re: Study: Exercise Reduces Loneliness, Social Isolation in Seniors

Almond — 11/18/2020 12:45:40 AM

Much loneliness has to do with empty hands and empty minds. When you are busy helping others or doing necessary and purposeful work, you have less time to think about yourself. Work accomplished also gives confidence and a sense of pride. Even something as humble as the day you clean bathrooms and get the toilets well-scrubbed. There is a sense of satisfaction with a job completed and well done.

If a person feels empty inside, they often fill the emptiness with all sorts of negative things. These only make the situation worse. You have a choice--you can also fill the empty places inside with virtue, gratitude and happiness.

There are many options to ease the isolation for people who feel lonely. How about making phone calls to check up on shut-ins? Maybe a church would appreciate your help doing something like this. How about knitting or sewing baby clothes for mothers who are destitute? Many hospitals will provide free layettes to mothers in need and rely on donations. Or making lap robes for those in wheel chairs? In summer, you can garden and share your surplus from your porch or on the curb if you must avoid direct contact. If you are mobile, you can stand outside and carol with your household members.

Use online resources to learn something new--a language, a recipe, a craft... Be creative. Read a novel. Learn "calls" to talk with birds and wild animals. Do morning exercises (relieves depression!) and go for a walk. Keep in touch with people in your network. Clean and organize. Do mending and household repairs. It may be too late to grow a potted flower as a Christmas gift, but plan ahead for Easter. Plan your garden for the new year.

In spite of covid, it is still a wonderful world. Do not make the mistake of relying on others to make you happy. You are responsible for your own happiness.