News

By guest columnist Marie Canaday, Warren County Community Services

As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, it’s natural to want to spend more time indoors. But for older adults, especially those living alone, staying inside for long periods of time can lead to social isolation, which can increase the risk of depression and other medical issues. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General has declared social isolation a public health epidemic, with impact on both physical and mental health.

Read on to learn tips for remaining connected to others to avoid social isolation.

• Schedule regular check-ins. Set up weekly phone or video calls with family, friends or neighbors. A simple conversation can immediately lift one’s spirits.
• Volunteer your time. Helping others—whether through a food pantry, library or community event—provides purpose and connection. If you are home-bound, there are also virtual ways to volunteer such as writing kindness cards, virtual tutoring or transcribing historical documents for the Smithsonian.

Volunteer Opportunities | AARP

Volunteer Opportunities | Cincinnati Zoo

Volunteer opportunities in your area | Just Serve

• Join a local senior center. The 741 Senior Center, operated by Warren County Community Services, offers daily activities, warm meals and opportunities to make friends in a warm and welcoming space. Activities include bingo, silver sneakers, cards, crafts, group trips and special speakers.

“It’s my friends that keep me coming back,” says Wanda. “They give me the motivation to exercise, otherwise I would be at home.” Learn more by clicking here.  

• Ask for help. If transportation or mobility is a challenge, reach out to resources and services that may help. We have a robust transportation program that can help you move around Warren County. Learn more by clicking here.
• Put down the phone and pick up a new hobby.  Rather than helping us feel more connected, excessive use of social media can do the opposite. One study found that people who use social media for two hours or more daily were more than twice as likely to report feeling socially isolated than those who were on such apps for less than 30 minutes a day. (Learn more about this study here.)  Instead, take a class, join a book club or attend a workshop – learning something new is a great way to meet people with similar interests.

This winter don’t wait for connection to come to you — create it. Reach out to a neighbor, visit a senior center or make that phone call you’ve been meaning to. The smallest step can brighten someone’s day, including your own.

About the Author:
Marie Canaday is the Community Relations Specialist at Warren County Community Services, Inc. (WCCS), which serves individuals and families across Warren County and Butler County. Services for older adults include home-delivered meals, care management, senior housing, senior transportation, Home Energy Assistance Program and the 741 Senior Center.