My darling, something that I have been seeing and experiencing lately is the idea of loneliness. What is it, and what does it mean for people, especially women over 50?

Loneliness is not just about being alone. One can feel alone while married or even when surrounded by a group of people. You can feel lonely after being bullied at work or craving knowledge, yet you might not have the tools or resources to escape this feeling.

Did you know feeling lonely is linked to serious health conditions? 

After hearing that over 40% of adults in America report feeling lonely, I wondered how I could address this here, on my site. I know that I have felt lonely. I’m sure many of you here have as well. Even though I have indeed written about loneliness before, I believe this topic should be discussed often and at length. Loneliness is a pervasive problem for women over 50.

WAYS TO COMBAT LONELINESS AFTER 50

One way in which I believe we can combat loneliness after 50 is by becoming more active in our communities. A few years back, a dear friend of mine wrote a guest story about her new rhythm of life after 50. Cassie spoke of a new activity that has become dear to her heart, called “birding.” She goes into nature and looks for different kinds of birds. In other words, she’s a birdwatcher.

I had no idea such a thing called “birding” existed until I read Cassie’s article. But activities like birding, my darlings, are ways that people after 50 can find joy! These are ways that we can immerse ourselves in a new hobby or activity, reinvent ourselves, and even find new friends.

ACTIVITIES FOR OVERCOMING LONELINESS AFTER 50

Did you know that art and healing go hand-in-hand? In recent years, many studies have shown a correlation between art and its use as a form of medicine. Art can heal the brain and, of course, my readers, keep loneliness at bay.

This research illuminates why the list I’m about to share with you includes many different art forms. Not only do art and creative industries inspire the mind to work, but they can also inspire community. From dancing to flower arranging and painting, art heals and sparks new relationships. Or it can add a little flare back into a relationship that you already have.

Flower Arranging

I saw this idea and thought, yes, this is so wonderful! Have you ever taken a flower arranging class, darling? Maybe you’re into gardening but have never known how to arrange your beautiful flowers. Or maybe you just want to find a wonderful way to uplift your environment. Flowers can bring so much joy and life to a space. And guess what? You can give yourself flowers! I think it’s one of the best gifts to give yourself. No need to wait for that vase to fill up.

Flower arranging is a perfect creative outlet and low impact. Find classes in your area by Googling or asking a local flower shop if they offer any. I even know many coffee shops that offer one-night classes like this at a very low cost. This is an activity that is simple and will uplift your spirit.

Art Classes

Community art classes are a wonderful way to meet new people in your area. There are so many classes to choose from including watercolor, painting, stain glass making, pottery, and much more.

Not only your involvement in an art class be healing, but you might also learn a skill or improve upon a skill you already have. Heal the soul and meet a new friend! Not to mention, you’ll have new art made by your very own hands to add to your home. Look at your local colleges, libraries and community centers for classes. They are not difficult to find!

Singing Class/Singing Group

Using your voice might be scary, but singing is one of the most special ways to connect your mind, body and soul. Many communities and churches offer either choirs or singing classes for people over 50. It’s a great way to connect to other women and men in your area. You’ll also use your voice in a way that inspires you and those around you. Let the vibrations of your voice fill your heart!

Exercise Classes

Boxing, Tai Chi, yoga, meditation, group swimming, and dancing are just some the exercise classes available and perfect for women over 50. As some of you know, I’m a boxer and enjoy it so much. Not only do I feel stronger afterward, but I also feel accomplished.

Feeling good and healthy in your body is the perfect way to combat loneliness. I know it may sound strange, but the mind and body are so connected, darlings. If we do not feel strong in our shells, we won’t feel strong in our hearts.

What better way to stay active than in a group class? Not only will you learn something new, like dancing, but you will also experience it with other people. Find what inspires you and go to a local class today! I know you won’t regret it.

Learn a New Language

I do not believe in the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” I believe that at any stage in our life, we can learn something new and enjoy it. The world is constantly changing, my readers. If you live in a big city, I’m sure you are surrounded by languages you have neither heard nor spoken before.

In all my travels, language is something that I have come to love. What better way to wake up the brain and stay mentally fit than to learn a new language? This will keep those neural pathways firing and you may even feel inspired to travel to the country whose language you’ve learned. Find language classes at your local community colleges or online.

FEELING LONELY? JOIN A GATHERING OF WOMEN OVER 50

The activities I’ve listed above are just the tip of the iceberg, my darlings. There are so many more things to enjoy and do in life and ward off loneliness after 50. Whether you are 50 or 80, special days wait for you. New people are ready to meet you and hear your stories. We all want to have a good experience in life and what better way than to get out into the world and try everything we can?

Lastly, I want to invite you to join my private Facebook group, Celebrate Life After 50. This network of women will connect you to women after 50 who want to come together and share their life experiences with others. It has always been a dream of mine to have a place that women can call their “home away from home.”

By joining this network of like-minded women, we can share our experiences of loneliness and help each other overcome them. You’ll have friends from all over the world, people who understand you and support you. We can also share in all of our new activities together, giving each other new and fun things to try and do.

Loneliness after 50 doesn’t have to be something we experience often or alone, my darlings. We can get through this life together, hand in hand. I know we can.

How are you connecting to your community and combating loneliness? Share your story in the comments!

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