Living Alone in Retirement: Six Ways to Enrich Your Life

Living alone in retirement can have its benefits, such as the freedom to do what you want when you want, but it can also have its challenges. One of the biggest challenges that retirees face when living alone is loneliness. It can be difficult to adjust to life without the constant presence of family, friends, or coworkers. However, there are many ways to prevent loneliness and maintain social connections when living alone in retirement.

Join a club or organization

Joining a club or organization is a great way to meet new people with similar interests. Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn? Perhaps you want to touch up your language skills before an overseas adventure, or want to master cooking Asian cuisines. Join a class! Not only do you have the opportunity to learn a new skill, but you will be surrounded by like-minded people, eager to try their best. It can be nerve-wracking to put yourself in unfamiliar situations, like a class, but you can rest assured knowing that everyone is in the same boat as you. There are many clubs and organizations specifically for seniors, such as book clubs, gardening clubs, and travel groups. By participating in these groups, you can meet new people, share experiences, and form new friendships.

Volunteer

Volunteering is not only a great way to give back to your community, but it can also be a great way to meet new people who share a common passion! There are many organizations that are looking for volunteers, such as hospitals, schools, and community centers. It is a great way to spend your time and meet some great people along the way.

Attend social events

Attending social events is another way to meet new people and maintain social connections. Retirement villages, including us, often host social events, such as happy hours, movie nights, and game nights. When the whole community joins together, it can be a roaring good time! 

Stay connected with family and friends

Even if you are living alone, it is important to stay connected with your family and friends. Make sure to schedule regular phone calls or video chats with your loved ones. Technology is instrumental in bridging geographical distance. Zoom, Skype, or even Facebook lets you see and hear your loved ones from anywhere in the world. You can read more about using technology to enhance your retirement here. You can also send letters or care packages to let them know you are thinking of them.

Get Online

Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tokーit feels like the list of social media sites never ends. Social media is a great way of getting involved when you know where to look. Bringing together retirees from New Zealand and abroad, you can connect over shared interests or locations. Facebook groups are one great option. There is a group for every hobby, area, and occupation where enthusiasts come together to share ideas and questions. Joining some groups is a great way to feel involved, and can keep you in the loop for real-world events. 

Living alone in retirement can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be lonely. If you are interested in village life, get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.