Weight Loss Tips for Men Over 50
As a young 20-something, fresh into adulthood, you may have found that you could eat what you wanted when you wanted it and still maintain a reasonably fit body. When you entered the next decade, you may have been more intentional about your food choices and spent more time at the gym to keep extra weight off. Now as a man over fifty, you may be struggling to lose any weight at all, regardless of how hard you work to get rid of the “dad bod.”
It may take more effort than it once had, but it is possible to lose weight and stay fit. Continue below to read some tips on how to lose the weight AND keep it off.
Why Can’t I Lose Weight?
As you age, your metabolism slows down and functions less efficiently than it once had in your youth. Your body requires fewer calories a day and any additional ones not used will turn into fat. On top of that, if you’re like most middle-aged men and you become less active or notice your energy levels have dropped, it can be hard to get motivated to work out. Weight gain can also signal decreased testosterone levels or hypothyroidism, which are both common in older men.
But that doesn’t mean you have to grow complacent with your body — it just means you may have to be more deliberate about your weight-loss strategy and Renewed Vitality is here to help!
What Can I do About It?
- Start with Your Plate — Much like how it’s important for your body’s hormones to remain in balance, your plate should also have balance. When portioning your dinner plate, half of the plate should have vegetables, a quarter should have a lean protein, such as chicken, turkey, salmon, or eggs, and the remaining quarter should have a “quality” carbohydrate, such as brown rice or oats, according to the “perfect plate” strategy. The average day of a 50-something-year-old man is usually busy with work meetings, sporting events for the kids, and household chores, which makes grabbing fast food an appealing option since it’s quick and easy. But meal-prepping during the weekends or in any downtime can help you stick to your healthy diet and manage your portion control.
- Break a Sweat at the Gym — While you may have one preferred type of exercise, such as solely weightlifting or cardio, it’s important to mix up the workouts. One study found that “older people who did a combination of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise and 30 minutes of resistance exercise three days per week reduced their body fat percentage and gained muscle.” While one exercise method burns more calories than fat, the other does the opposite, which provides the results you want.
- Review Your Medications — If you are not seeing any improvements after incorporating a healthy diet and exercise regimen into your daily routine, it may be a good idea to look into the side effects of your medication. As you age, you may be prescribed medications for various conditions and some of these medications can result in weight gain. If you believe that the one you are taking may be the cause of your weight gain, talk to your doctor about other medication options.
- Find Your Balance — If the weight gain is related to a hormone imbalance, you may still struggle to lose the weight even after sticking to a healthy diet and exercise routine. That’s when it’s time to come to Renewed Vitality. Naturally, hormone levels can decrease with age including testosterone, and can leave you suffering with weight gain, erectile dysfunction, infertility, decreased muscle mass, and lowered sex drive.
Renewed Vitality offers Testosterone Replacement Therapy to help you find your balance. Each patient is treated with a personalized plan that suits their unique imbalance
How can Renewed Vitality Help?
At Renewed Vitality, we offer a Serotonin-Plus Weight Loss Program that combines diet, lifestyle changes, and medical supplements to help boost weight loss efforts and teach healthy behavior changes that will last a lifetime.
Once you enroll in the program, you will receive a customized diet plan that will help you balance food groups and learn portion sizes. Our medical practitioner will also periodically administer a small dose of phentermine, a stimulant that helps curb your appetite and jump start your metabolism, and also provide a mood-balancing serotonin pill and multivitamin. Schedule your weight loss consultation today and get started on your life changing journey.
As you get older, you may find your energy levels decreasing and the tendency that you brew an extra cup of coffee throughout the day increasing. Sure, that delicious morning cup o’ joe works wonders in getting you up and moving to start your day, but what is it actually doing to your health?
Is Coffee Bad for Me?
The question as to whether or not coffee is bad for your health has been a hot topic over the years, resulting in many contradicting studies. But the answer to that question may lie in how often you drink it and how you take your coffee.
Regardless of doctors warning over the years that coffee may increase the risk of heart disease, stunt growth, create a caffeine dependendency, and damage the digestive tract, about 64% of Americans still drink at least one cup a day.
However, new research shows that the warnings from the doctors that deemed coffee unhealthy may not have been as accurate since the earlier studies did not always rule out other factors such as those who smoke, drink alcohol, or fail to exercise. Recent studies did not find a significant link between caffeine and high cholesterol, irregular heartbeats, stroke or heart attack.
