How to Combat the Epidemic of Lonliness
SAINT THERESE MN
For more information about the author, click to view their website: Saint Therese Senior Living
May 21, 2024
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.
- To view the original version of this article visit www.sainttherese.org/blog/2024/05/how-to-lessen-loneliness-in-seniors/
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
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