Many women have to deal with loneliness in retirement as their personal roles and responsibilities change and evolve. Often predictable routines and support systems that gave life meaning in the past are no longer in place.

For many women, their children have left home, they have gone through a divorce or lost a partner or close friend. It often feels like, while there are endless possibilities for creating a wonderful new life after 60, we lack a sense of direction and confidence.

How to Deal with Loneliness as an Older Adult

If you are looking for ways to build new social connections, explore interests you love and avoid feelings of loneliness in retirement, this episode of the Sixty and Me Show is for you!

My guest expert on this topic is Dr. Dale Atkins. Dr. Dale is a well-known psychologist and relationship expert. In her practice and writing, she helps older women to understand the choices they have in retirement for creating a life full of vitality and fun.

She highlights the importance of making new friends, exploring personal interests and enjoying life in our 60s.

Living alone can be a positive experience, but loneliness without a social network can lead to depression.

Most of all, this is a time to make friends with yourself and to start doing those things that really make you happy. Whether you love volunteering, traveling, taking up a sport, writing your memoirs or joining a book club, there are many ways to find happiness after 60.

Dr Dale is the author of several books, including “Sanity Savers, Tips for Women to Live a Balanced Life.” and “I’m OK, You Are My Parents” which is about making the transitioning into positive relationships with adult children.

Join Dr. Dale and I as we discuss the following topics:

• How can older women deal with isolation and loneliness in retirement?
• What are the three types of friends every woman over 60 should have?
• What are the positive health impacts of having girlfriends?
• How do you make new friends in your 60s?
• How do you make friends with yourself?
• How do you become friends with your adult children beyond the parental role?

I hope that you enjoy the Show! If you find this interview helpful, please “like” and share it.

Do you have any advice for the other women in the Sixty and Me community about how to deal with loneliness in retirement? Please add your thoughts in the comments below.