|
 Friends
are people we can rely on, talk to, and spend time with. Think about
your own friendships, how does that person(s) make you feel? Now
take a second and think about if you didn’t have that friend and how
that would make you feel. Thoughts that may come to your mind may be
somewhat negative and sad. The importance of friendship and social
connections could quite possibly save someone’s life and help
prevent social isolation.
Living in rural or suburban communities presents barriers for some
to maintain or find new friendships or social connections. Multiple
factors can determine this like transportation, mobility,
technology, major life changes, and more (Henning, 2020). I
personally live out in the country, in a rural community. I have
lived in a rural setting most of my life. My closest neighbor is
about half a mile away. I live this every day and I didn’t even
realize that I had this own barrier to making friends.
Side-effects of social isolation
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) defines social isolation as
the lack of social contacts and having few people to regularly
interact with. If someone is experiencing social isolation, they may
encounter some negative side-effects that can affect their overall
well-being. Some side effects could include depression, high blood
pressure, decreased immunity, and cognitive decline (NIA, 2020).
So how can we make new friends or maintain social connections living
in rural or suburban communities?
How to make new friends in rural or suburban
communities
Join a club that interests you – If you have a hobby then find a
club of people that share that same love.
Volunteer – Volunteering has many personal benefits, but this could
also be a way to find new friends. [to top of second
column] |
Call or text – A phone call or
text message is always nice. But did you know that some
communities have a call program where you can sign up to get
regular phone calls from a volunteer. In Champaign and Douglas
counties we have a Friendly Callers program that is run by
Family Service of Champaign County. Check with your local Area
Agency on Aging to see if you have a program similar to this in
your area. Travel – local
organizations may organize bus trips for people to join. Two-fold,
you can make new friends and you get to travel!
Move to an assisted or supportive living facility – I was just
talking to someone about this. They are exploring moving into a
facility because the biggest benefit for them is social interaction.
Assisted or supportive living facilities have a variety of
activities you can join as well as opportunities to make new
friends.
Utilize social media – Technology has made it easier
for some to make or maintain friendships. When it comes to my own
friends on Facebook, I enjoy seeing all the pictures and life
updates of people that I don’t normally get to see on a regular
basis. Then I run into them at an event, and we can pick up right
where we left off!
You are not limited to just these things I’ve suggested. Do whatever
feels comfortable to you!
References
Henning-Smith C. Meeting the Social Needs of Older Adults in Rural
Areas. JAMA Health Forum. 2020;1(11):e201411.
doi:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2020.1411
National Institute on Aging. (2020)
Understanding Loneliness and Social Isolation: How to Stay
Connected.
[Emily Harmon, Extension Educator,
Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Illinois Extension] |