While a single cup of black coffee a day may not have significant damages on your health, several cups of coffee with cream and sugar may have a different result. Black coffee gives the same boost of energy and metabolic rate for only 2 calories, while large sugary frappuccinos can have around 800 calories per drink. Weight gain and extra sugar in the diet can lead to cardiac risk and diabetes, so be sure to limit the additives.
Are There Negative Effects to Drinking Coffee?
For many, the comforting smell and taste of that ritualistic brew is what they look forward to every morning, and some even rely on it as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up and pairing with dessert. While federal dietary guidelines suggest that it is safe to consume 3-5 eight-ounce cups of coffee a day, exceeding that amount can have negative effects on your health.
Consuming too much caffeine can lead to jitteriness, anxiety, heart palpitations, raised blood pressure, and panic attacks so it is recommended to limit coffee consumption if you suffer from anxiety issues, high blood pressure or insomnia. Pregnant women and children should also avoid drinking coffee.
There may also be some indirect consequences on your health regarding your coffee intake. If coffee is consumed later in the afternoon, it can disrupt sleep, which may result in health complications.
Are there Any Benefits?
The good news all you coffee drinkers have been waiting for — there are proven benefits to the beverage, as long as it is consumed responsibly, and the benefits may even outweigh the risks!
Coffee is high in antioxidants and has been found to lower the risk of strokes and coronary heart disease since it keeps blood vessels flexible. A separate study also found that plain black coffee may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to its effect on hormone levels involved in metabolism.
Studies have found that coffee may be attributed to lowering the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 65% and Parkinson’s disease by 32-60%. Plus, it’s been found to boost mood and sharpen mental focus (which most of us can already attest to).
What Are Alternative Ways to Boost My Energy?
You don’t have to go and immediately throw out all of your coffee filters and beans. Studies have found that there are both benefits to drinking coffee, as well as negative health effects if too much of it is consumed or made with cream and sugar.
If you’re looking for alternative ways to boost your energy levels without consuming an excessive amount of caffeine, schedule a consultation with Renewed Vitality. Insomnia and decreased energy may be signs of a hormone imbalance and our bioidentical hormone therapy can help you feel like your old self again!
Perimenopause and menopause are inevitable phases of life for women. They are part of the aging process and can include many uncomfortable symptoms that disrupt daily life and impact personal relationships.
Identifying Common Symptoms and Signs:
Perimenopause
- Hot Flashes
- Breast Tenderness
- Lower Sex Drive
- Intense or irregular periods that are heavier or lighter
- Increased Heartbeat
Menopause
- Hot Flashes
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Dry skin, eyes, and mouth
- Mood Swings
- Irritability
- Vaginal Dryness
If you’re unsure of whether or not you are suffering from a hormone imbalance, take our symptom checker quiz and talk to your doctor. You don’t have to suffer through uncomfortable menopausal symptoms alone. There are behaviors and lifestyle changes that may be able to help, especially with one of the more common, and frustrating, symptoms of perimenopause and menopause — hot flashes.
What are Hot Flashes?
During the menopausal transition, women can experience hot flashes that arise suddenly over the course of multiple years. Normally, nerve centers in the brain regulate internal body temperature, but when sex hormones are out of balance, hot flashes can be common.
The Penn Ovarian Aging Study shows that an estimated 80 percent of American women experience moderate to severe hot flashes. These can include excessive sweating and a rapid heartbeat that may even keep some women up during the night. While some women may experience mild to no symptoms during menopause, those who suffer from more severe symptoms that disrupt their daily lives, can look for relief through the following lifestyle changes.
Receive Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Renewed Vitality uses bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in order to ease and correct hormone imbalances, and improve the quality of life during perimenopause and menopause. Bioidentical hormones, which are derived from a plant-based source, are natural and biologically identical to what the human body generates. There are many benefits to using natural bioidentical hormones, including that they are more efficient and processed more easily by the body.
Find relief from hot flashes and menopausal symptoms and receive balance back in your life when you visit Renewed Vitality for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Schedule your consultation today!
Avoid Trigger Points
Every woman’s transition into menopause is unique, and the triggers that relate to the frequency and severity of hot flashes is no exception. Pay attention to when your hot flashes occur and take note of any common activities that may be related.
Common triggers of hot flashes include warm weather, stress, spicy or hot foods and beverages, caffeine, and alcohol. It can be hard to avoid the triggers entirely, but by being aware of what they are, it can help you prevent or control them more.
Quit Unhealthy Habits
As the new year nears and you begin making a list of resolutions for 2020, set goals to leave your unhealthy habits in the past. Not only will quitting unhealthy habits improve your physical and mental wellbeing, but adopting a healthier lifestyle can also show improvements to menopausal symptoms.
