Over 60's Dating Near Me
Over 60s Dating. 2 Reviews. Over 60s Dating Club is one of the largest 60 plus dating sites where all 60 plus men and women can go to find exciting dates, new friendships, acquaintances and more. The like-minded men and women on the site are just like you looking for a partner, Read more ».
Being social has many health benefits as we grow older
How being social maintains positive health
- At the same time, the rise of online dating means that it’s easier than ever to meet interesting, mature, single men and women who are dating over 50, over 60 and beyond. It’s no wonder then that, the senior dating scene in America is flourishing – especially online. In fact, with the percentage of seniors using dating sites doubling in.
- 60+Club are partnering with SocialAfter60 to offer an exciting and new friendship and dating website. After much feedback and interest from our readers, we hear that many over 60s are looking to make friendships and build new relationships with others – and that often such community groups and networks don’t fit.
Social groups are incredibly important, especially for those over 50. Social support is one of the major buffers we have against depressive disorders and a flourishing level of mental wellbeing. This is very important for engagement and remaining connected once the kids have left home and provides real meaningful pursuits to look forward to.
Our need for social support isn’t just in our heads. Evolutionary psychologists explain that the innate need to affiliate and form social bonds has been literally wired into our biology. When we make a positive social connection, the pleasure-inducing hormone oxytocin is released into our bloodstream, immediately reducing anxiety and improving concentration and focus. Each social connection also bolsters our cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, and immune systems, so that the more connections we make over time, the better we function.
In fact, researchers have found that social support has as much effect on life expectancy as smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and regular physical activity.
One study found that people who received emotional support during the six months after a heart attack were three times more likely to survive.
Jump to sections…
Happy people connect with friends
There’s impressive evidence that the best predictor of happiness is the amount of time spent with family and friends. Researchers at Harvard University have been following the lives of 268 men since 1938 from young adulthood through old age in hopes of finding the ultimate answer to what makes us happy. Study director Dr. George Vaillant sums up the results of this unprecedented study in these few words, “the only thing that really matters in life are your relationships to other people.”
While keeping in touch by phone, texts, and emails is better than nothing, keep in mind that they do not replace face-to-face contact. So make a point of getting together with your friends in person. And while you are with them, give them a hug. A heartfelt hug can make you and them happy by increasing oxytocin.
Being social avoids isolation and loneliness
It is estimated that among those aged over 65, between 5% -16% report loneliness and 12% feel isolated. Studies show that acute loneliness and social isolation can impact gravely on wellbeing and quality of life, with demonstrable negative health effects.
“Social relationships are fundamental to our thriving,” says Louise Hawkley, PhD, a research associate in the psychology department at the University of Chicago. The fact that loneliness feels so uncomfortable is a reminder to pay attention to and nurture these relationships that can further your happiness. No matter how many people are around you or in your life, depression can still bring loneliness.
There are a few simple activities to keeping social that avoids loneliness and isolation:
- Connecting with family and friends – meet them face-to-face, pick up the phone, send them an email or use video technology (Facetime, Whatsapp, Skype)
- Getting out of the house – go shopping, church, exercise, join a club or enrol to a class / study
- Volunteering – meet new people to feel connected and valued
- Adopt a pet – pets are great conversation starters, they can improve your physical and mental health
Join an Over 60+ Social Club groups in your area (on Meetup)
Here’s a look at some Over 60+ Social Club groups near…
Socialising ideas to avoid loneliness and social isolation
Call, don’t post or email
Social networks are fun and can provide an essential social outlet for some people, but research suggests that, on average, people do best if more of their relationships happen face-to-face or over the phone. Use a friends email or post as an excuse to call, rather than respond back via email or on social media
Get involved in local community activities
This will vary according to where you live, but the chances are you’ll have access to a singing or walking group, book clubs, bridge, bingo, quiz nights or faith groups. If you’re limited due to geographic location, seek out online social community groups. The quickest way to discover nearby groups is to search online – example search to type, “Bingo events near me”.
60+ Friendship & Dating website • Coming soon!
60+Club are partnering with SocialAfter60 to offer an exciting and new friendship and dating website. After much feedback and interest from our readers, we hear that many over 60s are looking to make friendships and build new relationships with others – and that often such community groups and networks don’t fit.
Perhaps SocialAfter60 is more tailored to your lifestyle?
