Loneliness

With mounting research, it’s becoming abundantly clear that older adults who feel lonely not only suffer deep distress at their lack of social connection, but also suffer significant physical and cognitive consequences. As families become smaller and more dispersed, people live longer, and older adults often outlive loved ones and…

The novelist Thomas Wolfe once wrote, “Loneliness is and always has been the central and inevitable experience of every man.” While that may be true, and many, if not most of us, experience loneliness at some point in our lives, that doesn’t mean it’s an easy experience or one without…

For many, the approach of Valentine’s Day does not necessarily include a romantic interlude with your honey, but rather an opportunity to express your love and affection for your “Galentine,” that is, a moment dedicated to expressions of love and gratitude for deep friendships. As Euripides once said, “One loyal…

There’s no doubt that today’s technology is a double-edged sword. It allows us to meet new people, sustain long-distance relationships, and explore new possibilities, all at our fingertips. Never before has such a breadth and depth of knowledge and opportunities been so accessible to so many. Yet at the same…

It may be the season to be jolly and festive, but for many, especially older adults, the holiday season can be a time of challenge and dismay, bringing up past sorrows and missed loved ones or underscoring a sense of loneliness, even “invisibility.” In fact, many may question not only…

Data has shown that there’s an ever-growing community of people aging on their own, without the support or companionship of a partner, adult child, or other loved ones. According to a recent AARP survey, 21% of US adults age 50 and above live alone, representing 24 million people, including one…