[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

3 Steps to Avoiding Loneliness in Old Age

It’s common to feel lonely when we get older as often our family members can move away from us when they marry, get jobs or start their own family. And, with older bodies often hindering us, it can be harder to leave the house as often as we like and make friends with people in our community. Sat at home on our own with no contact with the outside world, it’s easy to see how we can feel lonely and fall into depression.Read on to learn how you can break free of this loneliness and start socialising more with your community and family. By taking on advice from the tips below, you will feel happy all year round, speaking and meeting with lots of people.

The Power of Technology

Just because we are part of the older generation doesn’t mean we can’t use technology. Technology is a great way to connect with your family who you can’t regularly visit because of the distance. Apps like Facebook and Skype let you speak and see your family members and catch up with them any time of the day. If your kids have busy schedules, they can fit in chats with you to see how you are, without having to make a long trip to come to visit you every other day. Facebook is also perfect for keeping up with your family and friends as you can see their Facebook statuses and family photos they share online.

Get Involved

A great way to overcome and avoid loneliness in old age is to try and get out regularly in your community. You can join many groups that take place weekly or monthly, and present the perfect opportunity to meet more like-minded people and do fun activities. No matter what your hobbies are, there will be some group for you to join. Have a look online or at your local community centre to find groups you can join.Groups like WI and the Rotary Club are perfect for feeling like you have things to do even when you are retired. They often have weekly meetings where you can meet up with your friends and catch up, chat and have some fun. If you want something different, you can volunteer for charities like the British Heart Foundation and get some regular work in your week to keep you on your feet and out of the house. The Library is also a perfect place to volunteer as you can end your shifts with some new books to take home and read.

Stop the Circle

Depression can be a negative circle as when we are depressed, and we feel too down and lethargic to go out and meet people. But, by not meeting people, we lack human contact only making our depression worse. It’s a vicious circle that can trap us and make life unbearable as we age. We shouldn’t let depression force us to sit at home and feel lonely. Instead, try and get out more and contact your family through apps like Facebook and Skype.However, if your loneliness is biting deep and the depression doesn’t seem to be shifting, then speaking to a counsellor could be beneficial for you. Counselling can help you understand your depression more and why it is so hard to overcome. With more understanding of your mental health, it is easier to overcome any symptoms which may prevent you from going out and avoiding your loneliness.Contact me today or check out my website to learn more about my services as a therapist and how they can benefit you. No matter how old we are loneliness can affect us, but as we age, it can be harder to overcome. Take on some of my advice above and start making a change in your life.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]