Are you worried about feeling lonely or isolated as you get older?
I don’t mean to scare you but it’s probably a valid concern. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1 in 4 older adults in the U.S. experience social isolation.
It’s a sobering statistic that reminds us just how common these feelings can become as we age.
The good news? Loneliness and isolation aren’t inevitable.
By recognizing and letting go of certain behaviors that contribute to these challenges, you can create a life filled with meaningful connections and a stronger sense of community. Today, we’re exploring five such behaviors.
Let’s get started.
1) Avoiding new experiences
I’ll be the first to admit, change can be scary. As we age, it’s easy to stick with what’s familiar. But let me share a personal story.
A few years ago, I found myself sticking to the same routine. Same people, same activities, day in and day out.
Comfortable? Yes. Fulfilling? Not so much.
I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and took up salsa dancing. I was terrified at first, but guess what? It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Not only did I learn a new skill, but I also met some amazing people who have since become good friends.
Venturing into new territories and trying new things can open up opportunities for making new connections and friendships.
Break away from your routine and embrace the unfamiliar. It might just lead you to a richer, more socially connected life as you age.
2) Neglecting physical health
Here’s something you might not immediately connect with loneliness and isolation – your physical health. But there’s a clear link. Research has shown that physical activity can reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
How? Well, for starters, exercise boosts your mood and energy levels, making you more likely to seek out and engage in social activities.
Beyond that, it’s a great way to meet new people, whether it’s through a fitness class, a walking group, or simply striking up conversations at the gym or park.
The takeaway?
Make it a point to incorporate regular exercise into your routine. It doesn’t have to be anything strenuous – even a daily walk can make a big difference.
Not only will you feel better physically, but you’ll also be more inclined to stay socially active.
3) Holding onto grudges
I know how it feels to be wronged.
There was a time when I held onto a grudge for years, and it didn’t do me any good. It strained my relationship with the person involved as well as others, and deep down, it made me feel lonely.
And I’m not alone in this experience.
As noted by the folks at Very Well Mind, “Having a bitter reaction to hurtful situations can cause estrangement from family members, ruin friendships, or otherwise limit the number of people with whom you socialize.”
Life is too short to hold onto past hurts. Being forgiving not only improves your relationships but also your own mental well-being.
Letting go of grudges can pave the way for healthier, more joyful social interactions as you get older.
4) Shying away from new technologies
The world is changing, and so is the way we keep in touch.
Social events, groups, and even casual conversations increasingly live online. If you’re avoiding new technologies, you might be missing out on opportunities to stay connected.
The good news? This is getting better. According to recent research, 76% of people over 65 now own a smartphone—a significant leap in embracing tech.
However, owning a device and truly using it to its full potential are two different things.
Whether it’s joining a family group chat, attending a virtual book club, or using apps to meet new people with shared interests, technology opens up countless ways to fend off isolation.
So don’t be afraid to try new platforms or tools. If you’re not very tech-literate, ask a friend or family member to walk you through setting up a video call, joining a social media group, or navigating a community forum.
Learning to embrace technology doesn’t just keep you in the loop—it can create a whole new world of meaningful connections.
5) Relying on tech as a replacement for face-to-face interaction
Okay, so I know I just said technology is a great way to stay connected—but there’s another side to this coin. While tech is a fantastic tool to supplement and enable in-person interactions, it should never fully replace them.
Why? Because nothing beats the warmth and connection of real, face-to-face contact. In fact, over-reliance on virtual communication can sometimes make loneliness worse.
As noted by The Guardian, one study found that during the pandemic, “Virtual contact made many over-60s feel lonelier and more depressed than no contact at all.”
While a video call is better than nothing, it’s not a substitute for the richness of in-person interactions. Shared laughs, hugs, and simply being in the same space with someone can’t be replicated through a screen.
The key takeaway?
Use technology to make plans, stay in touch, and connect—but whenever possible, prioritize meeting up in person.
Even small gestures, like inviting a friend over for coffee or joining a local group, can go a long way in fending off feelings of isolation.
Final thoughts
Loneliness and isolation might be common as we age, but they don’t have to be your story.
By recognizing and letting go of these five behaviors, you can take meaningful steps toward building stronger connections and living a more fulfilling life.
Remember, it’s never too late to try something new, reach out to others, or make changes that bring you closer to the relationships and community you deserve.
Whether it’s stepping out of your comfort zone, prioritizing your health, or finding a balance between technology and in-person interaction, each step you take makes a difference.
Life is meant to be shared—so don’t let your habits hold you back from experiencing the richness of connection. You’ve got this!
Neuroscientist reveals a new way to manifest more financial abundance
Breakthrough Columbia study confirms the brain region is 250 million years old, the size of a walnut and accessible inside your brain right now.
