How retirees can engage with their communities

People who are still a part of the workforce usually experience social interaction throughout the day as they collaborate on projects or gather with colleagues for lunch. Even those working remotely likely attend meetings virtually and communicate with co-workers by phone or email.

Without co-workers around, retirees may sometimes find their social lives lacking. People may need to take steps to strengthen their social capital, a term that describes the strength of a person's social relationships and the extent to which people feel physically and emotionally supported by their communities. Retirees may look to a variety of activities in the community to keep them connected with others.

- Join a club or group. Individuals can identify an activity they find interesting and determine if there is a way to get involved with it in their community. Senior centers or adult activity providers may sponsor local programs, and libraries often host a variety of club and interest group meetings.

- Participate in worship. Many older adults find they want to reconnect with their faith at this point in their lives, even if attending services wasn't a top priority earlier in life. Reach out to a local house of worship and find out when services take place and what activities are available.

- Read to children. Seniors can volunteer their services at a library by reading to youngsters. Interacting with other generations can be inspiring.

- Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food pantry. Times continue to be challenging for many people who may find it hard to cover their expenses, and soup kitchens and food pantries can be a saving grace for those who might otherwise miss meals. Volunteering one's time at these organizations can help make a difference in the lives of community members.

- Become a substitute teacher or paraprofessional. Many schools are experiencing shortages of qualified staff members. Retirees may find a place helping to shape the minds of youngsters by volunteering at schools or taking on part-time jobs in the classroom.

- Become a mentor. Seniors can share their knowledge and experiences with a student, family member or other community member. Mentors needn't have an advanced degree or special certification, but they should have more experience in a given field or subject than the mentee. The mentor should ask the mentee about his or her goals and expectations, listen carefully and then respond to the questions and needs of the mentee and adjust the material discussed as necessary to help the mentee meet his or her goals. Sessions should be planned at a time that suits both the mentee and mentor. Mentoring does not only benefit mentees; for mentors, it can keep an aging mind sharp, provide additional meaning and purpose to life and foster social connections.

- Befriend neighbors. A passing greeting may have been the norm when people were busy working, but once people are retired, they may have more opportunities to get to know their neighbors better. Neighbors may even take turns hosting get-togethers. Moving to a retirement or active adult community may facilitate such friendships.

- Volunteer with local government. Retirees may enter a local school board election or try to become a member of the town council.

These are just a few of the many ways that retiree may get involved in their community and maintain strong social ties.