< Aging Your Way – Senior Care Resources
Preventing Loneliness in Later Life: Practical Plans and Local Resources
Building Resilience, Finding Connection, and Staying Engaged Through Change
Unexpected health changes can disrupt plans to stay active and social. Backup plans help you maintain interests and connections by providing alternative options, such as virtual events or accessible transport. They also reduce stress for families and caregivers.
- Loneliness is common but often goes unspoken. Many people feel lonely in later life due to changing routines and health, but it’s normal, not a weakness. Acknowledging this helps address loneliness with compassion.
- Connection can change, not disappear. Social circles may shrink, but meaningful relationships remain possible. Adapting to new ways of connecting helps preserve purpose and belonging.
- Routine creates natural opportunities for interaction. Regular activities—like classes, volunteering, or hobby groups—offer steady chances for social contact without pressure.
- Technology can support connection when used intentionally. Tools like video calls and online communities bridge physical gaps. Learning technology may be tough at first, but it can be empowering.
- Purpose helps protect against isolation. Purpose, through caregiving, mentoring, hobbies, or learning, supports emotional well-being and strengthens self-worth.
- Health changes can increase isolation. Physical, sensory, or cognitive shifts make socializing harder. With support or professional help, connection and dignity can be maintained.
- It is okay to ask for support. Seeking companionship isn’t burdensome. Family, friends, faith leaders, counselors, and community programs are ready to help but may need your request.
- Small connections make a big difference. Brief interactions—calls, meals, group activities, or familiar routines—can ease loneliness and boost community feeling.
Safe, welcoming spaces for people with dementia and their caregivers to socialize, enjoy music, art, games, exercise, and conversation. Caregivers also receive emotional support and practical guidance.
- Dementia Care & Education Campus (Phoenix)
- City of Phoenix Memory Cafés (Multiple Senior Centers)
- Tempe Memory Café (Tempe Public LibrarySun Lakes Memory Café (Sun Lakes United Methodist Church)Spotlight Senior Services Memory Café (Goodyear
- East Valley Memory Café (Gilbert libraries & community centers)
15 centers throughout the city, offering meals, transportation, fitness classes, computer labs, arts & crafts, and regular social events.
- Phoenix Sunnyslope Senior Center—Social and recreational programming
- Shadow Mountain Senior Center—Group classes, events, community activities
- Devonshire Senior Center—Arts, fitness, education, social programming
- McDowell Place Senior Center—Social and leisure activities
- Adam Diaz Senior Center—Community gatherings and educational opportunities
- Helen Drake Senior Center—Programs for connection and engagement
- The Pecos Senior Center—Social, cultural, recreational events
- Valley of the Sun YMCA—Locations throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and Peoria provide group exercise, swimming, social events, and enrichment programs for seniors.
- Phoenix Public Library—Classes, tech training, creative arts, and hobby groups; many are accessible virtually.
- Via Linda Senior Center—Wellness, education, social programming
- Granite Reef Senior Center—Community activities, lifelong learning
- Tempe Public Library offers book clubs, art workshops, and lectures
- Tempe Community Center Complex hosts senior fitness and activity programs.
- Gilbert Senior Center—Social, recreational, and wellness programs for adults; offers group activities and events.
- Gilbert Community Volunteer Program—Opportunities for adults to volunteer at local events, senior centers, or schools, fostering intergenerational connection and support.
- East Valley Adult Resources—Serving Gilbert and neighboring communities, offers classes, support groups, and volunteer opportunities for seniors and caregivers.
Virtual book clubs, hobby groups, and creative classes through local libraries and community education. Many centers offer hybrid sessions (in-person & virtual).
Virtual book clubs, hobby groups, and creative classes through local libraries and community education. Many centers offer hybrid sessions (in-person & virtual).
- JustServe.org—provides many opportunities in your area to fit your needs.
- Serving in church or other religious organizations.
- Service Missions or Senior Couple Missions provide flexibility and opportunities based on an individual’s health and personal circumstances.
- Ascension Hospice—volunteer programs supporting patients living in private homes, group homes or other facilities. Participate in group activities for residents of Group Homes or Memory Care units. Or visit one-on-one with patients providing socialization & companionship.
- Duet Arizona—Partners in Health & Aging (Phoenix)—volunteer programs supporting isolated seniors, transportation, and peer support.
- St. Mary’s Food Bank (Phoenix, Surprise, Mesa)—food delivery and onsite volunteering.
- Hospitals (Banner Health, HonorHealth, Dignity Health)—volunteer as greeters, patient advocates, or activity coordinators.
- Arizona Humane Society (Phoenix)—interact with animals, support adoption events.
- MyFriend (Phoenix & Metropolitan area)—Free volunteer companionship program connecting trained volunteers with seniors through visits and check-in calls. Volunteer opportunities available for those wanting to support older adults.
- Senior Support Group (Maricopa County)—In-person support group meetings across various cities including Gilbert.
- SeniorPalNet—Pen-pal program for seniors in the Southeast Valley (including Gilbert) to foster connection through written correspondence.
- Respite Care Programs—Area Agency on Aging (Region One)—offers caregiver respite, adult day programs, and support groups throughout metro Phoenix.
- Creative Arts: Join watercolor, ceramics, writing, and quilting classes (Phoenix Center for the Arts, Tempe Public Library, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts).
- Music & Dance: Participate in group singing, learn an instrument, or take dance lessons at local centers, such as the Mesa Arts Center and Valley of the Sun YMCA.
- Fitness & Wellness: Explore yoga, tai chi, chair exercise, or walking clubs at Phoenix senior centers, local parks, and YMCA branches.
- Lifelong Learning: Attend lectures, tech training, or join book clubs at Phoenix Public Library, Tempe Public Library, and community colleges (Rio Salado, Scottsdale CC).
- Gardening & Nature: Volunteer at Desert Botanical Garden, participate in community gardening projects in Phoenix and Tempe, or join birdwatching groups at local parks.
- Games & Social Activities: Play chess, bridge, bingo, or trivia at senior centers or community clubs. Engage in social outings, themed events, or travel clubs (AAA Arizona, local travel agencies).
- Mental Wellness: Maintain a sense of purpose with meaningful, adaptable goals. Stay engaged with virtual meetings, phone calls, or accessible in-person events.
- Emotional Support: Connect with peer support groups, counseling services (Area Agency on Aging, Duet Arizona), or faith-based programs (Valley Interfaith Project).
- Physical Health: Adjust fitness routines to your abilities—try gentle exercise, aquatic classes, or stretching. Seek regular health screenings and adapt activities as needed.
- Flexibility & Communication: Discuss preferences and contingency plans with family, caregivers, and medical providers. Revisit your plans periodically and update as circumstances change.
| Resource/Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Memory Cafés | Welcoming spaces for socialization, creative activities, and caregiver support |
| Senior Centers | Meals, transportation, fitness, arts, and lifelong learning |
| Volunteering | Opportunities at Duet Arizona, food banks, animal shelters, hospitals |
| Library Programs | Book clubs, arts, and tech classes in person or online |
| Respite Care | Temporary relief for caregivers, adult day programs, support groups |
| Fitness Centers | Exercise classes, walking clubs, adapted programs for all abilities |
| Backup Plans | Virtual gatherings, accessible transportation, home-based hobbies |
By proactively researching and connecting with real, local resources—and by cultivating a broad array of hobbies—you can build a flexible, resilient plan that adapts to life’s changes. Thoughtful backup plans will help you maintain meaningful relationships and activities in the Phoenix metro area, even as health needs evolve.
