What to do if you’re feeling isolated in retirement
As over-60s, golden oldies, we can be positively single. But, as we age, too many of our friends or acquaintances either pass away, or move away interstate or overseas. If you are feeling that you do not have enough social contacts, you can reach out into your local community. You can browse in your local paper, or on your local library noticeboard, or in local council pamphlets, or online, for groups of like-minded people with similar interests, or age, or for groups of people who wish to acquire new skills.
Sometimes mingling with people with a range of ages can stimulate a varied type of friendships with new acquaintances. They may never become your best friend ever, but it is good to make new social contacts, if that is what you are seeking. You know what you really enjoy. With the online medium, the internet, there is a global world of like-minded people in online support groups, interest groups, or friendships, such as pen pals, or chat rooms. Or you can join local face-to-face interest groups. You can acquire new skills, or knowledge, or participate in activities, or develop further skills in talents you already have. You can meet people with similar interests and skills, whatever they may be.
Over-60s looking for this kind of mental and social stimulation can, as well as browsing in local libraries, check the U3A, short for University of the Third Age, or Men’s Sheds, Book Clubs, Writers’ Clubs, Walking Clubs, craft clubs, and also sporting clubs, where an older sportsman or sportswoman can fill a niche as a mentor to both players and junior coaches.
There are also photography, art, computer, and church groups, among many others. Here in Victoria, the Elderly Citizens, Probus, or U3A, attract many seniors. Or, indeed, you can start your own club, if your locality does not appear to have anything to cater for your interests. There are also online retirement websites and forums for seniors, with interest groups, and chat rooms to swap ideas, with encouragement for Over-Sixty.
Relax, browse, make an effort, and enjoy being a golden oldie!