Periodically, I receive calls /emails from both men and women lamenting their loneliness. Keep in mind that loneliness is an emotion. Isolation is a circumstance. Navigating this maze toward sustained independence requires adapting to the new normal for successful aging.
You don’t have to be alone to be lonely. Additionally, I’ve learned that for many this situation is self-imposed by those who choose to disconnect and not communicate with family, acquaintances or friends without fully evaluating the negative emotions and physical consequences of their choice along with the fears, low self-esteem, and depression that may result.
You don’t have to be alone to be lonely. Additionally, I’ve learned that for many this situation is self-imposed by those who choose to disconnect and not communicate with family, acquaintances or friends without fully evaluating the negative emotions and physical consequences of their choice along with the fears, low self-esteem, and depression that may result.
Commit yourself to be actively involved in life as long as you are physically and mentally able. Give yourself a renewed sense of accomplishment and purpose. Volunteer. Many organizations providing services in your community need help. Stay mentally stimulated. Play mind games and puzzles. Take a class, learn a new skill or teach what you know. Stay engaged with those you love via face-time or traditional phone calls. Sharpen your social media skills. Increasingly Facebook and Instagram are standard tools of communication. Get a part-time job. It’s another safe means of connecting with others on a regular basis. Join a club or group — a book club, garden club, golf group or whatever piques your interest. Exercise at least three times per week. The benefits are endless. Remember Barbara Hillary, a 75-year-old cancer survivor, who was one of the oldest people, and first female African-American to reach the North Pole.
A recent study from the Rush Hospital, Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago found that highly social seniors had a 70 percent lower rate of cognitive decline than their less social peers. Source: EverydayHealth
Healthy aging means continually reinventing yourself, finding new things to enjoy, and learning to adapt to change. So, get up and do something. Stay engaged in life, use it or lose it
A recent study from the Rush Hospital, Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago found that highly social seniors had a 70 percent lower rate of cognitive decline than their less social peers. Source: EverydayHealth
Healthy aging means continually reinventing yourself, finding new things to enjoy, and learning to adapt to change. So, get up and do something. Stay engaged in life, use it or lose it