5 Ways To Tackle Loneliness As You Get Older

Socializing is just as important for your physical health as it is for your mental health.

Between the snow-capped mountains, the plethora of breathtaking nature, and beautiful wildlife, there are lots of reasons to grow old in Anchorage, Alaska. On top of that, Turnagain Social Club is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. It’s helping older Alaskans find happiness.

As we get older in our lives, we often have a harder time maintaining our social lives. Kids start their own families, old friends move away, sometimes life gets too busy, and sometimes it just requires too much effort to get out and about. The open space we all love about living in Alaska can become difficult to navigate when we stop driving. It’s easy to feel isolated or lonely.

But that doesn’t have to be your reality! You can live a life filled with the positivity, enrichment, and best of all, company, that you deserve. Alaska is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and there are countless ways to fill your life and kick the loneliness to the curb once and for all.

After all, science shows that socializing it’s just as important for your physical health as your mental health so here are some practical ways to combat loneliness.

Want to start connecting with more people? Call the team at Turnagain Social Club.

1.  Join A Social Club

Turnagain Social Club is a great option for anyone living in Anchorage because we provide engaging activities and alternative therapies to enrich the lives of Anchorage's seniors. Aging well starts from within and we are ready to help you start this new chapter in your life. Ours is a community for everyone, whether you’re independent or needing therapeutic care.

We provide socialization, transportation to and from fun activities, and a community of friendship, while providing the care you need to stay active, safe, and comfortable. With the low staff-to-member ratio, groups can be small and intimate, or large and loud. That means it’s time to say goodbye to loneliness and hello to a vibrant new social life.

2.  Get Your Body Moving

Exercising is a great way to boost the happy hormones in your brain! It’s easy to forget to move your body regularly but with scheduled classes, you can start a new routine and boost your overall mental and physical health dramatically. Whether it’s joining a walking club, doing yoga, dancing with friends, or swimming, you can feel your very best while doing something you love.

3.  Expand Your Horizons

The saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” was probably coined by someone who lived a pretty boring life. We say it’s never too late for anyone to try something new, especially if it’s something they’ve always wanted to try. Learning a new skill can be as simple as trying a new cooking recipe! Stretching your boundaries can be a fun way to meet new people without traveling miles away. Join a class, volunteer somewhere you are passionate about or attend popular events in your city like the local farmers’ market. After all, having fun and doing things that bring you joy is the number one secret to healthy aging. It’s well worth pursuing.

4.  Take A Day Excursion

Sometimes it’s hard to plan a weekend trip or entire vacation. But signing up for a day trip in your local area is something small you could do as soon as tomorrow! Meet like-minded people who are passionate about seeing or doing things you care about. At Turnagain Social Club, the Community Club brings you on an adventure into the community for volunteering, shopping trips, museum tours, fishing excursions, local fairs, theaters, park dates, and more. Rediscover your hometown and embark on an exciting adventure today.

5.  Reconnect with People You Love

Sometimes, it’s the little things that bring you the most joy. An unexpected phone call from or to a loved one you haven't heard from can put a smile on your face instantaneously. Sometimes we overlook the people who have been in our lives the longest because it’s easy to forget to nurture the lifelong relationships we already have. Try writing a letter to your oldest pal telling them what you cherish about your friendship. Bring a homemade pie to your next-door neighbor just because or call up a family member you love but haven’t had time to talk to. As exciting and fun as meeting new people can be, we can't forget to cherish the relationships we have!

Ready to Make Some New Friends?

Finding the perfect care facility for yourself or a loved one is a huge decision. Give us a call today to see why we’re Anchorage’s favorite senior social club.