Smoking cigarettes is very detrimental to your physical health, and the habit has also been found to be linked to the intensity and frequency of menopausal symptoms and hot flashes. While quitting may be easier said than done, staying active when you anticipate a craving coming on can help curb cravings and keep your mind occupied.
Exercising daily, practicing relaxation techniques, and eating a well-balanced diet are other healthy lifestyle changes that can help you manage hot flashes. Studies have found that an unhealthy body weight may increase the intensity and frequency of hot flashes. We offer a Serotonin-Plus Weight Loss Program that combines diet, behavioral changes and medication to boost your metabolism, ignite your energy and curb cravings.
Find Your Balance
If your menopausal hot flashes are frequent, severe, and affecting your daily life, but you can’t find relief in lifestyle changes, schedule an appointment with Renewed Vitality.
Our practitioner, Becky McClure, CRNP, founded Renewed Vitality after she found relief from her menopausal symptoms through bioidentical hormone therapy, when traditional HRT didn’t work for her. She is passionate about helping you feel like yourself again.
There is a lot to celebrate during the holiday season, and with these festive months comes many invites to holiday parties and excuses to host small gatherings with family and friends. Whether you’re the host or the invitee, it can be difficult to choose the perfect outfit for every occasion. We outlined a guide of comfortable yet chic outfit ideas for every event that will not only help you look good, but feel good too!
Casual Gathering
You don’t have to ditch your favorite pair of jeans when attending your friend’s Secret Santa event or casual house party. Instead, add seasonal texture to your denim, such as a red or green velvet top, faux fur vest, or sequin accent piece to dress up a dressed down look and add a festive touch.
A cozy winter sweater can be dressed up with a fashionable printed scarf or statement necklace, or you can sport a solid turtleneck shirt under a patterned poncho or kimono cardigan, which are also in style this season. Feel free to accessorize the outfit with heeled-booties and your go-to jewelry to add an additional pop of color. For a casual event, you can choose comfort without sacrificing style.
Office Party
Many offices plan holiday parties in December and, to some, picking a look for the occasion that is sophisticated and professional yet fun and festive can be a challenge. You want to dress to impress without going overboard, but don’t overthink it.
Try wearing a printed, festive skirt paired with a solid-colored top instead of your usual work trousers and blouse. A classic pencil or a-line skirt and top duo is a timeless, feminine look that isn’t overly casual or fancy, and choosing an option in a rich, holiday color or fancy pattern or fabric is the holiday touch you need. You can style the outfit with a blazer or belted pea coat and tights for a seasonally appropriate look for the cold winter night. Let the celebrations begin!
Cocktail Hour
‘Tis the season for holiday cocktail parties complete with delicious finger foods and festive beverages.
Velvet tops and dresses in basic black or jewel tones are a popular trend this season. Pick your favorite, most flattering cut – anything from a wrap dress to a peasant top, mock turtleneck to a deep vee, works in this structured fabric – and the rich, luxe velvet will take your outfit to the next level. Accessorize with a sequined clutch and a pair of sparkly, strappy heels, and throw on a shawl or faux fur stole to keep you warm. You’ll earn the title of best dressed at any evening cocktail soiree.
Black Tie Celebration
When the ball drops this year, make sure you are ringing in the New Year in style and glamour. New Year’s Eve is the occasion to go all out and sport an outfit that lets you shine at the party.
While you can’t go wrong with your trusted “little black dress,” you can also opt to stand out in an elegant gold, silver, or sequined gown, midi dress, or romper. A sleek jumpsuit is also a fantastic alternative and can be paired with stilettos and statement jewelry to tie the whole look together. You’ll be toasting to this fun and sophisticated outfit when the clock strikes midnight!
Look and Feel Fabulous
With our 2019 Sophisticated Holiday Party Outfit Guide, you’ll be appropriately dressed for every occasion. We helped make your outfit selection easy, so the only hard decision left to make is what dish or gift to bring to the party.
Now that you’re looking fabulous in your festive style, you can feel fabulous with Renewed Vitality’s safe and effective hormone imbalance treatment options. Don’t let the uncomfortable symptoms of a hormone imbalance ruin your fun at your holiday parties this season. Contact us today to learn how we can help you feel like yourself again.
The end of the year is a busy time for many families. There are gifts to shop for, family meals to prepare, and parties to entertain. While it’s the most wonderful time of the year for many, it’s also the most exhausting.
