How To Encourage Your Loved Ones To Get Out and Into the World

As a caregiver for a senior family member, you have the power to help them stay engaged, connected, and flourishing. Your support can encourage meaningful interactions and a greater sense of belonging. In fact, the National Institute on Aging notes that while seniors may be at higher risk for social isolation and loneliness, staying socially active can greatly improve their overall well-being. 

The best part is it doesn’t have to be anything complicated or costly—small, simple steps really can make a big difference. Join us as we explore the benefits of staying socially active and a few ideas for how you can encourage your senior family member to get out and into the world. 

Why Some Seniors Withdraw

One of the most common reasons seniors start to withdraw is their health. Unfortunately, when faced with mobility issues, chronic pain, vision loss, hearing loss, or cognitive decline related to aging, the idea of leaving the familiar comfort of home can begin to feel overwhelming. For some, this can also lead to feelings of depression or grief, which can make it all the harder to get motivated to go out.

Loss of routine and fear of the unknown can also lead to withdrawal. For example, retiring from your lifelong career or the loss of your spouse can easily and understandably disrupt prior social habits. It then could feel a bit intimidating to try to create new routines or meet new people.

It is also important to consider that seniors with limited mobility or who can no longer drive may choose to stay home rather than trying to find ways to leave the house. Even if they would still like to socialize, they may become frustrated with having to rely on others for transportation or assistance getting around.

While medical and mental health professionals can work with seniors to get to the root of some of these issues, there are many easy ways caregivers can help as well. 

Benefits of Staying Engaged as a Senior

Staying active and engaged as a senior can benefit the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. In fact, research has shown that active older adults may experience improved mobility and reduced health risks. There are also studies that show seniors who stay engaged are not only happier but are also more likely to live longer!

One of the biggest benefits of staying engaged socially is increased confidence. Studies show that when people stay active and engaged, they build self-esteem and a sense of independence, creating positive emotions that help increase their ability to bounce back. This is especially true when they get involved in programs such as volunteering or hobby groups, but even just regularly scheduled socializing can help. 

What it boils down to is the happier and healthier you are, the better prepared you are to manage anything life may bring you—from the good moments to the more challenging.

What Caregivers Can Do to Help

When it comes to helping your senior family member get out and about, it can be a good idea to start small, especially if they have already started to show signs of isolating themselves. Begin with some simple, low-pressure options for them to choose from. For example, encourage your loved one to join you for a short walk near their home or ask them to sit outside with you and chat. Even those two options will get them moving, engaged, and out of the house. The important thing is to stay aware of their comfort level, so don’t forget to check in with them each step of the way.

Here are a few more ideas for how caregivers can encourage their loved ones to get out and stay engaged.

Make Getting Out Accessible

If lack of transportation is holding back your loved one from going out, consider helping them with transportation when they need it. Also, if they’re experiencing mobility issues, try to choose venues with easy access when possible, and ensure they feel comfortable.

Find Out Their Interests

Try helping your senior family member find clubs, events, or classes related to their passions. Whatever their interests may be—from books to gardening to music—you’re likely to find a group or program that caters to them. Modern senior communities also offer elevated events and programming options, meaning your loved one wouldn’t have to go far to delight in these opportunities. 

Join Them

If the idea of going out is intimidating to your senior family member, consider participating with them. Your familiar presence may help them feel more comfortable and confident. Who knows? You might just end up having fun, too!

Eat at Their Favorite Restaurants

Going to a familiar location like a favorite restaurant could encourage your loved one to make a trip out of the house. Besides the comfort of a place and menu that they know, eating a favorite dish can bring up positive emotions and memories, encouraging them to consider other ideas for getting out and about. For bonus points, try inviting family or friends to eat with you for added fun.

Help Them Stay Connected

If possible, try arranging visits with friends or family, or setting up video calls with those who live further away. If your loved one lives in a senior community, you could also encourage them to participate in programs like social dining to help build and maintain relationships with their neighbors and friends. 

Look for Volunteer Opportunities

Another way to help your loved one get out is by assisting them in finding volunteer opportunities. Besides a trip out of the house, giving back to their community has the added benefits of creating a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Taking their capabilities and comfort level into consideration, look for opportunities such as mentoring, helping at libraries, or community service through organizations such as AmeriCorps Seniors.

Leverage Technology

If your senior family member isn’t comfortable with traveling, you can also help them avoid isolation by looking into apps that would allow them to stay connected from home. Video chat apps like FaceTime allow them to see and talk to family and friends, while social media apps like Facebook give them an opportunity to stay connected through photos, videos, and messages. You could also encourage them to join online groups or classes that match their interests. This could help them build new connections while staying mentally engaged.

Stay Engaged and Connected with Senior Lifestyle

Staying socially active can brighten a senior’s day and boost their overall well-being. By understanding the challenges they may face and offering your support, you can inspire your loved one to reconnect and find purpose in meaningful connections. Every small step makes a difference—encouragement and compassion can help spark a renewed sense of confidence and belonging.

Just know you don’t have to do it on your own. At Senior Lifestyle, all of our Levels of Care offer a variety of programs and social settings that provide plenty of opportunities for our residents to meet others, have fun, and live the life they desire. From Independent Living to Assisted Living to personalized Memory Care in our Embrace Neighborhoods, this is where comfort, convenience, and connection come together.

Find out more about Senior Lifestyle or schedule a visit today!