As individuals age, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Time Use Survey suggests that people tend to experience increasing isolation, with diminishing time spent with children, family, and friends after their thirties. By the age of 70, the average person spends only one hour with friends and non-spouse family members, dedicating approximately eight hours per day to solitude. Loneliness, a pervasive issue, was declared a public health crisis in 2019 by the U.S. Surgeon General.
To combat loneliness after the age of 50, therapists offer valuable tips. Firstly, avoiding comparisons with others’ social lives is crucial. Suzette Bray, a licensed therapist, emphasizes the importance of normalizing occasional feelings of loneliness and fostering self-compassion. Embracing activity sampling, exploring diverse interests, and initiating activities independently can lead to unexpected opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.
Volunteering is another effective strategy to alleviate loneliness. It not only provides a chance to meet new people but also instills a sense of purpose and positivity. Reconnecting with past relationships, particularly those with shared history, can be rewarding. It’s essential to schedule regular time to deepen existing connections, ensuring consistent and meaningful interactions.
The practice of “loving kindness meditation” is recommended to nurture compassion and reduce loneliness. This meditation involves sending positive intentions to oneself, loved ones, acquaintances, challenging individuals, and the world, fostering a sense of connection and love. Additionally, therapists suggest incorporating writing into the routine, using personal, handwritten notes to reach out to loved ones, share memories, express gratitude, or offer words of encouragement. These strategies collectively contribute to combating loneliness and maintaining meaningful connections in one’s senior years.
