When we’re kids, school provides an easy way to meet new people and make friends. As we get older, those built-in friend-making opportunities slowly fade, and meeting new people gets harder and harder. By the time we retire, it can feel almost impossible to form those same strong bonds you did when playing with other kids at recess. Unfortunately, if you’re one of the one in three people ages 65 to 74 with hearing loss,[1] you have one more social barrier to hurdle.
Staying social as you age is crucial to your overall health and wellness. Let’s look at a few steps you can take to maintain your relationships as you age.
1. Schedule Time Together
It’s easy to let weeks or even months go by without seeing a close friend. Missed time doesn’t happen because you don’t enjoy your friend’s company or they aren’t important to you; life just gets in the way sometimes. Make social time a priority by scheduling a weekly get-together with at least one friend. You could grab coffee, go for a walk in Anderson Park, play pickleball or cook a meal together.
2. Try New Things
When you wear hearing aids, you know that your devices are there to amplify speech you might otherwise have missed. That knowledge acts as just the confidence booster you need to try new things like painting classes, tai chi, hiking clubs or any other activities you find interesting.
3. Talk To Other People With Hearing Loss
If you’re new to hearing loss, you might feel occasionally frustrated or out of sorts as you get used to living with the condition. Finding other people who are dealing with hearing loss is a helpful, social way to navigate this new aspect of your life. Look for in-person or online hearing loss support groups if you’re feeling a little lost.
4. Take Time Alone When You Need It
It sounds counterproductive to take time alone when you’re trying to socialize, but setting aside time for yourself when you have hearing loss is crucial. Hearing loss makes it more difficult to process speech; that extra challenge can leave you exhausted. Trying to shove a bunch of social events into your calendar is likely to leave you too burnt out to enjoy your plans. Make sure to build in some alone time so you can recharge for your next big event.
For more information or to schedule a hearing appointment with one of our specialists, contact Advantage ENT & Audiology today.
[1] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2023). Age-related hearing loss. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss