Combating Loneliness for Women Over 60: Rediscovering Our Joy
Do you feel lonely? Many of us do, even if we don’t want to admit it. The Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released an advisory illuminating the dangers of loneliness, where he states, “It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.”
Loneliness is a deeply human experience that can affect anyone, particularly us women over 60, as life transitions like retirement, empty nesting, or loss of loved ones can diminish our social connections. Loneliness is the emotional pain of feeling disconnected or isolated, even when surrounded by others. For many, it can feel like an invisible barrier to joy and fulfillment. Yet we can find meaningful ways to combat loneliness and rediscover our purpose and greater happiness.
Understanding Loneliness
Loneliness is not just about being alone but about lacking meaningful connections. It can manifest both emotionally and physically, leading to feelings of sadness, low energy, or even health issues such as higher blood pressure or weakened immunity. Recognizing loneliness is the first step in addressing it.
Sometimes the hardest part is finding the self-motivation to make adjustments. Maybe give yourself one small commitment a week to try something – anything – that makes you feel just a little less lonely.
The three keys to reducing loneliness:
- Relationships keep us grounded and bonded to each other.
- Service, from formal volunteering to informal small acts of kindness, is about helping each other.
- Purpose gives our life a sense of direction and meaning.
Together, these elements form the triad of fulfillment.
Practical Ways to Combat Loneliness
Reconnect with Interests
Rediscover activities you enjoy or try something new, such as painting, gardening, or learning an instrument. I am taking beginner piano lessons. Engaging in opportunities you enjoy boosts confidence and provides places to meet like-minded people.
Join Social Groups
Community centers, book clubs, fitness classes, or religious groups are wonderful places to connect with others who share similar interests.
Volunteer
Helping others not only contributes to a sense of purpose but also introduces you to people with compassionate hearts.
Leverage Technology
Video calls, online classes, or social media can help you stay in touch with family and friends, or connect with others globally, such as the wonderful community of Sixty and Me!
Adopt a Pet
Finally, caring for a furry friend can provide companionship and bring daily joy. Whether you choose to care for a cat, a dog or something more to your liking, it will both give you a responsibility and a new purpose to live.
Finding Joy
Joy can come from gratitude and connection. I start and end each day with three thoughts of gratitude. Start a daily gratitude journal, savor moments in nature, or seek out small pleasures like a favorite book or a warm cup of tea. Remember, building relationships and prioritizing self-care can reignite your sense of purpose and help combat loneliness.
Life after 60 can be filled with many vibrant opportunities for connecting with others; why not embrace them!?
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you feel lonely sometimes? What do you do in such moments? What causes your loneliness? Have you had periods in life where you constantly feel lonely? What proactive steps have you taken to battle this mindset?
Having a sense of purpose is so important as is gratitude. My husband is a home body so Ive made it my goal to have someone over for coffee or a meal at our house monthly. I have a number of friends and relatives who are lonely and sad and rely on contact with grown children. Unfortunately this doesn’t always happen and depression sets in. I think friends at this age are so important, so I make an attempt to work on my relationships and building new ones.
A gratitude journal gets a thumbs up from me for sure.
Glad you have found excellent coping mechanisms. Relationships must be cultivated and nurtured. and you seem to be doing a great job!
This is such an important article! Retiring after 36 years as a counselor and teacher
there has been a void in my life.
However,my retirement dream of having a cattery
and raising Raddoll cats has resulted in my husband and I having 5 cats that we love
but are the result of our prize cat getting pregnant by the neighbor’s cat.
This has been an expensive endeavor as we sprayed and neutered the kittens.
My husband has heart disease but if you saw him with the kittens all around him
in bed, you would have to smile.
I believe all older people could benefit from having a pet. Cats are 1/5 the work of a dog
although we love our dogs just as much.
It is so important to have a sense of purpose which is how we justify the howling of
5 cats every morning for their breakfast.
This article has so many good ideas.
Thank you for sharing!
Family is no longer there whether alive or with dementia
husband died recently
work about 15 hours a week which helps but no close friends because of moving to Florida
Nancy we can be penpals if you like. dhc1912telstar@yahoo.com
It’s not so much about meeting people but meeting the right people, the one’s that make you feel you fit in. I love people who are a bit eccentric, I love debates about the state of the world today etc. However, I live in a little community of similar aged people who really aren’t interested in these things, preferring small talk and although they are lovely I just don’t feel part of it. In the 1970s I was a hippy, now in my 70s I’ve decided I loved the clothes of that era and I’m now filling my wardrobe with the boho look. Been doing shadow boxing on my meta and love listening to the music of those days. It’s like going back in time but without being surrounded by all the lovely people I used to know, just me, in my loving room.
I am very similar to this scenario go back too what was fun comfortable, I find the chit chat boring and can’t maintain interest in their conversations most of the time. I am not lonely so much as I would like to discuss certain interest that others find boring.
I feel like we are friends already! I’m back to taking ballet and just started piano. We must find our way to joy. I have also found that volunteering has introduce me to people I can enjoy.
Wish you were my neighbor.
The first thing I do when I wake up each morning is GIVE MYSELF A BIG HUG….! Loving/taking care of ourselves is so important. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
You are SO right! I say three things I’m grateful before I leave my pillow!