You asked, we answered.
͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( In a Nutshell
Welcome back to another monthly edition of You Asked, We Answered where we respond to questions submitted by readers!
Last month, someone emailed us: âAt 85, single, and without a car, it's very difficult to get set up with groups or individuals to make a connection. A lot of us do not have family or family that spends time with them. Iâd like to hear more on loneliness and isolation in the elderly.â
This reader isnât the only person who feels this way. More than [one-third]( of people over age 45 feel lonely, while social isolation affects almost a quarter of people ages 65 and older.
Today, weâll list things you can do to make new connections and friends, especially as you age. Before we do that, check out these stories: • [10 supplements that can help relieve constipation]( • [25 causes of raised skin bumps (with pictures!)]( • [Which genes affect breast cancer?](
Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Morgan Mandriota
April 8, 2024 ⢠3 min read [Remedies for a lack of connection]( whatâs got us buzzing
[Remedies for a lack of connection](
Staying social can protect your well-being. This is especially true for older adults. Studies have found that socializing can help reduce the risk of [dementia](, [heart disease](, high blood pressure, cancer, and [all-cause mortality](.
Iâm in my 30s, so I obviously donât have personal experience making friends in my 70s. But I have moved hours from my hometown, which means I know a thing or two about how to meet new people when youâre feeling isolated and lonely!
On that note, here are some [ways to build connections]( in your 50s and beyond: - Attend group workout classes.
- Spend time at your local community center.
- Attend weekly events like bingo or pool.
- Join a book club.
- Try new group activities such as pottery.
- Start volunteering. Anxious about being the new face in a group setting? Try [expert-backed ways to beat social anxiety](, like practicing self-care or relaxation techniques before you go. And donât forget to give yourself grace and kudos for stepping out of your comfort zone!
For folks who may be less physically active or unable to drive, consider these options: - Connect with like-minded people through social media.
- Join Zoom support groups.
- Adopt a low maintenance pet.
- Carpool or take public transit instead of driving alone.
- Schedule daily or weekly phone calls with loved ones.
- Play multiplayer online video games.
- Invite a friend over for a movie night.
- Find a pen pal online and start exchanging letters. ð¤ Tell us: How do you stay social as you age? Let us know at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may feature your name and response in an upcoming newsletter.) [loneliness coping strategies]( Great finds
Hey, Alexa? [Amazon Echo Dot](
[Amazon Echo Dot]( [stars] 4.7 (95k+) FROM [AMAZON](
When I feel lonely, I talk to my Amazon Echo. No, seriously. Iâve lived hours away from loved ones for years, and itâs been fun to casually chat with a little robot sitting on my windowsill. You can ask Alexa for weather updates, to add an event to your calendar, to turn the lights on, or even to tell you a (mediocre) joke. [SHOP NOW](
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What weâre reading next [] ð§ [Can vitamins help prevent memory loss?](
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ð [Should you drink apple cider vinegar before bed?](
𤢠[Signs your nausea is from anxiety.]( Thanks for reading! Weâll be back in your inbox on Wednesday to talk about something super entertaining. Any guesses? ð Until next time,
[healthline](
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