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Retirement is supposed to be a time to relax, pursue hobbies, and enjoy the freedom that comes after decades of work. But for many older Americans, leaving the workforce also means losing daily contact with coworkers and the social connections that came with a job.

A new study suggests that some states may offer retirees a more socially connected environment than others.

Researchers at The Elder Justice Firm examined conditions affecting adults 65 and older, including the percentage living alone, marital status, reported mental distress, and access to broadband internet.

The study, reported by ConsumerAffairs, ranked Utah as the state where seniors appear least likely to experience conditions associated with loneliness, followed by Hawaii and Delaware.

The findings may be particularly relevant to people deciding where to retire, although researchers caution that geography alone doesn’t determine whether someone will feel lonely or socially isolated.

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The 10 best states for social connections in retirement

According to the study, the states ranking highest for conditions associated with social connectedness among older adults are:

• Utah
• Hawaii
• Delaware
• California
• Idaho
• South Carolina
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• Minnesota
• Alaska

Utah earned the top ranking partly because only 21% of residents 65 and older live alone. Just 7.6% report frequent mental distress.

Hawaii had the lowest percentage of older residents living alone, at 19.2%, helping it secure second place.

California ranked fourth, with broadband internet access playing a significant role. The study found that 91.4% of older Californians have home broadband service, which can make it easier to maintain relationships with family and friends who live elsewhere.

Minnesota, which ranked ninth overall, had the lowest reported rate of frequent mental distress among the top 10 states, at 7%.

However, the researchers did not directly ask seniors whether they felt lonely. Living alone does not necessarily mean someone is lonely, and living with a spouse or family member does not guarantee meaningful social connections.

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Why loneliness can become a problem in retirement

For many people, retirement brings major changes to their social lives. Daily interactions with coworkers disappear, adult children may live hundreds of miles away, and the death of a spouse or close friend can leave a significant emotional void.

Health problems can make matters worse. Limited mobility, hearing loss, or the inability to drive can make it difficult to participate in activities that once provided regular companionship.

Loneliness is more than an emotional concern.

According to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness and social isolation are associated with increased risks of depression, heart disease, and cognitive decline.

Researchers distinguish between social isolation, which involves having relatively few social contacts, and loneliness, which is the feeling of being disconnected from others.

A retiree who lives alone but regularly visits friends, volunteers, and participates in community activities may feel less lonely than someone living in a household with little meaningful interaction.

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What retirees should consider before relocating

The findings offer another factor for retirees to consider when deciding where to spend their later years.

While housing costs, taxes, climate, and access to medical care often dominate retirement relocation decisions, opportunities for social interaction can be equally important to overall quality of life.

Before moving, retirees may want to investigate whether a community has an active senior center, volunteer organizations, clubs, continuing education programs, and reliable transportation.

Proximity to family and longtime friends may also deserve greater consideration.

A state with favorable social indicators isn’t necessarily the best choice for every retiree. Moving to a new community where someone knows no one could initially increase feelings of isolation, even if the state ranks highly in the study.

For some retirees, remaining close to an established network of friends and family may be more beneficial than relocating to a highly ranked state.

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Five ways to build a more connected retirement

The good news is that retirees don’t necessarily have to move to improve their social lives. The National Institute on Aging recommends maintaining relationships and participating in activities that provide regular contact with others.

Here are five relatively inexpensive ways to strengthen social connections:

• Make regular contact a priority. Schedule weekly telephone or video calls with family members and friends. Having a standing appointment can make it easier to maintain relationships.
• Participate in community activities. Senior centers, public libraries, and community organizations frequently offer free or low-cost classes, exercise programs, and social gatherings.
• Consider volunteering. Helping at a food bank, animal shelter, hospital, or local nonprofit can provide a sense of purpose while creating opportunities to meet new people.
• Use technology to stay connected. Video calls, online interest groups, and other digital tools can help retirees maintain relationships when distance or mobility limitations make in-person visits difficult.
• Take advantage of local services. The federal government’s Eldercare Locator can help older adults find senior centers, transportation assistance, and other community resources. The service is also available by calling 800-677-1116.

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Social connections are part of a healthy retirement

Financial security remains an important foundation for retirement, but having enough money doesn’t necessarily guarantee a satisfying retirement experience.

Maintaining friendships, participating in activities, and feeling connected to a community can also play important roles in well-being.

The new state rankings suggest that some places may offer more favorable conditions for older adults to maintain those connections. But the larger lesson is that retirees don’t have to live in Utah, Hawaii, or Delaware to enjoy an active social life.