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Dealing With Loneliness and Social Isolation

Many people have fewer opportunities for socialization as they get older. You no longer have interactions at work. Other activities, such as attending kids' sporting events, also tend to drop off as you get older. By finding a new community, you give yourself the social interactions you need to support your mental health. Being social can help reduce depression and improve your mood. It can also reduce your stress levels.

Mental Stimulation

Being around other people is mentally stimulating, which can support your cognitive health. Simply spending time together and talking engages your cognitive processes. You might also engage in mentally stimulating activities, such as game nights or attending lectures. Cognitive stimulation can help keep your brain sharp and may reduce your risks of dementia.

Physical Well-Being

You can also benefit physically from being a part of a community. Being around other people often encourages you to move more. Some forms of community, such as exercise classes, are based around physical activity. When you have people you spend time with regularly, you might plan activities that keep you moving, such as walking around a museum or playing a round of golf. Staying active as you age helps you maintain your mobility, balance and strength. These things can help you reduce your risk of falls and support your overall health.

Support During Difficult Times

Life presents challenging times at all stages. As you get older, you might lose loved ones, receive a chronic illness diagnosis or face financial challenges. Having a community around you can make those situations easier to handle. Your support network gives you a place to talk about your concerns. They might offer advice or pray on your behalf. Communities also tend to rally around their members and help as much as they can. For instance, if you need surgery, the people in your community might bring you meals and help you with chores around your house while you recover.

Sense of Belonging

Everyone wants to feel like they belong and have a group of people they can rely on. Being involved in a community provides that belonging, which can help you feel valued and boost your self-esteem and self-worth. You might also feel more at peace in general. Plus, being in a community lets you share your knowledge and skills with the other members. This can help you find purpose and meaning in your life, possibly leading to a greater sense of fulfillment.

Ways to Find Community in Retirement

If you're looking for a stronger sense of community as an older adult, try these options:

• Move into a senior community: Cambridge Court surrounds you with other older adults going through similar life experiences. You can socialize with your neighbors and find a support network that helps you through all of life's challenges. The daily activity options also provide a chance to socialize and get involved within the community.
• Participate in activities: Look for classes and events in Kearney geared toward older adults, such as senior exercise classes or lectures. You might also join a group based on your interests. Participating in an activity consistently helps you meet new people and build relationships with them.
• Find a church: Churches often provide a strong sense of community for congregation members. Not only do you get to know other parishioners from attending services, but you also have access to various groups and support services.
• Visit community centers: Another option for activities and fellowship is a local community center. The Peterson Senior Activity Center offers older residents of Kearney an option with multiple daily activities and senior meals.
• Volunteer: Spending time helping others gives you a feeling of accomplishment. Volunteering also helps you find your community. You might volunteer with the same people each week, which lets you build relationships with them. The opportunity also helps you become a part of the organization's community.
• Find support groups: If you're dealing with a health condition or a specific life situation, you might find a support group related to it. These groups rely on a sense of community. You see the same people each time the group meets, which helps you develop relationships.
• Go online: Social media and video chat platforms make it easy to connect to people even when you don't live near one another. You can create an online community of your friends and family members by using those tools.

Finding communities that fit your needs can help you physically, mentally and spiritually. Consider what you want and need from a community to maximize the benefits.

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