Communication and socializing have always been major parts of our lives. Just being around our friends and family seems to make us feel better. Yet when we get older, the risk of being isolated is very real. The golden years of retirement can backfire, and oftentimes elders get overlooked. However, caregivers and seniors themselves have many options to stay social butterflies. Here are the best ways, courtesy of Lexington Square:

1. Hobbies, volunteering, and teaching can all be great ways to become involved in the community. Finding a new passion that involves fun activities and community will be very beneficial.

2. Pets provide a brand-new sense of companionship, responsibility, and love. Having a furry (or scaly, or slimy) friend can provide many wonderful benefits for seniors.

3. Driving can be an issue for seniors. As a result, they may feel stuck in the house. Luckily, there are many companies that specialize in transportation for seniors. There are also day trips and public transportation that can help.

4. Groups, whether they are dance classes or spiritual communities, can provide a great sense of belonging for anyone, especially seniors.

5. Technology has been a growing solution for seniors and isolation. Whether your aging parents connect with you through Apple's FaceTime, or they find themselves a new friend with Amazon's Alexa, technology has made it much easier for people to connect.

Senior isolation does not have to exist anymore. Luckily, we active members of the community into our golden years.

For more information, check out Lexington Square's article here