By Amanda Genge, Staff Writer, myOptumHealth

Content provided by
 

Along with the fun of staying in touch, studies have shown that social bonds can be good for your health. Seniors who get plenty of social interaction have higher morale and less depression than those who don't. They even take better care of themselves than those who spend their time alone.

In rural areas, though, "face time" with others may not be a part of a senior's day-to-day life. People may need to be resourceful to find ways to connect to others in their area.

Reaching out to others

It's important to stay connected to friends and family as you get older. Making a connection with someone can be as simple as picking up the phone and saying hello. Or it can involve organizing a get-together with friends or family. Here are some other ways seniors in rural areas can reach out for social support:

• Sign up for local services. Call your local government office to find out what resources are available to you. These may include a mobile library, meal delivery service or even home health checks.
  
• Get support from religious organizations. Local houses of worship may offer programs for seniors, even if you're not observant. Some religious leaders even make a point to visit elderly congregation members at home. They "make the rounds" to make sure they are doing well.
  
• Stay close with family. Whether they live nearby or far away, keep the lines of communication with loved ones open. Call and send letters and cards often.
  
• Get out and volunteer. Check with nearby hospitals, schools and animal shelters to see what you can do to help them. Even your local senior center might need volunteers.
  
• Attend cultural or athletic events. Many communities - even small ones - have local sports and theater groups that hold games or performances throughout the year.
  
• Connect with the younger generation. Some towns offer mentoring programs for young people. You might enjoy sharing your experiences and wisdom with a school-age child in your area.
  
• Log on for friendship. The Internet is a wonderful and easy-to-use resource to find information and make social connections. Find Web sites for hobbies or subjects that you like. Or look for community forums to "meet" others who share your interests.
  
• Go back to school. Keep your mind sharp and meet new people by signing up for a course at a local vocational school or college. You could even take a class to learn a new craft or hobby, such as pottery, scrapbooking or photography.
  
• Start a phone chain. Who doesn't love a phone call "just to see how you're doing?" Invite other seniors in your area to share their phone numbers and set up a schedule where people make and receive calls on a regular basis "just because."

Having trouble getting out and about?

If you don't drive and there is no public transportation, find out if local taxi companies offer lower rates for seniors. You might also find out if your senior neighbors would want to pitch in to cover the cost of hiring a van and driver for a twice-monthly shopping trip. This arrangement will likely cost you less than individual taxi trips.

View the original Social support for rural seniors article on myOptumHealth.com 

SOURCES:

• Rural Assistance Center. Aging frequently asked questions.

• Clark KJ, Leipert BD. Strengthening and sustaining social supports for rural elders. Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care. 2007;7(1).