With age, comes decreased energy levels and the holidays can leave one feeling drained and unable to check everything off their to-do list. Give yourself a gift this season and put your health first. We have included tips below to help you renew your energy and promote positive aging.
Eat Balanced Meals
Holidays can make it difficult to stick to a healthy, well-balanced meal plan. With Christmas cookies and desserts tempting you or the convenience of fast and easy processed dinners, you may not be getting the proper nutrients needed.
Whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can give you antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to boost your energy level. It’s important to get the appropriate amount of calories daily that your body needs in order for it to turn the substance into energy. Try avoiding “high-glycemic” foods, which includes white rice and bread, baked potato, and sweet desserts. The foods can cause fast spikes in your blood sugar, and while you may feel a boost of energy, the sugar crash may leave you more drained than before.
Another meal to eat in moderation is red meat. It takes the body more time, and energy, to digest, which can leave you feeling tired after a meal. Meat still carries necessary vitamins that your body needs, such as vitamin B12, but you can supplement with over-the-counter vitamins or non dairy milks including soy and almond.
Drink Plenty of Water
Fueling your body with the necessary amount of water may often times be an afterthought but it plays a vital role in supplying you with energy for the day. Healthline reports that the average adult should consume about 2 liters of water a day, even if they do not feel thirsty.
The body loses water throughout the day through sweat and urine and one must replenish it to not feel the effects of mild dehydration. Not only will the adequate amount of water give your body the energy it needs, but there are also studies that show it improves brain function and mood, prevents headaches, helps boost metabolism and lose weight, prevents constipation, and improves skin hydration plus more. Fuel your body with what it needs or you could experience the uncomfortable consequences.
Get Enough Sleep
While you may be thinking that “getting enough sleep” is easier said than done in this busy time of the year and even when you do lay down in bed, you can’t seem to doze off, there may be a few tips that could help.
Try setting a routine and sticking to it. Go to bed the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning. Your routine before bed should ditch screen time and instead involve reading a book, drinking hot bedtime tea, and meditating to relax your body. Do not nap during the day as that can confuse your internal clock, but instead be active.
Get Moving
While maintaining an active lifestyle may have you convinced that it is the reason for your fatigue, exercise and moving more throughout the day is actually a proven technique in boosting energy levels and preventing dips.
Take a morning walk outside to get your day started. The fresh air, movement, and vitamin D from the sun will all contribute to supplying you with the energy you need to get through the day and tackle your holiday to-do list. If the weather is too cold, you can take a stroll around your local mall and shop for the perfect Christmas gifts at the same time! You can also read more about the best low impact exercises for getting older here. Only do as much as you feel you can handle, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. You can gradually add in more exercises and you’ll start to notice how it helps your energy, mood, and overall health.
Talk to a Doctor About Hormones
If the tips above have still proven unsuccessful in boosting your energy levels this holiday season, it may be time to talk to your doctor about hormone replacement treatments.
Insomnia, lack of motivation, and decreased or no energy are all symptoms of a hormone imbalance. No matter how mild or severe your case is, a hormone imbalance can cause a significant amount of discomfort and inconvenience during your days, but it is highly treatable. At Renewed Vitality, we offer safe, effective Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy to help you find your balance and fuel your body for the holidays.
Get the Energy You Need to Fuel the Holidays
You don’t have to limit your activities and planning this season because of your exhaustion. With the tips listed above, you’ll be able to enjoy the holidays with your loved ones and remain the superior host you are every year!
Contact us today to find out how we can help you.
The holiday season can make it difficult to stick to a diet. With plates of turkey topped with warm gravy, mounds of fluffy mashed potatoes, and homemade apple pies being passed around the table, it can be hard to say “no” and opt for healthier options instead. That is, if they are even offered at your meal. But you don’t have to sacrifice your diet, or the meal you’ve been looking forward to all year, with these delicious, yet diet-friendly, dishes.
Would you believe us if we told you that you can still eat stuffing on Thanksgiving without ruining your diet? Well, it’s true with this Thanksgiving Stuffing Poppers recipe! Not only are these savory bites a healthy alternative, but they are also vegan and gluten free. The poppers are made from chickpeas and veggies, and the recipe even includes a cranberry jalapeno sauce so you can get your cranberry fix this season as well!
