How to Stay Social as a Senior
| 3 min read
Dr. Hobbs, MD, is a senior medical director in Utilization Management at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and works with a team of physicians to evaluate medical cases. He graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School and is a former faculty member at both the Medical School and the College of Literature, Science and the Arts. His specialties are internal medicine, geriatric medicine and palliative medicine. Dr. Hobbs spent the majority of his career in patient care, teaching and academic medicine as well as research. He has three adult children and a granddaughter. His non-medical interests include competitive chess, classical music, playing the piano, learning Spanish, cooking, drawing and painting, traveling, writing, restoring an old home from 1914 and the martial arts. He has a fourth-degree black belt in Hakko Denshin Ryu Jiu Jitsu and is studying Kung Fu (Wing Chun) as well.
- Embrace ridesharing: Transportation can become a point of contention for older adults as some may be unable to safely operate a vehicle. To avoid burdening others, they may opt-out of social activities. With ridesharing, seniors have easy access to transportation, which helps them maintain a daily routine.
- Go back to school: It’s never too late to acquire a new skill. Many universities and colleges offer lifelong learning classes at a reduced rate for seniors seeking educational opportunities. These classes can be a great way to meet new people and stay sharp mentally.
- Join social media: The internet has made it easier than ever to stay connected. About 67% of adults ages 65 and older are active online. Regardless of location, social media allows users to interact with like-minded people from the same demographic. In some cases, online friendships are just as strong and beneficial as their offline counterparts.
- Play in a sports league: There are many recreational leagues that cater to older adults. By joining a team, seniors stay more physically active, confident and social. Also, those who engage in extracurricular activities, are more likely to have reduced blood pressure, a lower body mass index (BMI) and better physical function.
- Reconnect with family: The most vital socialization starts at home. Older adults can reinforce their familial presence by finding common ground and sharing valuable knowledge and insight. In general, reconnecting with family has a positive impact on everyone involved.
- Rejoin the workforce: Retirees may find themselves missing the structure of a full-time job. Therefore, many seek out freelance or part-time employment. Perks include increased productivity and access to company wellness programs, which lead to long-term benefits like lower health care costs.
- Start traveling: Whether in a group or alone, visiting different locations can be fun and exciting. Meeting people and embracing new cultures offers a one-of-a-kind experience and increases the potential to create more relationships.
- Volunteer: Community-based volunteer efforts encourage individuals to step outside their comfort zones and are often a collaboration among people from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. It teaches humility, grace and can provide a renewed sense of purpose.
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