Pros and Cons to having an active social life after the age of 65

“Social life is not for everyone.”, “People don’t like me.”, “People make me sick.”… Such common phrases and stereotypes actually very much impact our lives and wellbeing, especially after 65 years of age. 
Actually, social life is a must if we want to be happy! Believe me or not this is the reality and the earlier we grasp it, the better for our lives and happiness.

Pros of social life after 65

Social contacts make me relaxed:  

Absolutely true. Exchanging vibes and positive energy with friends and closer people bring us loads of benefits. We hear firsthand stories, experiences, and even fears that may open the door to whole other worlds of experience that is invaluable. This makes you reflect on your own experiences, digest stressful situations from the past, and move forward energized and renewed for new challenges. Such contacts can inspire us and make us dream again. 

Social life makes me laugh and feel happy

Building on top of the previous bullet we can experience a lot of joy through social contacts and of course refresh our brains, and see well beyond what we tend to see when we are isolated or alone. 

Makes me move around, reach new places and stay fit

Of course, being social requires visiting new places and people. This is an experience that makes us more dynamic, traveling and flexible personas, more open to new ideas and to be challenged in whatever situations. That helps us cope with stress, and anxiety, be energized, and be open to new ideas and ventures. 

Helps me make plans and feel younger

True. Above all aging is mostly about numbers. A lot of people prove that feeling younger and making plans help stay fit till whatever age. And this also is much related to communicating proactively. You need inspiration and energy and this mostly comes from other human beings whom we mutually interact with. Why not plan your next mountain trip with a club or your close friends who will inspire you for a new challenge in your life.  

Helps me have a daily routine

Yes, you read this correct – daily routine is critical for health, wellbeing, and happiness. Social contacts will help you have a good daily routine. Every day you need movement, you need to speak to others for some time, laugh has your dinner on time go to bed early, and better get up early. You will surely have the motivation to get up early when your friend along with their dog will wait for you at 8 AM across the street.  

Cons of social life after 65

I feel overwhelmed with others’ problems

Sometimes this may be true. If you meet with people, you like being with, then you are not likely to feel overwhelmed with their problems or experiences. Think before going on for a meeting: do you really want to meet that friend? Do you need to see them? If any of these questions answer is No, then you need to come up with a good “reason” and postpone the meeting 😊 Of course there are moments when we just need to sacrifice our peace to help someone when they need help and if this is the case it is up to you to decide if you meet or not… 

My mates are in bad health and make me sick 

Often when we are Elderly age and a lot of our friends are not fit and happy. This may make us feel sick. If you really want to see your friends although their medical condition you are good to prepare for the meeting. You better be well-rested and positive when you go to meet them. Think a few minutes about what good experiences you had in the past and you can share a few when you meet. Do not discuss their medical conditions unless this is not required from the situation. To take the fest energy out of the meeting for both you and your friends you better not stay too long. You know that when we stay too long with someone, we haven’t met for a long time it starts to feel which you surely would not want. If you need to have extra time with your friends set a new meeting and go step by step to develop your contact. 

Too much communication makes me nervous and tired 

Surely with aging, these side effects from communication may occur. At some point, you may start feeling nervous and tired for no reason. That is usually due to the energy exchanges we experience when meeting other people especially if your companions are not feeling well, you may start feeling blue and tired. Again, this very much depends on whom you meet and if you both feel happy together.  

I fee pitiful for the past when I am with younger people 

This is something we rarely tend to speak about. Feeling guilt is one of the signs of potential mental issues or depression. Remember – you barely can change anything if you feel guilt. You better reflect on your past and try not to make the same mistakes. If you stick to this you will become happier and will rarely make the same mistakes again and a lot of these mistakes are related to relationships, making others feel bad or not willing to communicate to close people. You now have the chance to change this and guilt is not your ally, you do not need guilt. You need to move forward, make that extra step to your happiness to your new better inner life, call your friend ask them how they feel of ask for forgiveness. You will feel much better and so will your friends. 

I feel guilty when I am in a company 

Guilt is nothing you can improve yourself with. Sometimes elderly people that lost their better half tend to feel guilt and ruminate over old memories and experiences. This does not help them live in the present moment. To overcome the anxiety good company may be very soothing and relaxing. Furthermore, it will help if you can share your inner feelings with your friend and let the stress go out of you. When a Senior woman or man has lost most of their relatives this may be another reason to feel depressed. Such people need to find happiness in everyday communications and activities. Surely these people will want to go back to their memories from time to time. It will be far easier to live their current lives, friendships, and activities than to live in the past. Life is for living in this moment, not in the past.

Life is unfolding as long as we make everyday efforts to unfold it for good. Life will bring us joy and happiness if we open the door to these feelings. At the age of 65-75-85-95 surely there is a load of challenges. If not face them with a smile, what better can we do for ourselves?! Social life is a pure mental cure and stimulator for mental health. Use it for your health and happiness in the doses that best suit your physical and mental state. Your every small effort will pay back to you and to the  people around you, 

Meet people you love being with. 
Enjoy your happiest life, and love yourself! 🙂

HeyArt mission is to give you a little bit of focus and peace of mind every other day through Art & Craft learning online.
Follow our Facebook group, Twitter account, Youtube channel.
To support our Elderly cause, safely Donate here.