Since the onset of the pandemic, there's been a heightened awareness of the detrimental effects of loneliness on people's wellbeing. While younger generations such as Gen Z have sought solace in fitness classes or shared hobbies, Boomers and Older Adults often struggle to find accessible outlets for social engagement. Dianne Stone, an associate director at the National Council on Aging, remarks that if any silver lining emerged from the pandemic, it's the widespread acknowledgement of the profound issue of loneliness.

As a result of this shift in understanding the impact loneliness can have on physical and mental health for people of all ages, local meet-ups and gatherings have risen in popularity. Often initiated through modest social media outreach and blossoming into regular meetings in community spaces, these types of events can foster genuine human connections. According to a 2023 national poll on healthy ageing, 37% of adults aged 50 to 80 in the US reported experiencing loneliness occasionally over the past year. The well-documented repercussions of loneliness, including its association with severe health conditions and premature mortality, underscore the urgency of addressing this issue.

Boomers are battling the loneliness epidemic head-on. By embracing alternative avenues for connection, leveraging social media platforms such as TikTok, where 11% of users in the US are over 50, this signals a growing digital connectivity among older demographics. Additionally, there's a notable trend of Boomers returning to urban areas in search of vibrant communities and enhanced opportunities for social interaction.