities, classes and more available through the Community Center.
Volunteer in the community. There are hundreds of nonprofits in northeast Indiana that need assistance. The Volunteer Center in Fort Wayne has a convenient list of opportunities on their website.
Join online communities. There are countless communities online focused around all sorts of topics and interests. Try browsing Facebook for groups that interest you.
Reconnect with family and friends
Reach out to people you used to know on social media. Who knows… They may be excited to hear from you!
Check in with friends and family who live farther away via email.
If your family lives far away, schedule a weekly time to video call them. This is a great way to keep up with how they’re doing.
Taking the first step to meet new people can feel overwhelming. But the reality is that there are so many people out there who are also nervous about taking that first step. Be the one who makes a difference and start building new connections.
Still looking for more ideas about how to get out and start building connections? Just Call Us! 260-745-1200
