​6 Ways to Beat Social Isolation During a COVID Winter​ Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

6 Ways to Overcome Social Isolation During Another COVID Winter

As pandemic persists staying connected to others is essential to physical and mental well -being

helovi / Getty Images Join AARP for a "Better Brain: Step Up Your Brain Game" panel discussion on Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. EST. Sarah Lock, AARP’s senior vice president of policy and brain health, will lead a discussion on the latest science around behavior changes to support brain health, focusing on Hispanic-Latino communities and the wider public. Guest speakers include Dr. Juan Rivera, a cardiologist and chief medical correspondent for Univision, Dr. Elena Rios, president and CEO of the National Hispanic Medical Association, and Dr. David Marquez, leader of the Latino Core of the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center. The event is free, but advanced registration is required. . Cases of are rising in many areas of the country. In fact, some experts are predicting a , which could mean another winter without handshakes and hugs — or, at least, significantly fewer of them.
“In some ways people are feeling a little safer going out,” especially if they are vaccinated and boosted, says Ruth Benca, M.D., chair of psychiatry and behavioral medicine at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. “The problem is, though, that we're still in a pandemic,” she adds. And with the threat of breakthrough infections, menacing variants and vaccine resistance, “a lot of people are just not feeling comfortable rushing out and pretending we're back to normal yet.” Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Another winter without indoor gatherings with family and friends, however, comes with its own health hazards. Social isolation has been linked to increased risk of , and even death , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One study found that living without meaningful social relationships is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Health Risks of Social Isolation br

Isolation and loneliness are associated with higher rates of: Chronic health conditions, including heart disease Weakened immune system Depression and anxiety Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease Death Source: Administration for Community Living Disconnecting from others is also bad for the brain. It’s been associated with and a 50 percent greater . A big problem is, it’s pervasive . Two-thirds of adults report ed experiencing social isolation and high levels of anxiety since the beginning of the pandemic, an October 2020 revealed. And unlike the coronavirus, for these conditions there isn’t a vaccine to ease the burden. “Study after study suggests that social connection and better brain health — including cognition and better mental well-being — go hand in hand,” says Sarah Lenz Lock, senior vice president of policy and brain health at AARP and executive director of the . “The health consequences from loneliness are real, and the pandemic has laid bare the effect social alienation has on adults throughout the country.” The good news is that there are things you can do to both minimize your risk of COVID and the consequences from social isolation. Here are six ways to optimize your mental and physical health during another pandemic winter. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > Keep up with to friends and family. You can also sign up for a virtual writing workshop, art class or online choir (find one that interests you in which lists a number of remote programs for adults all over the country ). Need some tech assistance? AARP has step-by-step guides on how to or .

2 Get outside as much as you can

For some people, especially those in warm-weather climates, winter doesn’t put a damper on outdoor time. Restaurant patios remain open , and parkas stay tucked away in the closet. For others, though, the season’s make getting fresh air more difficult. “But getting outdoors regularly, wherever you are, is important,” both for light exposure and for physical activity, Benca says. Exposure to sunlight helps you keep up the production of melatonin, which is important for sleep, and serotonin, a mood booster. Plus, exercise keeps the . Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. Of course, heed caution if there’s snow and sleet on the ground, which could increase your . But if it’s safe, bundle up and make it a point to meet a friend for a walk, Benca suggests. You can also check with a community center or parks department for a list of outdoor activities. Worried about COVID? A will significantly decrease your risk of getting infected and sick, . Plus, the CDC says you’re less likely to be exposed to the coronavirus during outdoor activities . And you can always wear a mask and keep 6 feet from others to keep your risk to a minimum. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. handy for any indoor group gatherings, even if everyone is fully vaccinated. The CDC recommends wearing a mask in public indoor settings if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission, which currently is most of the country.

4 Keep a routine

Maintaining a sense of structure is important, Benca notes, “because when you're isolated, you may be kind of drifting and you're not regular about things.” In the winter, especially, keep to a sleep schedule, no matter how tempting it may be to doze off once the sun goes down. Older adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep a night, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) advises. Anything above or below that amount can wreak havoc on your health; bad sleep habits can even cause problems in memory and thinking skills, . “It's very important that your day is also structured, that you have regular meals … and that you have activities during the day that you can look forward to,” including social engagements, even if it’s just a 15-minute call with a loved one, Benca says. “When people are in the working [phase of their] lives, they have to go to work during the day ; they have a lot of structured things that they have to do. And with retirement and being older, that kind of disappears, and it can get worse in the winter , when you don't get out and about as much .”

5 Talk with a health care provider

If you feel isolated or notice loneliness setting in, let your health care provider know. Describe symptoms you are experiencing , and outline any major changes or stresses in your life, NIA advises. Being open and honest about your health and habits will help your physician decide the best treatment. and discuss sensitive topics.

6 U se available resources

Federal agencies, national organizations and local community groups have resources to help adults avoid social isolation. The AARP’s Global Council on Brain Health puts many of these tools in on e place — from virtual events to volunteer opportunities to podcasts and puzzles that tackle loneliness and isolation. Some are COVID-specific ; others are for more ordinary times. “We think we might have something engaging for everyone here to choose from ," AARP's Lock says. “Whether it’s interesting podcasts to listen to while out walking, or you are wondering how to have a meaningful conversation with your neighbor living with more advanced dementia, or you are looking to join a writer’s workshop — we have you covered .” You can also check out , which links individuals to resources and support services in their area. More on health AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS