7 Loneliness-Busters You’ll Find Online
Loneliness can be debilitating, but a scaled down social life doesn’t have to be a lonely one. Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham say that seniors who regularly engage in Internet activity are less likely to feel lonely than those without a computer.
The results of the study, to be published soon in the The Journal of Medical Internet Research, confirm what some of us already have experienced: Using the Internet can connect us with the people we care about and increase our ability to meet new people – all of which, of course, makes us feel less isolated and lonely.
Today’s web offers more and more ways to connect to the world. We’ve listed seven. You may have tried a few of them already; next time you’re stuck in the house – you’re under the weather; there’s bad weather; or you just can’t find something to do/someone to do it with – try these loneliness-busters.
Reach Out
Recent statistics show that seniors are rapidly entering the social networks arena. Sign up for a network, connect with friends (you might even discover some old friends) and enjoy the results.
- Facebook – in case you’re not one of the more billion-plus people already using it – is a free online network where users register and create a personal profile. Add friends; exchange messages, photos, etc.; and check your newsfeed to see what the people you’re connected with are posting. Some people have discovered long-lost friends on Facebook (and some wish they hadn’t!).
- Skype lets you enjoy face-to-face live-video visits via the Internet, using a webcam or your computer or tablet’s built-in camera and microphone. You can download the latest version of Skype and connect for free after you’ve set up a profile and made or accepted contact requests with friends. (Click here for instructions on how to get started on Skype.)
Listen to Music
Experts say that listening to your favorite music can be extremely uplifting, especially when you listen to familiar songs.
- Pandora is free web service that plays musical collections based on your musical tastes. You can listen to pandora on your computer or via a free downloadable app on your tablet. Click here to learn more about Pandora on Senior Planet.
Get Educated
Going back to school is now just a click away. Even when you study online, you’re part of a community, and coursework can connect you to students of all ages who share your interests. Click here to see Senior Planet’s list of free online courses. And check out…
- Coursera, and online resource that partners with top universities and organizations offering online courses for free. The technology enables these educational partners to offer millions of students access to a world-class education.
Volunteer
Numerous studies have shown that those suffering with depression and anxiety feel better when helping others. Performing acts of kindness pushes aside negative emotions. Don’t worry if you’re homebound: Plenty of groups need callers or envelope stuffers.
- Volunteer Match connects you with opportunities (disaster call center? child care?) based on the causes you’re interested in and your skills and capabilities.
- Create the Good is an AARP volunteer portal that encourages members (AARP Membership is $16.00 per year) to help make a difference in the world.
Join an Online Community
Online communities use groups, message boards and other discussion tools to connect you with others around specific interests and concerns – or just to chat. While there are not many senior-specific online communities, you’ll find plenty that bring together people of all ages who share a particular hobby or passion.
- The AARP Community is the biggest and most lively. Click here to check out an online conversation about older seniors’ computer savviness. [Update 10/6/16: The AARP Community has been discontinued.]
- Travellers Point is a community of people who love to travel.
Get a Pet
Studies show that owning a pet improves both physical and emotional health and is a sure way to beat loneliness.
- PAWS (Seniors for Seniors) adoption program places senior cats and dogs (typically over 7 years of age) with people over 60. PAWS’ online matchmakers help you select a companion that fits into your lifestyle and housing situation at a reduced adoption rate of $35. (Click here to see more online resources for pet choice and care.)
Can’t have a pet? Check out Explore and view live webcams of cats, dogs, and wildlife.
Meditate
Researchers at UCLA have found that seniors who practice meditation were able to reduce feelings of loneliness and also boost their immune systems.
- Sahaja Yoga Meditation offers free online course for the purest form of meditation through videos and audio guided meditations.
- Deepak Chopra’s site has a wide variety of books, CDs, and videos about learning and practicing meditation. Prices vary.
Got an online loneliness-buster you like to use? Share the info in the comments box below.
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Comments
Coursera is NOT free … just another hustling site that uses that term loosely. Yes, you can sign up/join for free, but if you want to ACTUALLY take a course, it is NOT free!!!
