Valentine’s Day will have just passed as this paper reaches readers. Days celebrating love and togetherness can be particularly challenging for some seniors—and the thoughts of what they feel they don’t have can make social isolation worse. And when older people become socially isolated, it takes a toll on their physical and mental health. 

However, interactions with peers, time spent with family, and community support systems prevent isolation among seniors. This will also lead to improved physical, emotional and mental well-being. 

It’s a good idea to know how to create these social situations. Fortunately, there are practical approaches you can take. 

New Yorkers aged 65 and over accounted for almost 18 percent of the state’s population in 2021. The figure is similar, 17.8 percent, for Pennsylvania. The senior population continues to grow, calling for a greater need for long-term health care. 

Yet, staying socially involved and physically active prolongs the need for long-term care.

Consider some of the following tips.  

Constantly reach out to local friends and neighbors and take advantage of local programs for seniors. Engaging with the community, neighbors and friends gives purpose and meaning. 

Focus more on family, especially if you live near relatives, children or grandchildren. Make time to visit and plan activities. Intergenerational connections are powerful and also fill a life with meaning and purpose. 

Some seniors even go so far as to have a roommate. Shared housing reduces costs and offers daily interactions with other like-minded people. There are roommate-matching agencies that provide background checks and pair people with common interests. 

Additionally, home care combats loneliness in the elderly. In-home caregivers offer assistance with housekeeping, meal prep and transportation. They also provide companionship. 

Moreover, whether you are single, divorced, widowed or in a relationship, you can constantly fuel new interests with activities. For example, seek volunteer opportunities. This is a great way to help the community and make new friends. 

Pursue interests with other people or as a couple. Take time to discover new interests and hobbies. 

Senior centers often have a wide variety of programs and unique activities. 

Consider traveling and seeing the place you’ve always wanted to visit. 

Do not allow feelings of loneliness to take over, no matter if you are single, widowed or divorced. If you are in a relationship, embrace all the years you have spent together and keep that spark alive.

Vicky Gemme works at ECDOL, which specializes in senior care services, as a senior care specialist and has been working in this field for over four years. She also has a National Caregiver Certification from the American Caregiver Association.