How to Rebuild your Social Life When You’re Elderly

As you get older, your life can change in dramatic ways. Events such as the loss of a spouse, your children moving to another city or a changing neighborhood all can lead to depression and loneliness. There's no better time than now to make an effort to make the remainder of your life fulfilling and meaningful. Here are some things to think about as you prepare for another era of happiness.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Find a new friend. Life-altering events can lead to a reluctance to venture out on your own. Instead, you wallow in pity, feeling abandoned by your family and friends. There's no better time to join a group that's devoted to something you consider important. You'll be surrounded by people with like interests who, just like you, would welcome a new friend into their lives.

2. Find a buddy. If you feel reluctant to go out on your own, there are many volunteer organizations that will help by providing transportation. Invite a friend or neighbor to attend events with you. Get back into the rhythm of meeting new friends. Little by little, you'll become less fearful of going out alone.

3. Stay fit. When you become depressed, this is one discipline that usually goes to the back burner. You'll find that by getting in better shape, your outlook will change for the better; and if you have lost your sense of humor because you are depressed, you'll begin to laugh again. What's more, you're likely to run into people who share the same problem. They, too, are looking for new friends in order to reinvent happiness in their lives.

4. Start doing those activities you used to enjoy but have gone by the wayside as you tried to fight away your demons. Stay current with them by reading the newspaper daily or exploring on the Internet. Get yourself re-involved by joining groups that focus on those activities.

5. Find a new interest. The world is waiting for you to become involved. You'll be stimulated by learning more and associating with people who share that interest.

6. Stay upbeat. Life may have dealt you a bad hand, but that's not a good reason to immerse yourself in negative thoughts. Start by smiling every chance you get. You will be a lot more attractive to others who would prefer being in the company of someone who is uplifting and positive. Your positive attitude alone will attract new friends.

7. Always be of help to others, because they may need it far more than you do. You can make an impact on another person's life by just being there when you're needed. Like you, others have experienced life's hard knocks, but may be incapable of pulling themselves out of deep depression. You have chosen to do something about your life, or else you would not be reading this article. Your help may be their best medicine.

Tips & Warnings

• If your new activities involve exercise beyond your normal daily routine, be sure that your doctor knows what you are doing. You don't want to hasten your funeral just because you have decided to make changes in your life.