The Importance of Building Meaningful Relationships as we Age

“BUILDING AND MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIPS IS ONE OF THE KEY INDICATORS OF GOOD HEALTH AND A LONG LIFE.”

Something that we start to see as people age is a realization that they no longer have a very large social circle, or they can no longer go out to see their friends. This is usually due to natural boundaries, such as a loss of driver’s license, an inability to drive at night, or a decrease in independence. We also have to consider that most people over the age of 65 are not very tech-savvy, so this makes virtual communication difficult as well. COVID-19 has also increased the difficulty of building and maintaining relationships for those who were already struggling beforehand. 

Having relationships is one of the key indicators of good health and long life. The more relationships we have, the more connected we are, and the better we fair as we age both mentally and physically. Luckily, there are ways to overcome the obstacle of keeping our social circle as we age.

First, we need to remember what our passions are. Whether you are a sewer, quilter, or collector, it’s so important to keep your passions in mind or even build new ones with other people who share those hobbies. Connecting with like-minded people is a great way to boost your morale and make new friends.

Another way to build relationships is by staying active in your community and neighborhood. Even just simply taking a stroll or having someone take you through the neighborhood and saying hi to the neighbors can make a big difference. Get out, get some fresh air, and share interactions with everyone who is out and about. These interactions could lead to regular meetings or walks together!

If you are able, volunteering is a great way to meet new people. There are various volunteer options available, such as homeless shelters, donation centers, hospice, or even museums. Another great way to stay connected is by joining adult learning classes at local universities. The University of Southern Indiana offers remote learning opportunities, so if you are interested but have difficulty using technology, contact SWIRCA for help with setting up technology such as Facebook, facetime, or zoom!