Caroline Abrahams
Age UK, Charity Director
The fun and friendship don’t stop at retirement. Learn how to overcome loneliness and discover the varied activities available to you as you age.
There’s no doubt that loneliness is a growing risk as we age, because lifelong relationships often melt away. We may lose a partner and close friends and develop serious health conditions or disabilities that stop us getting out to see people. In addition, the daily camaraderie at work, the laughs and jokes, will no longer be there after we retire.
Rediscover hobbies and interests
In this sense, stopping work is often a pivotal moment. For this reason, it’s a good idea to think about how you want to live in retirement before you get there; plus, once you do, never hesitate to try out new things until you find what’s right for you.
Do remember though that loneliness isn’t inevitable, and we can take action to overcome it. We all have different needs for companionship, but most of us benefit from spending time with people who share our interests — whether that’s crochet, choir or walking cricket — and you may well find some lovely opportunities to join community activities. Our local Age UKs put on some brilliant initiatives, so check those out too, by phone or online.
Do remember though that loneliness isn’t inevitable,
and we can take action to overcome it
Age in a way that suits you
In all honesty, it is probably impossible to replace someone who has known you all your life, like a sister or brother, but it is entirely possible to make new friends, and to have fun! Indeed, some retirees obtain a new lease of life because they are finally able to do what they have always wanted and be the person they always hoped to be.
It helps if you have enough money, of course, but there are also joys to be had at low cost or for free, especially in local communities. It also helps if you are in good health, but even if you aren’t, there are sources of support that you can access from your own armchair. Just contact Age UK to find out more.
At Age UK, we are convinced that life is for living, from the first day to the last, and many older people are walking examples of how enriching later life can be. Together, we can change how we age.
Contact Age UK to find out more: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/connection
