Regardless of our age and stage in life, not to mention how introverted or extroverted we naturally are, human interaction plays a significant role in our overall wellbeing.
As we get older, and particularly as we enter retirement, we can find ourselves spending more time alone. When our daily social engagement initially lessens in response to us no longer having a job, our sense of connection to others can be affected. We’re no longer mixing with colleagues at work or participating in the various other intrapersonal activities that were once a part of our routine.
Feelings of loneliness should not be minimised however, as research shows an association between social isolation and an increased risk of serious health problems such as coronary heart disease and stroke, depression, Alzheimer’s and dementia. In fact, the maintenance of social contact has been found to boost cognitive function resulting in a ‘protective effect’ against dementia onset.
So how can we retain healthy social lives upon retiring?
Stay Connected
Sustaining quality relationships is the key. You may find yourself more impatient of others as you get older, or more content in your own company than when you were younger, but remaining involved with friends and family is important in ensuring you maintain active, mutually supportive and fulfilling relationships.
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