According to a research study conducted by the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA), feelings of isolation among older adults aged 50 to 80 years old has declined from 56% in 2020 to0 34% in 2023. The pandemic undoubtedly created the surge during its peak, but 7% more adults feel loneliness than pre-pandemic levels. 
The study also found that chronic loneliness adversely affects one’s mental, physical and cognitive health. This is a concern for elderly given that they are more susceptible to social isolation and poorer health. The World Health (WHO) asserts that this can result in shortening older peoples’ lives perhaps by several years.
The consideration, then, becomes how to reduce isolation of seniors in order to enable them to live their best life in the golden years and maintain a healthy overall wellbeing. In today’s digital world, fighting loneliness is more accessible, according to the WHO.
Programs like social skills training, befriending and cognitive behavioral therapy can be found online. In the Fort Myers/Naples area of Florida there are a number of great social clubs that seniors can join in their later years and make the friends and form the bonds that fight loneliness. In an earlier blog from 2023, we covered a variety of local programs:
Garden Clubs. Community gardens and clubs are on the rise across the nation. If you and your loved one are the type who likes to get into the dirt and work with nature, our area has plenty to choose from. GardenClub.org allows you to enter your location and search for clubs within a certain proximity. You’ll find the Gulf Coast Garden Club and Naples Garden Club among many others to contact for more information.
Book Clubs. Reading can help keep our minds sharp and active as we age. Book clubs offer the ideal combination of nurturing the mind as well as keeping us social. Book clubs for all, for men and for women exist in our area. A recent post on the GulfShoreLine.com website offered many options from which seniors in the area can join.
Social Clubs. For those looking for a general social group based on age or interest, the website MeetUp.com allows a search by area and lists many clubs with to choose from.
SilverSneakers. Sometimes, regular gyms can be intimidating for seniors or older people with disabilities. SilverSneakers is an organization for the 65+ age group that offers low key ways to exercise with an added social element. You can go to a gym, walk outdoors with other seniors or even exercise right at home with a group of senior friends.
Athletic Competitions. Yes, organized competitions do exist for people in their senior years. Whether you are a serious athlete or just a beginner looking for a little fun competition, healthful exercise within a social environment, the National Senior Games organization can be a great place to start. You can join a local group and then move onto the national competition.
Other notable and interesting social clubs that have chapters in the Fort Meyers/Naples area include the Red Hat Society, a unique club for women who want to have some fun with friendship among the locals or internationally. The Audubon Society of Florida offers the unique experience of bird watching and conservation right in our backyard. It is a great way to meet new like-minded people and serve our environment at the same time.
The study also found that chronic loneliness adversely affects one’s mental, physical and cognitive health. This is a concern for elderly given that they are more susceptible to social isolation and poorer health. The World Health (WHO) asserts that this can result in shortening older peoples’ lives perhaps by several years.
The consideration, then, becomes how to reduce isolation of seniors in order to enable them to live their best life in the golden years and maintain a healthy overall wellbeing. In today’s digital world, fighting loneliness is more accessible, according to the WHO.
Programs like social skills training, befriending and cognitive behavioral therapy can be found online. In the Fort Myers/Naples area of Florida there are a number of great social clubs that seniors can join in their later years and make the friends and form the bonds that fight loneliness. In an earlier blog from 2023, we covered a variety of local programs:
Garden Clubs. Community gardens and clubs are on the rise across the nation. If you and your loved one are the type who likes to get into the dirt and work with nature, our area has plenty to choose from. GardenClub.org allows you to enter your location and search for clubs within a certain proximity. You’ll find the Gulf Coast Garden Club and Naples Garden Club among many others to contact for more information.
Book Clubs. Reading can help keep our minds sharp and active as we age. Book clubs offer the ideal combination of nurturing the mind as well as keeping us social. Book clubs for all, for men and for women exist in our area. A recent post on the GulfShoreLine.com website offered many options from which seniors in the area can join.
Social Clubs. For those looking for a general social group based on age or interest, the website MeetUp.com allows a search by area and lists many clubs with to choose from.
SilverSneakers. Sometimes, regular gyms can be intimidating for seniors or older people with disabilities. SilverSneakers is an organization for the 65+ age group that offers low key ways to exercise with an added social element. You can go to a gym, walk outdoors with other seniors or even exercise right at home with a group of senior friends.
Athletic Competitions. Yes, organized competitions do exist for people in their senior years. Whether you are a serious athlete or just a beginner looking for a little fun competition, healthful exercise within a social environment, the National Senior Games organization can be a great place to start. You can join a local group and then move onto the national competition.
Other notable and interesting social clubs that have chapters in the Fort Meyers/Naples area include the Red Hat Society, a unique club for women who want to have some fun with friendship among the locals or internationally. The Audubon Society of Florida offers the unique experience of bird watching and conservation right in our backyard. It is a great way to meet new like-minded people and serve our environment at the same time.