Not meaning to be cranky, but it’s really getting so ‘old’ and annoying for people/businesses to hustle us like this. That especially applies to those who are duped as they are trying to stay educated and purposeful on a very small SSA income only.
☹️☹️☹️
For anyone seeing this now, Coursera courses are free. I have taken many courses for free. You have to choose to audit the course. If you select the certificate option, then it will cost money. If you are interested in a certificate but can’t afford it, you can apply for a scholarship.
Hi, Can the two of you enjoy each other? I am widowed. When one says that I have to talk to the walls, I can say that I know what you mean because there is no one else in my home. I am just motivated to tell you to enjoy each other before one of you is REALLY alone.
Hi Chris . Hope all is well . Take care of yourself man. Hope you are having an awesome day .
Hello Chris, My name is Janice. Nice to meet you. I am just checking in to see how you are coping with further isolation due to this corona mess! I am a senior not usually home bound but I am finding this difficult. I have a spouse but he continues to work outside our home so time has slowed to a crawl. I hope you are doing well and if you like I would love to communicate.
Hi Chris,
I agree with you….My husband is 80 and I’m 72………When we were younger we always went out dancing and enjoying each other, now that we are up there in age we watch a lot of TV together, who knows when our time is up.
Hi there, I’m a Buddhist monk and I currently live in Bangkok. I love to talk with senior citizens and help them to overcome their loneliness with my gentle & compassionate words. If anyone would like to converse with me via skype, please contact me. Its free!
Hello Sagar. I am a lady,a senior. I have made so many life mistakes.It’s hard to live with myself. I come from a good family. I was very accomplished,in my working days. I met an older guy,never married,but as the time goes on,its more diffcult,living with him. I thought it was better then living alone. I am sad,my grown children don’t bother with me. I just don’t know what way to turn,so depressed. Please I would welcome any help. Thanks Colleen
Hello Sagar – Are you still offering to chat with folks online? I don’t have Skype set up yet but could accomplish that I’m sure. Also I’m new to Senior Planet so I don’t know how to communicate on this platform yet.
thank you
Kathy
Long Island, New York
USA
“seniors who regularly engage in Internet activity are less likely to feel lonely ”
Sure, right. Seeing how OTHER people are living life to the fullest, having great times at social occasions with a retinue of friends, regularly seeing their successful and independent adult children with their own perfect families — oh yeah, browsing all that is going to make a lonely, trapped senior feel better?
I agree, Chuck, and a person wants to reach out, but there are so many weirdos out there. I’d just be tickled to death to find someone “normal” to talk to. I miss the good ol’ days, when we didn’t have all this crazy stuff going on and people were just out to find a good friend to talk with or do things with. It was all very innocent and lovely. What a crazy world we live in now. Somebody always wanting to use someone or just jump in the sack. No morals whatsoever. To me, it’s sickening and sad. No integrity or respect about themselves, either.
Hello Chuck – I know what you mean. Hopefully some of this is temporary but I too am somewhat trapped and am resigned to seeing other folks with a life, enjoy themselves. I think the real answer is engagement on any level. You seem intelligent – is there a reading group at a library near you?
Kathy in New York
Hi, been looking through the sight to find, ohhh myy gosh theres something for seniors, or the elderly.
My husband and I are so lonely, especially me I like to be around people, I and my husband like to laugh.Why nobody hardly comes to see us I dont know, theres that 4 letter word I have come to dislike BUSY.We have tried senior centers and really didnt like them, being honest We found them very clickish thats only our oplnlon, I am limited as to knowing how to do things on the computer.I am tired of being depressed its a terrible thing but you can pull yourself out, talking to someone on the phone, having someone come over or us going to visit them would be great, We are good people, theres got to be more to life then looklng at the walls,its hard to think of what to write, we are both in our 60, s.
I understand completely, Sandra.
Is there a Barnes & Noble in your area? It’s a great place to hang out at the cafe, read magazines, books, and people watch. Become a regular and you might find other regulars there as well.
Unless you’re physically disabled, you should make an effort to go somewhere everyday where there’s people. It makes a difference. Really!
Good luck and get out of that house. :)
Thanks for commenting.
Vonnie