Growing older does not mean you must feel alone or nervous around people. Many people over 65 worry about talking to others. They may fear saying the wrong thing or not remembering names. Here, we will show you simple and kind ways to feel calmer and more comfortable in social settings.
Why Social Situations Can Be Hard After 65
As we age, life undergoes significant changes. Friends move away. We retire from work. We may lose loved ones. Our body or health can change, too. These things can make meeting new people feel big and scary. That is normal. It does not mean you cannot feel better.
Good News: Change Is Still Possible
You can learn new ways to cultivate a sense of calm. Your brain stays able to learn. Small steps can bring big change. Feeling more at ease can come from practice, help, and being gentle with yourself.
Simple Steps to Feel More at Ease
Try one or two of these ideas. Do not try them all at once. Small steps are the best.
- Take a deep breath. Breathe in for four seconds, hold one second, and breathe out for four seconds. Do this twice. It helps your body relax.
- Start small. Say hello to one neighbor. Stay for a short time. Celebrate each try.
- Use a practice line. Before you go to a party, think of one easy thing to say, like “Nice to meet you” or “How are you today?”
- Bring a friend. Having someone you know makes new places feel safer.
- Sit near the edge. If a room feels too busy, pick a seat near the door. You can leave when you want.
- Wear something that makes you feel good. A small change can boost your confidence.
How Therapy Can Help
Talking with a caring helper can make a big difference. Therapy is a place to practice talking and try new ideas. A therapist listens and offers friendly tools. They can teach ways to calm down and communicate with others with less worry.
Live Well Mentally helps people with many kinds of worries and stress. They know about social anxiety and other conditions that can make social situations hard. Therapy can be short or long. It fits what you need.
Medication Can Help Too
For some people, medicine helps the brain feel calmer. Medicine can work with therapy. This is called medication management. A trained provider watches how the medicine works. They make changes if needed. This can help you take part in more social time without feeling too nervous.
Find People Who Understand
Joining a group can help you meet people who share your interests. Look for a group that likes simple, calm activities. Some ideas:
- A book club that reads easy books.
- A walking group that moves at a slow pace.
- A hobby class like painting or gardening.
- A volunteer group that helps others.
Being with people who share one small thing with you makes talking easier.
Tips for Practice
Practice helps your confidence grow. Try these in small steps.
- Make a plan. Pick one social thing this week. It can be a phone call or a short visit.
- Keep a small success list. Write down good moments, like a smile or a short chat.
- Use your senses. Notice what you smell or hear to stay calm. Say to yourself, “I hear the birds, I feel my feet.”
- Be kind to yourself. If a visit feels hard, that is okay. Try again tomorrow.
When to Ask For Extra Help
If worry keeps you from doing things you love, it may help to get more support. If you feel very stuck or sad, reach out. Asking for help is a brave step.
Live Well Mentally can help with many needs. They work with anxiety, social anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and other conditions. Their team knows how to support older adults.
Meet Your Provider
Theresa Antwi, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner in Connecticut. Theresa helps people of all ages to manage their mental health. She offers warm, caring support. Theresa works with kids aged 7 and up and with adults. She uses talk therapy and medication management. If you want a calm, steady helper who listens, Theresa can be a good choice.
A Few Gentle Reminders
- You are not alone. Many people feel nervous sometimes.
- Small steps matter. Tiny wins add up.
- Help is okay to ask for. Therapy and medicine can both make life better.
- You can learn new ways to join life and enjoy being with others.
Feeling more at ease in social situations after 65 is possible. It may take time. It may take practice. But with kind steps, help from caring professionals like those at Live Well Mentally, and a little patience with yourself, you can find more calm and more joy when you are with others. You are brave for trying. Keep going.
FAQs
Will talking with a therapist help?
Yes. A therapist listens and teaches easy ways to feel calm.
Can medicine help me feel less nervous?
Sometimes. A doctor or nurse can talk about medicine and check if it helps.
