The role that a robust, age diverse support system plays for a solo ager is critical.
As one navigates their own health, the healthcare system as a whole, and residential, financial and legal decisions, it's important to have a connection to others. Identifying personal contacts and qualified professionals to serve in these key roles that are traditionally filled by adult children/relatives requires careful and intentional planning.
One needs to be intentional about their social support. When it comes to community services and support, it's important to know where you live. When researching the topic of community and housing as one years old, it should be on people's list of things to do.
Being connected to a community has a big impact on our health. Improve our self-esteem, feel cared for, reduce stress and increase resilience by connecting with other people.
While Oldenburg focused on physical locations, his research has shown that virtual places can play a role in our connection to others and to the community at large.
Meeting new people becomes harder as you get older. There is no longer an easy way to make new connections after retirement, and solo agers don't have access to the friends of their children or grandchild. Social support is crucial to our lives.
I am often asked how to make new connections and where to meet new people.
We often overlook the impact of our connection to third places, which can offer new opportunities to expand and enhance our support systems.
Childless retirees are watched out for. Solo agers can be happy and safe.
Ray Oldenburg, an urban sociologist, used the term "third places" to refer to places where people spend time between home and work. They are places where we can exchange ideas and have fun. They are easy to navigate and accessible to everyone.
We connect to third places in a variety of ways. Parks, libraries, community and senior centers, faith communities, adult education and other classes are free or low cost. Coffee shops and bookstores are also commercial establishments. They can be places that provide personal services.
The ability to attend a talk, meeting, book club, class or social gathering via video chat furthers our connection
Don't forget golf and pickleball. Retirement is redefined by communities centered around farms or gardens.
A sense of purpose is offered by being connected socially. It lowers cardiovascular risks, including lowering blood pressure, and motivates you to engage in a healthy lifestyle.
To think about where there might be opportunities to make new friends.
You should explore your interests once you have thought about what you want to do. It is a good idea to do so. You can check out what talks and programs the bookstore has. A friend is looking for coffee.
You can make a list of things you want to do. You can enroll in a course at a community college or university. You can take art or writing classes. People with similar interests meet with volunteers. You can join a book club.
Want to lose weight? New acquaintances.
The concern over a limited support system is something that often weighs on the minds of solo agers.
You can enhance your social network by connecting with the spaces and third places in a different way each day.
Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, is an Independent Board Certified Patient Advocate and founded her national patient advocacy practice. There is a focus on solo aging in Ailene's work. Ailene is located in Boston. ilene@beaconpatient solutions.com is the email address.
NextAvenue.org gave permission for this article to be used.
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