How to Look for & Make New Friends in the Senior Years

The golden years present new opportunities for seniors to socialize now that their time is not taken up with work and family responsibilities. However, seniors must make an effort to find new friends since they no longer go to work. Older adults who are having difficulty making new friends should consider the following tips.

Put the Word Out

Even talking about the need to make new friends can set off a chain reaction. For example, you may have friends whose parents are the same age as your loved one and are looking for someone to meet. Alternatively, your loved one’s professional caregiver may know of another senior who lives nearby with similar interests. Make sure your loved one lets other people know he or she wants more friends.
Making new friends is not the only way older adults can socialize. For families living in Winnipeg, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

Pick Up a Volunteer Position

Volunteering in the community is an excellent way to prevent isolation. While volunteering, your loved one can meet other people who share his or her passions and interests. After working together, it’s an easy transition to meeting up for lunch on a day off.

Explore Community Resources

Many communities help seniors find and maintain friendships. For this reason, your loved one might be able to find senior groups that meet for events such as dances and dinners regularly. If the community lacks a senior group, look for other social opportunities such as a book club at the library.
Hiring a professional caregiver is a good way to make sure your parent receives assistance with daily tasks and an opportunity to socialize. Winnipeg home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregiver

Join a Social Media Website

If your loved one has difficulty getting out of the house, he or she can still make wonderful friends online. Encourage your parent to try out social networking websites such as Facebook. Simply set up a basic profile that provides just enough information about your loved one’s interests to help someone know if he or she is a match. Then, your loved one can chat online until he or she feels comfortable meeting in person. As your parent explores new options on social media, he or she can also find online chat forums that pertain to special interests such as gardening.

Just Say Hello

Encourage your parent to look for opportunities to be social during his or her daily routine. For instance, saying hello to the person walking a dog down the street or paying a compliment to the cashier at the store could turn into a blossoming friendship. While it may take time for a friendship to form, some of the best friendships start with little more than a simple greeting.
Aging puts older adults at risk of isolation, which could increase their likelihood of developing depression and other health issues. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly care. Winnipeg, MB, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. Call one of our professional Care Managers at (204) 489-6000 to schedule a free in-home consultation.