Scheduled to launch in late July, so be sure to leave your email address to receive updates.
Case Study: Socially active older adults have slower rates of health declines
The current study, published in the Journal of Health and Social Behaviour, sought to gain a better understanding of this phenomenon. Researchers analysed data from over 1,600 adults who were over the age of 60 years. Subjects were asked about their level of social engagement over the course of 12 months with friends and family members, including participation in social events such as meetings, clubs, and community gatherings.
They were then asked questions designed to measure their physical and mental abilities. What they found was that adults who ended up with high levels of social engagement had less cognitive and physical limitations than adults whose social engagement was low. The benefits were seen in socially active people whose social networks decreased only slightly, as well as socially inactive people whose social lives increased significantly. The lowest level of cognitive and physical abilities were seen in people who had low levels of social engagement that decreased even further over time.
The data supports previous research that established a link between our social interactions and our health. The current study describes how changes in our social lives can play a role, as well. This is an important consideration because as we age, changes often occur in our social standing, including the death of a spouse or acquaintance, or moving to a new location. The data is also important because people have some level of control over their social lives.
Source:
– Socially active older adults have slower rates of health declines, December 1, 2011. By Sharyn Alden. Journal of Health and Social Behavior.
– Thomas, P.A. (2011) Trajectories of Social Engagement and Limitations in Late Life. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 52(4), 430-443.
“People have some control over their social lives, so it is encouraging to find that something many people find enjoyable – socialising with others – can benefit their cognitive and physical health.”
Patricia A. Thomas, Ph.D., of the Population Research Center at University of Texas at Austin.
“Even if older adults weren’t socially active when they were younger, when they increase social activity later in life, it can still reduce physical and cognitive health issues.”
Patricia A. Thomas, Ph.D., of the Population Research Center at University of Texas at Austin.
“A socially engaged lifestyle often involves cognitive stimulation and physical activity, which in turn may protect against the neurological and physical factors underlying cognitive decline.”
Gert Wagner, German Institute for Economic Research
Over 60s Dating Near Me Right Now
More social groups online…
All of these online groups are free and region specific
Queensland areas
New South Wales areas
South Australia
Victoria areas
Western Australia areas
Canberra
Over 60s Dating Near Me Free
Keeping social – quick links
Helpful groups and websites to get you being social
- Speak with someone from Australian Red Cross
– TeleCHAT provides friendship and a link to the community through a regular phone call if you feel socially isolated.
– Free call: (03) 9345 1800 - Senior Services Guide – Your one stop shop for various services, including a ‘Social Support’ directory.
- Thinking of trying online dating? Here are some dating websites for the Over 60s
– eHarmony senior dating
– RSVP senior dating
– Single60s - Vision Australia Community Group
– Connect in person: Over 60 groups meet regularly in local communities – Find a group near you. Alternative, call Vision Australia on 1300 84 74 66
– Vision Australia centres host fun events and activities – See what’s on in your local area
– Vision Australia’s Connecting with others program:
– Connect Online
– Connect in Person
– Connect on Facebook
– Connect by Telephone – Vision Australia’s Telelink Program. Topics include current affairs, crosswords, gardening, sport, book clubs, social groups in non-English languages and more.
Online forums & community groups to get you started
- Australian politics – Oz Politic
- Mental health conditions and questions (such as anxiety or depression) – Beyond Blue
- Chess – chess.com or Aussie Chess
- AFL – Big Footy
- NRL – The Kennel
- Art, for artists and art enthusiasts – Deviant Art
- TV Shows – Whirlpool TV Shows forum
- Travel – Whirlpool Travel forum
- Share trading – Hot Copper or Aussie Stock Forums
- Music & jazz: Music Banter
- Antique cars, automotive: Antique Automotive Club of America
- Everything Female forum: Female Forum
- Men’s health forum: AHMF
- Bushwalking – Bushwalk
- Cricket – Planet Cricket
- Range of discussion topics for Over 50s – Silver Surfers forum
Blog articles on the benefits of being social
60+Club eBook on the health benefits of being social
Volume three “The Why’s of Goodness” provides a different perspective on the normal issues relating to your health, such as exercise, nutrition and relaxation. Everything we do in life has some form of influence to our subconscious, and these are great examples. Chapter 3.2 focuses on the importance of staying social, and how making new friends and keeping in touch with existing friends does wonders for you mental well-being and health.
Read more on Volume 3.