Retirement and loneliness: Tips for seniors to combat sadness during their golden years [Video]

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

For some seniors, retirement brings the unbridled joy of more time with loved ones — but for others, the golden years can end up being quite blue.

More than a third of older adults said they feel lonely at least once a week, according to the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging.

The U.S. Surgeon General even called loneliness and social isolation a “serious health epidemic” in his Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community.

HEALTH CARE IS ‘OVERWHELMINGLY COMPLEX’ FOR OLDER ADULTS, EXPERTS SAY: ‘EVER-INCREASING HURDLE’

“The transition from a structured work life to retirement can lead to a significant decrease in social interactions and a sense of purpose,” Neal Shah, CEO of CareYaya Health Technologies, an elder care provider in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, told Fox News Digital. 

“This, …