8 Small Habits That Can Help Women Over 50 Feel Less Alone
8 Small Habits That Can Help Women Over 50 Feel Less Alone originally appeared on Parade.
Over a third of adults between the ages of 50 and 80 feel lonely, according to a 2024 national study in JAMA. More specifically, they feel a lack of companionship 'some of the time' or 'often.' Many women over 50 struggle with loneliness too, for many reasons. They may be experiencing a role change after the loss of a spouse or after their children move out. They may have free time they aren't used to after retiring, or find that their friends don't have as much time to hang out.These women may also face new health challenges, such as menopause. Did you know that menopause can actually exacerbate feelings of loneliness? A 2022 study in Perspectives in Psychiatric Care found that loneliness increases when menopausal symptoms increase. This could be due to feeling alone in the experience and overwhelmed by it. It could also be the fact that hormonal fluctuations can lead to mood swings, and lower estrogen can lead to a lesser need to nurture others. That's all to say that if you're a woman who's 50 years old or older, and you feel alone, you're far from it.Just knowing statistics like that can be helpful sometimes. You can also take actionable steps and practice small habits that help.Remember, the keyword here is 'habit,' meaning it's a practice you engage in regularly—not just whenever it comes to mind or only when you feel like it.Ahead, a therapist shares eight ideas that can bring you feelings of purpose, connection and joy.Related: Women Who Become Lonelier as They Get Older Usually Display These 6 Subtle Behaviors, Psychologists Say
Interacting with other 50+ women in your area is a great way to see you're not alone. Some examples of clubs or activities where you might find these people include 'Women Over 50' Meetup groups or through Stitch (a social community for this population). There are also great side hustles for women over 50, such as consulting and tutoring, and 'slow living' hobbies for women over 50, such as pottery, photography and puzzles. That's only a start.'Consider an activity you used to enjoy, such as dancing or crafting, or trying something new, like a dinner club or a walking group, to meet like-minded people,' says Mandolin Moody, LMSW, a private practice therapist with Gateway to Solutions who helps adults improve their connections with themselves and others.The idea may seem intimidating at first, but before you know it, it'll just be an hour of chatting with new friends and having fun.Related: Goodbye, Boredom! 125 Hobbies To Pick Up in 2025
When you're feeling lonely, gratitude may be the last thing on your mind. As relatable and understandable as that is (and while it has its place), it's not necessarily the most helpful thing to avoid. 'Gratitude and other compassion practices have been proven to increase a shared sense of common humanity and decrease loneliness,' Moody says.That might look like thinking about the relationships you're thankful for or giving money to an unhoused person who hasn't been so lucky.'By connecting to the expansiveness of the human experience, we can offer more compassion toward ourselves and the world as a whole,' Moody adds.Related:
On the note of gratitude and compassion, volunteering can help you realize what you have to be thankful for and provide an avenue for spreading love. 'Volunteering is an opportunity to connect with others who share similar passions, build a sense of purpose and engage in your values in a tight-knit community,' Moody says.
In today's day and age, connecting with people is much easier. If you can't see them in person, they're just a few clicks away. 'While many loved ones may have moved away or grown distant, we have the advantage of social media, cell phones and other digital ways of connecting with friends and family,' Moody says. 'Give someone a call, or schedule recurring biweekly or monthly calls to catch up with others.'Related: 11 Best Phrases to End a Phone Call, According to Psychotherapists—Plus, What *Not* To DoAnother thing that's great about the internet is that you can interact with people you don't necessarily know, but who understand you. Moody says many individuals find online communities, forums and social media pages to be supportive and positive outlets. Just search phrases like 'women over 50' or 'women who [insert hobby]' on Facebook or Reddit.
Maybe your loved ones are busy or asleep, or you're feeling lonely but not in the mood to talk to anyone. Reading or listening to stories online—like an article about how an Apple Watch saved a man's life, or a podcast episode where a celebrity opens up—may be the answer you're seeking.'Engaging in personal storytelling about unique lived experiences can foster a sense of connection to the broader human experience,' Moody says.Related:
Is there a spot on your bucket list you've yet to travel to? Or maybe you're interested in a local community or city a couple of counties over? Or you're curious about another religion and want to visit one of their services? Whatever it is, make plans to make it happen.'Find ways to connect with others from different backgrounds as a way to feel engaged in a new community,' Moody encourages.
Consider comforting yourself with memories and by bringing your brain to a time when you were with loved ones. Moody encourages doing this by telling a story (it could be to another person, in a journal or just out loud), or crafting, like scrapbooking with photos and mementos.'Nostalgia can be a helpful emotion in reducing loneliness and increasing gratitude,' she explains. 'Preserving memories through scrapbooks and photo albums is a simple yet effective way to relive past memories and reconnect with cherished feelings.'Plus, did you know that crafting and creativity benefit mental health? A 2024 study in Frontiers in Public Health found they increase life satisfaction, a sense that life is worthwhile and happiness. Artsy activities can even help you live 10 years longer, according to research.Related:
You don't need to experience 'serious troubles' to seek individual therapy or group therapy. Talking to someone (or multiple someones) can be healing and provide connection, especially if you don't get it in many other ways. 'A therapist can offer support and tools to help combat loneliness and reconnect with your sense of purpose,' Moody shares. 'Many people find support groups and other communities helpful for bonding over shared experiences, as well.'Need help finding the right fit? Psychology Today has an online database with therapists, psychiatrists, treatment centers and support groups you can filter through.Your feelings of loneliness are valid, *and* they don't have to be something you feel every day, all day. Small habits—whether it's a quick phone call, scrapbook page, gratitude practice or something else—can provide you the company and comfort you crave.
Up Next:Mandolin Moody, LMSW, a therapist who helps adults improve their connections with themselves and others
Loneliness and Social Isolation Among US Older Adults, JAMA
Comparison of the relationship between menopausal symptoms and loneliness and anger,Perspectives in Psychiatric Care
Feeling isolated and alone in perimenopause and menopause, A. Vogel
Feeling Lonely During Menopause, SureScan Women's Health Clinic
Creating arts and crafting positively predicts subjective well-being, Frontiers in Public Health
8 Small Habits That Can Help Women Over 50 Feel Less Alone first appeared on Parade on Jun 13, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
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