Rosemary Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Not a fan of cauliflower? Don’t knock this Rosemary Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe before you try it! This dish is a great healthy substitute to mashed potatoes and you may even end up preferring this version over the traditional side dish! It is low on calories, but high on flavor. The best part yet? It’s super easy — calling for only 5 ingredients (cauliflower, cream cheese, garlic, butter, and rosemary) and taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
This Healthy Green Bean Casserole may not be your grandmother’s recipe, but it will still taste delicious and save 160 calories and 12 grams of saturated fat. Typical green bean casserole recipes include a heavy cream sauce and buttered breadcrumbs or cheese, but this recipe uses low-fat milk and whole wheat breadcrumbs instead. Eat up!
Some may deem the turkey as the most important part of the Thanksgiving meal and with this healthy Rosemary Turkey Breast recipe, you don’t have to give the bird up this year! Instead of frying your turkey or marinating it in butter, use seasonings, such as paprika, garlic, and rosemary to add flavor, and roast the turkey in the oven.
Turkey Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash
This main dish replacement may be a little less traditional for Thanksgiving dinner, but you’ll still get your Turkey fix and leave with a pleased palate. If you or your guests are vegetarian, you can simply leave out the turkey sausage from the recipe and stuff the squash with the vegetables, seeds, and seasonings to please everyone’s dietary restrictions.
Yes, you can have your pie and eat it too. This Light and Luscious Pumpkin Pie recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your meal plan. It is only 187 calories for a single slice of pie and nut-free, soy-free, and diabetic appropriate. This pie will be a real crowd pleaser, even to those not counting calories this holiday season.
If you prefer Apple Pie over Pumpkin Pie — or you just want both, no judgement here — try this Cranberry Apple Maple Crisp instead! This grain-free, guilt-free dessert will have you coming back for seconds, or even thirds!
With these simple, delicious, and healthy Thanksgiving meal alternatives, you don’t have to dread your holiday season. Enjoy yourself without worrying about overindulging and ruining your diet.
If you’re waiting until after the holidays to begin your weight-loss journey, there’s nothing wrong with that either. Schedule a consultation with us today and see how our Serotonin-Plus Weight Loss Program may be the right choice for you. Our program focuses on diet, lifestyle changes, and medical supplements.
Quick! Take a look around. Draw the curtains, pull down the shades, we’re going to talk about it. What’s the big secret? This: Your sex drive can take a hit as you age. Really, it’s no surprise.
It holds true for just about everyone that the older you get, the one activity that once dominated large aspects of your private life can struggle to find its footing amid other stressful concerns like aging parents, planning for retirement, the lives of your children and grandchildren, and of course, sleep.
As a result of these factors, and perhaps in association with a few physical factors, sexual drive has been known to decline naturally as we age. However, it’s not just the physiological factors that can be encumbered by a reduced libido. Romance and emotional closeness can also be affected. This thought is concurred by Sheryl Kingsberg, PhD, a sex psycholgist and associate professor of reproductive biology at the Case Western Reserve School Medicine.
“[Libido] is about your body signaling that it wants to be sexual,” Kingsberg says. “Above and beyond horniness, it is the sense of intimacy in the relationship. If you are mad at your spouse, you could be horny but you’re not going to want to be sexual with that particular person.”
It’s because of factors like these that it is important to examine all aspects of sexual desire in order to get to the root of, and eventually solve, the problem.
What Elements Can Contribute to a Reduced Sex Drive?
Unfortunately for many older folks, aging can come with a wealth of side effects, not the least of which is a reduced sexual libido. Here are some common causes of a stunted sex drive among older women.
- Menopause: This is a big one. During this naturally occurring process, a woman’s ovaries stop producing estrogen, the vital hormone in physical femininity. As a result, the vaginal lining can become thinner, arousal may take longer, and muscle tone, lubrication, and vaginal elasticity can be compromised. As a result, women may experience pain during sex, difficulty or inability to climax, and finally, a dramatically decreased libido.
- Interpersonal Relationship Issues: We touched on this before. One big factor in sexual drive is a keen desire in your partner. Many factors can influence how you view your sexual partner, including emotional dissatisfaction within a relationship, partner performance problems, the birth of a child, and having to shoulder the responsibility of caring for aged loved ones.
- Sociocultural Influences: Another factor that shouldn’t be overlooked is the effect of outside forces. Everything from job stress to peer pressure can negatively affect libido, as can an overall social perspectives towards your sexual preferences and overly sheltered social groups that may be unwilling to discuss sex.
- Medical Problems: Many illnesses, disorders, or complications are capable of dealing your libido a solid blow. Mental illnesses like depression for example, can impact a person’s sex drive both mentally, while conditions like endometrosis, fibroids, and thyroid disorders, can impact it physically.
