Today’s retiree understands that retirement is about much more than money, and that planning for non-monetary needs is important, including the prospect of living alone.
Statistics:
– 4.4 million Canadians live alone
– 68% of seniors living alone are women
– 20% of Canadians 65+ report lack of companionship as a major concern
– 33% are at risk of social isolation
Being single in retirement can be challenging as society most often pictures retirees as couples, not singles. So what are the secrets to being happily single?
A. Recognizing that time alone can be creative and constructive. Your free to make your own choices and live life on your own terms. However, it is important to understand that prolonged isolation can cause an elevated heart rate, reduce antibodies making you more susceptible to disease, can increase anxiety and depression.
B. Engaging in activities which don’t require others: gardening, painting, photography, playing a musical instrument, quilting, reading, sewing, writing letters to family and friends. Having the ability to treasure your time alone.
C. One of the keys to successfully living alone is finding other single people and creating a support network. Your supporters can help when you’re sick, when you’re travelling by taking care of pets and plants, share your joy, and provide a sense of caring for your welfare.
D. Recognizing there are many activities to be out and about alone, without feeling alone: amusement parks, ball games, concerts, craft shows, flea markets, movies, museums, public exhibits. When traveling, taking packaged tours, and when eating alone, watching people interacting including body language.
E. Understanding the importance of pet ownership. Many dog owners report dog ownership helps with their overall health; walking a dog twice a day. Owning a pet can give a sense of companionship and ease loneliness.
F. Having structure and purpose in your life. By being a volunteer you can give back, plus be involved and get the structure your looking for. Volunteering gives the feeling of being needed. Examples: teaching English as a second language, assisting in local art galleries, museums, and zoos, volunteering in local hospitals, delivering meals to shut-ins, participating in housing programs like Habitat for Humanity. If volunteering isn’t for you, what about gainful employment? This provides a feeling of self-worth and contribution, plus an opportunity to have new colleagues and workmates.
G. Just because you live alone, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of yourself. Make your life a beautiful experience: Indulge, including purchasing gourmet tea or coffee, fresh bakery goods, fresh flowers, a scented candle, good stationery. You’ve earned it, enjoy!
