“Straying from Loneliness”

According to a 2024 poll, one in three Americans report feeling lonely at least once per week. And one in 10 say they feel lonely every day. Experts generally describe loneliness as a state of distress or discomfort due to a gap between a person’s desire for social connection and their actual experiences of socially connecting with others. 

Some aspects of loneliness can be due to conditions beyond your control – for instance, you moved to a new city and haven’t made friends yet, a loved one has passed on or your schedule is too busy to allow you time to connect with others. But other aspects of loneliness can be learned, meaning it may be due to habits that you’ve created on your own accord. Many of us got into some comfortable patterns during the pandemic when we were lying low to avoid crowds. But some of these pastimes may have stuck around and may be inadvertently leading to us feeling lonelier than ever. Here are some of these habits we may want to change. 

Consider Eating Out

With so many food delivery companies to choose from, many of us can get food delivered from just about any restaurant. Some fast-food restaurants also deliver, meaning you don’t even have to get in your car to go through a drive-thru and talk to a cashier at the window these days. But your nightly takeout habit is likely preventing you from socializing. Call up a friend or a family member and plan to head out to eat. It can be a great way to get a delicious meal and sneak in some social time. If you live in a Brookdale community, grab a table at the restaurant and pull up a chair next to some of your neighbors. Getting out of your home to eat a meal with others is often a great way to spend some time around people. And even if you venture out for a meal solo, you’ll be able to interact with a hostess and waitress and other restaurant patrons. 

Run Your Errands in Person

Remember when you used to have to go to the store to buy everything from shampoo to vitamins and jeans? Nowadays, it’s so easy to do all your shopping online. You could literally never leave your house and get nearly everything you need delivered right on your doorstep. Many of us got into the habit of doing this during the pandemic. But going to the store is an opportunity for so much socialization. You’ll have a chance to talk to people like the store greeter, the cashier, a sales associate, maybe other shoppers. You may even run into someone you know. Some grocery stores are so keen on this trend of helping seniors who feel isolated get some in-person shopping socialization that they are trying out having special slow checkout lanes, which allow extra time for chatting at the register.

Consider Connecting Through Technology

While there are many benefits to in-person gatherings, technology connections are better than no connections. “Although technology has, in some ways, created distance between humans, it can also be harnessed to foster connections,” says clinical psychologist Dr. Carla Marie Manly. She suggests staying in touch with loved ones through daily phone calls, texts, video chats or social media. “If you aren’t skilled in the realm of technology, reach out to someone who is to help you navigate the often-confusing online world; the more you work at it, the easier it will become,” adds Manly. 

Try Something New

You used to try out new workout classes at your gym, check the bulletin board at your local community center for new classes they were hosting and purchase Groupons to try out all sorts of interesting experiences. But nowadays, you may have gotten into a rut where you do the same old thing, which limits the number of interactions you could be having with new people. Shake yourself out of your norm and challenge yourself to go back to trying a few new experiences. Sign up for a pickleball lesson, volunteer or take a new class. Don’t know where to start? 

“Think outside the box when it comes to connecting with others,” says Manly. “Many activities and connections can be formed through social clubs, hobby groups, spiritual/religious venues, and health-oriented forums.” 

Get Outside More 

Your couch is comfortable, and you have plenty of television shows to watch. But spending all your time indoors generally limits the number of chances you’ll have for socializing. Stepping out your front door will likely bring you face-to-face with people to interact with and can be a chance to flex your social skills. “Get outside as much as possible!” says Manly. “Whether you take a walk, go to the store, or sit in the park, use time outside to engage with others, even if only to smile, chat, and feel the world around you.” Even a simple walk around the block will give you the opportunity to stop and make small talk with a neighbor.

Consider Accepting and Extending More Invitations

You used to say “yes” to invitations for BBQs, salsa night and girls’ night out. But during the pandemic, you probably got used to passing up invitations that came your way in order to avoid crowds. Take a moment to remember how much fun you used to have when taking friends and loved ones up on these invitations. And when invitations come through, consider giving them a whirl. It’s also a good time to host and throw a few of your own events. Have some neighbors over for a game night. Invite your pals out for a brunch. Or host an Emmy’s viewing party and order pizza while you watch the stars take the stage. Any excuse to get together with friends and family is a good one! 

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