We want to address a growing concern among people over 60: loneliness. Loneliness has been increasingly recognized as a significant public health issue with profound impacts on mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
I’m Laura Lynn Morrissey, founder of SilverSavvy and Certified Aging Specialist. I experienced profound loneliness as I neared 60. Here is my story.
When I was in my 40s and 50s, I worked in an office setting surrounded by the hustle and bustle of my daily routine. I worked with people I enjoyed and often socialized with them after work and on weekends. I come from a large extended family and married into a large family. Together, we had events practically every weekend. My social life and my home life were full. And then, it changed.
About two years ago, I noticed I felt lonely. That was a new feeling for me. I felt lost, withdrawn; not myself at all. I could not shake it. I began to reflect on what was causing this sadness. And I realized that over the past five years, I had lost a dozen people very close to me; my parents passed away, my husband’s mom passed away, as well as aunts, uncles, and three close friends. Family gatherings suddenly slowed as families began breaking off into their own groups. Core friends began retiring and moving away, impacting how often I would see them. And I began working from home, conducting my workday via Zoom. My entire social circle and support network was disrupted. No wonder I felt a little tilted. Was I the only one going through this loss? I was determined to break out of this malaise but also wondered: how prevalent is this phenomenon?
The Prevalence of Loneliness
Loneliness is a widespread issue in the United States. According to a report from the U.S. Surgeon General, about half of U.S. adults reported experiencing measurable levels of loneliness even before the COVID-19 pandemic (Ideastream). The CDC highlights that loneliness and social isolation are linked to serious health conditions, including a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia (CDC).
The Impact of Loneliness
- On Our Bodies: Loneliness has been shown to increase the risk of various health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and dementia. It also has a comparable impact on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day (Ideastream).
- On Our Minds: Mentally, loneliness can double the risk of depression and anxiety. It also contributes to cognitive decline, increasing the risk of developing dementia by 50% (HHS.gov).
- On Our Culture: Social isolation can erode community bonds, reducing civic engagement and overall societal well-being. Communities where residents are more connected generally fare better in terms of health, safety, and resilience (HHS.gov).
Understanding the Causes of Loneliness
Many older adults experience similar feelings of loneliness and social isolation. The factors contributing to this are multifaceted:
- Health and Mobility Issues: Physical limitations and health problems can restrict social activities, leading to isolation. Chronic illnesses that limit daily activities significantly contribute to feelings of loneliness (National Poll on Healthy Aging) (CDC).
- Retirement and Social Role Changes: Transitioning from a structured work life to retirement can reduce daily social interactions. The loss of professional identity and routine can also lead to a sense of purposelessness and isolation (CDC).
- Living Alone: Many older adults live alone, either due to the loss of a spouse or personal choice. This can result in fewer opportunities for social engagement and increased feelings of loneliness (National Poll on Healthy Aging) (HHS.gov).
Future Trends
As the baby boomer generation continues to retire, the prevalence of loneliness among older adults is likely to increase. The sheer number of retirees, combined with potential increases in mobility and health issues, suggests that without intervention, loneliness could become an even more significant public health issue (National Poll on Healthy Aging) (Ideastream).
Real Ways to Reconnect
Given so many of us are facing loneliness, there are lots of ways to solve for it. Here are four ways I recommend to reinvigorate your connections and strengthen your sense of purpose:
- Join Volunteer Groups:
- Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people and contribute to your community. Whether it’s at a local food bank, animal shelter, or community center, giving your time can create new social connections and a sense of purpose. I joined a local community group, organized a historical home tour, and offered my skills as a mentor to women in business and college graduates entering the workforce.
- Engage in Online Communities:
- Platforms like Facebook have numerous groups where you can connect with like-minded individuals. I found a local “Women Over 50” group on FaceBook to be incredibly supportive and active. They organize various activities, making it easy to find something that interests you and keeps you socially engaged.
- Participate in Local Events:
- Check out local community centers or libraries for events like book clubs, fitness classes, or art workshops. These are great places to meet people with similar interests. My home town has an annual “Old Home Day.” I bake pies and volunteer as a server for the Ham and Bean luncheon! It’s a blast!
- Use Technology to Stay Connected:
- Don’t be afraid to embrace technology. Tools like Zoom, Skype, and social media platforms can help you stay in touch with family and friends, even if they are far away. Many local organizations also offer technology workshops to help you get started. I schedule wine and dinner dates on Zoom with friends that live far and it’s really fun!
- Join Hobby Groups:
- Whether it’s gardening, knitting, or hiking, there are groups out there for every interest. These groups not only provide a platform to enjoy your hobbies but also a chance to make new friends.
Take Action
Combating loneliness in people over 60 is essential for enhancing our quality of life. By understanding the causes and impacts, and through targeted actions we can return to, and lead connected and fulfilling lives.
Let’s use National Friendship Day as an opportunity to foster stronger, more supportive communities. Remember, the effort we make to reconnect through various avenues like Facebook, volunteer groups, and local events can significantly improve our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
For more detailed strategies and insights, you can explore resources provided by the National Poll on Healthy Aging, the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on loneliness, and reviews on social isolation interventions for older adults (National Poll on Healthy Aging) (HHS.gov) (BioMed Central).
Our mission at SilverSavvy is to affirm that as we age, the challenges we face are shared by many – you are not alone. We aim to provide practical ideas and resources to help us stay connected and live life to its fullest potential.
I want to hear what you think; share your comments below! Or reach out to me directly at [email protected].
To You Living Well,
Laura Lynn Morrissey