- Medications: Lowered libido is a common side effect of many medicines. This is especially true of antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and oral contraceptives. All of these medications can lower sexual drive in many ways, such as decreasing blood flow and altering brain chemistry.
So What Can I Do About It?
It’s not all doom and gloom when it comes to sex as you age, but if you are experiencing issues in this department, don’t worry. There are actually many things you can do that can drastically improve, sometimes even entirely transform, your sex life no matter how much you’ve aged.
- Regular Exercise: Exercise can almost be considered a miracle cure for a number of mental and physical health issues, including a lowered sex drive. It can improve sexual function and desire by improving blood flow and strengthening the heart.
- Limit Tobacco and Alcohol Use: This is another possible solution that gets brought up often, but we wouldn’t recommend it if it weren’t true. Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation can improve blood flow and organ function dramatically. Large amounts of mood-altering substances, like alcohol and tobacco, can dampen secual relexes, trigger hot flashes, and disrupt sleep.
- Try to Have a Little Fun Sometimes: Bringing some enjoyable, light-hearted novelty into your life can have incredible benefits on mental health, which in turn can help you with a sluggish libido. Take vacations, go on dates, and be spontaneous, even if it’s just once in a great while.
- Hormone Therapy: Hormone Replacement Therapy has been shown to have a wealth of positive effects on people of all ages from all walks of life. Renewed Vitality offers safe, effective hormone imbalance treatment options for both men and women. Click here to learn more about what hormone therapy is, and how much it can benefit those looking to reclaim control over their own bodies, minds, and spirits.
It rarely ever gets said, but for many people, sex is important. At Renewed Vitality, we want you to have the opportunity to live your life to the fullest, no matter how old you are. To schedule a consultation or for more information about managing your sex life as you age, don’t hesitate to contact the judgment-free experts at Renewed Vitality today!
Activity is important at any age. Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle keeps our bodies adaptable, our minds sharper, and our hearts happier. Activity isn’t only limited to our physical well being however. A lively social life is vital to keeping up with the effects of aging. Studies have found that those of us who maintain a healthy level of social activity do better overall than those who live solitary lifestyles.
The Science
We work our whole lives towards being able to retire in peace, but once you reach that milestone, what do you do to stay connected? Most people maintain a social circle with their friends from work, but when you don’t go into work anymore, you may lose touch. This can lead to clinical depression when coupled with a lack of continued activity. It can be difficult to get back into the social sphere when not working almost every day, but there is evidence that an engaging social life is just as important as a physically active one.
What Can You Do?
Finding ways to get out there and socialize might be challenging if you don’t know where to look. Here are a few suggestions for ways to pump new social activity into your life at any age:
Reconnect Socially
When you have more free time, you can spend some of it reaching out to those people you might not have had time for when you were more busy. Thanks to the internet, our world is more connected than ever before, so it’s easy to reach out and send a message to someone. You can stay up to date with people who live on the other side of the country, and more easily set up social get-togethers with people who live much closer.
Join A Local Organization
Idling at home can be relaxing at first, but many people don’t want to spend all of their free time sitting at home doing nothing. Finding new ways to engage and apply yourself as you get older is a great way to meet new people and keep yourself active. Whether it’s a community garden, book club, or community enrichment group, finding a new way to regularly invest yourself socially can keep your spirits high.
Try Out New Hobbies
If your current hobbies aren’t grabbing you the same way they used to, it might be a good time to learn a new skill, or develop a new hobby. This can fall in line with the above suggestion of joining a local organization. In most places there are options for adult education and retraining for new vocational services. It might not be a new career, but exercising your brain in a fresh setting can do wonders for mental elasticity.
Flex Social Skills
Beyond putting yourself in a situation where social situations are more likely, why not seek out groups that focus entirely on social activity. Improv groups, local gaming groups, and the like can put you in direct connection with other people who are also looking for the same social interaction. Finding a regularly meeting group creates a schedule, and depending on what the focus is, there can also be serious goal setting as well. Just because you haven’t tried something similar before, don’t be quick to discount it.
Don’t Let Yourself Lapse
In the same way that exercise isn’t a one-and-done affair, social activity needs to be consistently nurtured. If you find something that works for you, keep at it! Engaging in a new hobby doesn’t mean you’ll instantly take to it, or that it’ll be easy. Making new friends in new situations can be challenging, but embrace the challenge. Social interaction is vital to personal health and growth, and there’s no rule saying you ever need to put that development on pause!
