Senior Wellness: how to make friends and stay active

As we age, it gets more difficult to make new friends. We don't have the schoolyard or group projects in class to help us meet new people. Once you retire, it adds another challenge because you no longer meet people at the workplace.

Many seniors report feeling cut off from others and feelings of isolation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention links loneliness and social isolation to a higher risk for serious health conditions. Socializing and interacting with others provides benefits for your mental and physical health.

Ways to make friends and stay active<_o3a_p>

Volunteer<_o3a_p>

You can make friends, stay active, and make a positive difference in your community. Explore volunteer opportunities at animal shelters, food banks, or other spots that need an extra set of hands.

Join a fitness center*

Some senior people find gyms and fitness classes intimidating, but they're excellent places to meet people just like you. Ask about the difficulty level of any class before you take it. Even if you just go there to walk the track, odds are you'll find people just like you.

<_o3a_p>Take a class<_o3a_p>

Many universities and community colleges offer senior adults the chance to audit a first course for free. Take up an interest you've always wanted to learn more about. Keep challenging yourself to learn new things and expand your mind.

Exercise your faith<_o3a_p>

If you're a religious person, worshipping alongside like-minded people can give you a strong community to bond with. Temples, churches, mosques, and synagogues often offer volunteer opportunities or other activities you can attend as well.

Join a senior rec league*<_o3a_p>

Do you have a favorite sport? Many local YMCAs or community centers offer rec leagues for adults to play sports. You can join a team or form a new one. You can make friends with your teammates and competitors alike.

Find a club or local community<_o3a_p>

Check online or at your local library for clubs and communities that interest you. You could join a book club, a sewing circle, a walking group, or a gaming league. Don't be afraid to try new clubs or groups either, you could find joy in something you've never tried before.

Don't forget your existing connections<_o3a_p>

Many people tend to isolate themselves as they get older. Forgetting and neglecting the social connections we already have is another common reason for loneliness among senior adults. It's easy to feel like someone does not want to hear from you or that they won't have time for you.<_o3a_p><_o3a_p>

Don't let that feeling stop you from reaching out and making time for the important people in your life. Work to maintain these connections and find new ways to encourage socialization. You can include friends and family in all of the activities we've listed above.

How does WPS help seniors stay active and make connections?<_o3a_p>

The WPS Cares Community¹

The Cares Community is a digital social community where people can engage with others and share their feedback directly with us. The contributions of the community members lead to direct results in our products, services, and overall experience.

We use insights from the community through surveys and polls to learn more about our audience and help our exceptional service reach even greater heights. It offers exclusive access and peer-to-peer discussions in a curated digital space. Click here to watch a video on the community.<_o3a_p>

Silver&Fit^® Healthy Aging and Exercise Program²

<_o3a_p>When you choose our Medicare supplement insurance plans (not available with Plan K or L), you get access to the Silver&Fit program at no extra cost. The Silver&Fit program includes a fitness center or exercise center membership along with access to multiple online senior fitness tools.

For a complete list of participating facilities, visit silverandfit.com. <_o3a_p>

The intent of this advertisement is solicitation of insurance, and contact may be made by the insurer or a licensed agent. Neither Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation, nor its agents, nor products are connected with the federal Medicare program.*Any activities intended to improve your psychological well-being should be discussed with your physician. This material is not intended as medical advice.¹The WPS Cares Community is not liable for, nor do we endorse/promote any advice. Do not share personal information or protected health information, including questions about your current policy, if applicable, within the community. ²Fitness program is not part of the insurance policy, is offered at no additional charge, and can be changed or discontinued at any time. The Silver&Fit® program is provided by American Specialty Health Fitness, Inc., a subsidiary of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). Silver&Fit is a registered trademark of ASH and used with permission herein. Services that require an additional cost are not included in the Silver&Fit program. Fitness program is not included with Medicare supplement cost-sharing plans (Plans K and L).<_o3a_p>

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