Participating in social activities can be beneficial as you age. It can help with your mental health, as well as maintaining your overall well-being and independence.

Older adults may find various types of social activities enjoyable. Doing things you enjoy, being social, and being physically active are all good for your mental and physical health.

Having an active lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean just getting in your daily steps. It can include doing activities that mean something to you and that benefit your mind, body, and spirit.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), social connection is important for older adults to reduce the risk of factors like social isolation and loneliness. The WHO notes that meaningful social activities can improve mental health, life satisfaction, and quality of life.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) notes that research has shown that people who have an active lifestyle, including social activities:

  • Are less likely to develop certain conditions: Participating in social activities and hobbies can reduce your risk for certain health conditions, such as:
  • Are happier and experience less depression: Older adults who participate in social activities report that they feel happier and healthier. The WHO also notes that social activities can reduce depressive symptoms in older adults.
  • Have a longer lifespan: Research from 2021 shows that social isolation and loneliness can lead to diminished well-being and premature mortality in older adults. The NIA notes that happiness, life satisfaction, and a sense of purpose are linked to living longer. Participating in social activities and doing things you enjoy can help cultivate those positive feelings.
  • May have improved their thinking abilities: Participating in mentally stimulating or physical activities may help improve your memory.

Finding the balance

It is important to remember that everyone has different limits for how much time they can spend on social and other activities.

You might start by adding only one or two activities to your schedule. You can always add more later. Keep in mind that participating in social activities and other activities you enjoy should be fun, not stressful.

Find the balance that is right for you.

You can consider various activities to foster the connection between you and your friends or family.

Some examples of these activities include:

  • trying different restaurants with your loved ones
  • playing cards or board games with friends in person or online
  • traveling with a group of like-minded older adults, such as in a retiree group
  • video chatting with your friends or family members
  • joining a group interested in a hobby you enjoy, such as:
    • knitting
    • birdwatching
    • painting
    • hiking
  • listening to and sharing your favorite music with your family

Learning new things can be an enjoyable way to spend time with others.

Examples of these types of activities include:

  • doing arts and crafts in a group
  • attending group fitness classes
  • trying out cooking classes
  • going to dance classes
  • starting or joining a book club or film club
  • attending yoga or tai chi classes
  • learning or relearning a musical instrument
  • visiting a local museum

Where to get started

To get started with finding classes and activities in your community, you can try:

  • checking with your local library or community college to see if they offer free or discounted classes for older adults
  • checking with your local community center or senior center for activities they may offer
  • checking with your SilverSneakers program if you have Medicare Advantage for fitness programs
  • checking with local charities for opportunities to volunteer

Finding ways to be more active in your community can benefit your well-being and that of others.

Examples of community activities include:

  • serving meals or organizing clothes donations for people in need
  • volunteering at a library, school, museum, or animal shelter
  • helping with gardening at a community park or garden
  • joining a local committee or volunteering to help at your place of worship
  • taking part in a community theater group
  • teaching a favorite skill, such as:
    • photography
    • embroidery
    • chess
    • quilting
    • calligraphy
  • singing in a community choral group or playing in a community orchestra

Research from 2019 found that spending at least 120 minutes per week in nature can help increase health and well-being.

Making use of outdoor spaces can also help reduce your risk of heart disease and depression.

Some examples of outdoor activities are:

  • gardening or doing yard work
  • walking or bicycling with a friend
  • taking a stroll around your neighborhood or on a nature trail
  • going for a hike
  • joining a sports club for older adults
  • playing with your grandchildren
  • participating in an outdoor excursion for older adults

Stress, especially prolonged stress, can have various harmful effects on both your mental and physical health.

Managing stress can help improve both your physical and mental health. Some examples of activities that can help manage stress and allow social interaction include:

  • reading a good book, magazine, or newspaper
  • taking a yoga or tai chi class
  • cooking a favorite meal or taking a cooking class
  • enjoying little things, like having a cup of coffee with a friend or family member
  • practicing mindfulness and gratitude

Participating in social activities and living an active lifestyle can benefit your physical health, mental health, and overall well-being.

It is important for older adults to have social connections. This helps decrease their risk of social isolation, loneliness, depression, and certain physical health issues.

There are many ways you can begin being more social and physically active, including taking a class, volunteering, or joining a book club.