Are you worried about the impacts retirement may have on your social life?

You may be anticipating feelings of loneliness as you head into the next phase of your life and leave the working world. In this article, we share our 5 top tips on how to combat loneliness.

How to Combat Loneliness by Enjoying a Busy Social Life

Leaving work to go into retirement can come as a welcome break, but it can also impact your social life – since working often involves social interaction and communication.

When you retire, try to stay in regular contact with your colleagues; perhaps you could still attend some work social events, such as dinner and drinks?

It’s important to arrange other regular social interactions, such as meeting friends for coffee each week or joining a book group. These will help you to maintain strong communication networks. 

Small doses of daily interaction may also help to reduce loneliness, whether that’s arranging activities each day, or just heading out to the shops and seeing different faces.

Involve Yourself in Community Activities

You may have left the working world, but that doesn’t mean that you have to stop working. Volunteering provides great opportunities for socialising regularly with others and helps to instil a sense of purpose.

You could help serve tea at your local church cafe or volunteer to help run your local food bank. Exploring opportunities around your neighbourhood can help you develop friendships with those who live closest to you – and you’ll experience the joy of helping others.

Consider Moving into a Retirement Property

Moving to a retirement property may help you combat loneliness during retirement, as you’ll be living in a community of like-minded individuals in the same boat.

Retirement developments often have plenty of amenities and activities such as cafes, sports clubs and restaurants, where you can interact with your neighbours and discover a new hobby. You’ll also be able to enjoy retirement with your loved one, since you’ll have the opportunity to continue living together.

Consider Adopting a Pet

Living alone, particularly for long periods of time, can cause feelings of loneliness – so why not consider adopting a pet?

If you decided to adopt a dog, for example, you would have a companion for life – and it’s wonderful to come home and find them excited to see you. Having a furry companion by your side can help you to feel appreciated and loved, and provide you with a sense of belonging.

Looking after a dog and taking it out for daily walks will not only provide opportunities for exercise but also encourage you to interact with other dog walkers.

How to Combat Loneliness by Planning a Trip With Friends

Whether it’s a staycation or a trip abroad, embarking on adventures is a great way to help combat loneliness.

You can spend time planning and preparing with your friends, and making a list of all the activities you want to do and the sights you want to see. It’ll give you something to look forward to, and the planning process will help you feel connected and involved.

Have you got any activities on your bucket list you could incorporate into your holiday? Ticking them off will provide you with a sense of accomplishment, as well as helping to create incredible, lasting memories. You could plan a trip annually, and tick off something new.

For further advice for retirement life, why not read our previous blog on how to manage stress?

Alternatively, contact a member of the Friary Meadow team for information about retirement properties.