How to Combat the Epidemic of Lonliness

Author

SAINT THERESE MN

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Saint Therese Senior Living

Posted on

May 21, 2024

Book/Edition

Minnesota - Twin Cities Metro Area

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Last year the U. S. Surgeon General issued a very important Surgeon General Advisory, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation 2023.” Unlike other advisories that touch on things like opioids, obesity, HIV/AIDS, and smoking for instance, this latest one is about the need for social connection.

Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy wrote, “Loneliness is the subjective feeling that you’re lacking the social connections you need. It can feel like being stranded, abandoned, or cut off from the people with whom you belong—even if you’re surrounded by other people. What’s missing when you’re lonely is the feeling of closeness, trust, and the affection of genuine friends, loved ones, and community.”

He went on: “Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling, it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death . . . And the harmful consequences of a society that lacks social connection can be felt in our schools, workplaces and civic organizations where performance, productivity and engagement are diminished.”

For aging adults, which is my focus, the lack of social connection and loneliness was brought to everyone’s attention during COVID when seniors and their families were isolated from each other. No one who had a mom or dad in senior living during that time will forget the anxiety around trying to connect with their loved one.

The advisory focuses on “cultivating a culture of connection,” one that rests on the core values of kindness, respect, service and commitment to one another. And it offers practical recommendations on what different groups of people can do to advance social connections. All can be found on SurgeonGeneral.gov, but I’m including here several recommendations aimed at individuals.

  • Invest time in nurturing your relationships through consistent, frequent and high-quality engagement with others. Take time each day to reach out to a friend of family member.
  • Minimize distraction during conversations to increase the quality of time you spend with others. For instance, don’t check your phone during meals with friends, important conversations and family time.
  • Seek out opportunities to serve and support others, either by helping your family, co-workers, friends or strangers in your community or by participating in community service.
  • Be responsive, supportive and practice gratitude. As we practice these behaviors, others are more likely to reciprocate, strengthening our social bonds and improving relationship satisfaction.
  • Actively engage with people of different backgrounds and experiences to expand your understanding of and relationships with others.
  • Seek help during times of struggle with loneliness or isolation by reaching out to a family member, friend, counselor or healthcare provider.
  • Participate in social and community groups.

Of course, the last bullet is an absolute given in senior living communities like Saint Therese. We believe one of the most important benefits to older adults in our community – be it independent, assisted, memory care or nursing home – is the opportunity to make social connections and live well.


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Local Services By This Author

Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake

Skilled Nursing 5200 Oak Grove Pkwy N, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, 55443

At Saint Therese, we're always here for you.We take a unique approach to long-term care based on individual needs. Whether your long-term stay is temporary or ongoing, our trained, compassionate professionals work with you and your loved ones to develop a personalized care plan that allows you to experience your best life every day.Individuals may need long-term, skilled nursing care following a hospital stay or surgical procedure or while recovering from an illness or injury. Other reasons include: permanent disabilities, chronic pain, complicated medical issues, cognitive impairment or other conditions. We offer 24-hour skilled nursing care, including specialized care for cardiac rehabilitation and dementia as well as emotional and spiritual support. At Saint Therese, we care for the whole person with great compassion.Long-term care is available at three locations. Saint Therese of New Hope offers private or shared rooms. Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park and Saint Therese of Woodbury offer private suites.    Contact us for more information and to schedule a tour.

Saint Therese of Woodbury

Rehabilitation Facilities 7555 Bailey Road, Woodbury, Minnesota, 55129

Throughout our decades-long history, our rehab and wellness division at Saint Therese has continued to grow and evolve, remaining innovative in how we elevate and uphold the lives of the individuals we serve. As we strive to continue growing, our rehab and wellness division has officially been renamed Ascend Rehabilitation in honor of the vision to rise, lift up and support adults in living their very best life.Ascend Rehabilitation brings highly trained physical, occupational and speech therapists, as well as fitness professionals to Saint Therese communities. Taking a comprehensive, compassionate approach, our therapists help older adults get and stay healthy, able, fit and moving in order to age well and live where they want to live.Throughout all our lifestyle options, Saint Therese strives to provide the peace of mind and confidence that comes with continuity of care. No matter where you are in your journey to health and wellness, our care team journeys with you. We offer inpatient, outpatient and home-based services. We also specialize in wellness and fitness programs designed for older adults and incorporate state-of-the-art equipment and specialty programming.The Ascend team, many of whom have served Saint Therese for many years, advocate for our community members and do what it takes to help each live his or her preferred lifestyle. Just as in other facets of our communities, we build relationships that go beyond reading a name off a medical chart. We get to know you, we understand your history, your needs and well be with you every step of the way.

Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake

Assisted Living 5200 Oak Grove Pkwy N, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, 55443

Each Saint Therese resident is a valued, unique member of our community, so we take an individualized approach to assisted living. Well design a personalized care plan with essential components and services that allow you to live an active, full life. You can maintain the independence you want with the level of daily support you need.Available at Saint Therese of New Hope, Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park and Saint Therese of Woodbury, our spacious, well-appointed assisted living apartments for individuals or couples are available in one- or two-bedroom floor plans. Features include a kitchen with standard appliances, walk-in shower and other amenities for comfort and convenience. Care plans may include medication management and health monitoring, assistance with daily activities, such as dressing or bathing, and an emergency pendant for added safety and assurance.The vibrant Saint Therese communities offer residents opportunities to stay active and well with onsite wellness and fitness programs, personal care services such as a barber and beauty salon, an engaging activities calendar and much more. Our pastoral care program provides support for spiritual needs as well as regular Mass and ecumenical worship services.Many residents join our community after having lived in the family home for decades. Our caring employees understand the transition to a new way of life, making new friends and sharing new experiences, can be challenging. Thats why were here for you every step of the way. Providing excellent, dignified care with compassion and empathy is at the core of everything we do.At Saint Therese, we do ordinary things with extraordinary love. Contact us today to learn more about our assisted living services and to schedule a tour.LOCATIONS WITH THESE SERVICES:Saint Therese of New HopeSaint Therese at Oxbow LakeSaint Therese of Woodbury