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Social isolation can happen for a variety of reasons. Your grown children and grandchildren may live far away. A job change or retirement may mean no longer having daily contact with co-workers. Injury or poor health may be keeping you on the sidelines. Isolation is more than being alone — it’s being detached physically or psychologically or feeling disconnected from friends and family.

Research consistently shows having social connections can help you experience fewer mental and physical health issues as you grow older. Not only does talking with others keep your brain sharp, but relationships can also give you a sense of belonging that makes a lasting impact on the quality of your life.

Knowing where to start can be the hardest part of any lifestyle change, especially if you feel disconnected from the world around you.

To help strengthen your social skills, we’ve rounded up eight ways you can get the know-how and confidence to keep reaching out and building connections. You can do it — here’s how!

A woman writes something down in a notebook.

Start Journaling

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can improve both your mental and physical health, plus help you understand relationships better.

A photograph showing the outline of four friends on a hill as the sun sets.

Explore What Friendship Means to You

Widening your social circle starts with understanding what you really need from a friend.

A woman smiling and listening.

Be an Active Listener

If engaging in conversation stresses you out, sharpening your active listening skills may be just what you need to gain confidence.

A smiling woman points to a sign with a question mark.

Keep Conversation Starters in Mind

Use these helpful questions and topics to keep conversations flowing when you’re making an effort to connect with others.

A group of people laughing together while sitting outside in a circle.

Reinforce Your Active Listening Skills

See which skills you may need to focus on as you continue to build and deepen social connections.

Reflect on Your Skills

A man looks through binoculars while hiking outside with a companion.

Meet New People

Trying a new hobby or volunteering can lead to more chances to develop friendships.

Explore Possibilities

A woman plays chess over her phone while sitting in her kitchen.

Activities for Reconnecting With Your Loved Ones

Catching up with old friends or family you haven’t seen for a while can be a real mood lifter.

A photograph of a woman sitting in her living room and looking out the window.

Bounce Back From Disappointments

You may feel easily frustrated when social situations don’t go as you’d hoped. Here’s how you can recover.

Stay in the Know

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