Loneliness- Commune, Community, Companionship!

Loneliness- Commune, Community, Companionship!

Today, I would like to focus on a relatively new trend (last decade or so) that seems to be gaining momentum. This happening, this event, usually takes place out of sight and so it easily tends to remain out of mind. I am referring to Loneliness! It isn’t an issue that solely focus’s on a gender, race, ethnicity, age, or even class. Class is an interesting subject because it (money) is believed to be the cure to all your problems. However, the free things in life are proven to provide the happiest lives- family, love, companionship, social structures etc..

On one hand, social media has exacerbated these self enclosed balloons- but that is more so to those younger than your typical baby boomer age range. I would like to discuss loneliness in the ecosystem of our baby boomers and traditionalist. For those out here that are at and above the boomer generation there are other reasons. Such as having adult children with active and busy lives, divorces, deceased spouses and friends, limited mobility, lost of interest, and limiting medical conditions are some factors.

As many as 1 in 5 Americans experience and or suffer from loneliness. Loneliness is a serious state of being which can lead to various mental and physical health decreases. Depression, stroke, heart disease, and suicide yes even that. Look at this –

A few years ago researchers at Brigham Young University conducted an influential meta-analysis of scientific literature on the subject, and found that social isolation increases your risk of death by an astounding ~30%, and some estimates have it as high as 60%.

Now, I don’t want to veer off into a psychological or medical article. I do however want to bring to this audiences mind the importance of commune, community and companionship. It is easy to get caught in the day to day which quickly turns into week to week and month to month with out spending valuable time with friends, families, and companions.

Healthy social circles are very important in a healthy life and some studies show that loneliness may be a bigger health risk than smoking or obesity. Combating loneliness doesn’t have to be expensive. Simple things such as weekly or biweekly 10 minute phone calls can boost morale, activities out of the house such as walks provides quality time and exercise, joining yoga or other low stress exercise groups like bowling leagues, or swimming exercise groups can be a release of tension and an avenue to develop relationships. Your local YMCA and other community centers have bingo, chess and other board games to join in on. There are countless ways to beat back loneliness. Many are free, some may cost a little money, but there is something out there for us all. The important thing to remember is to remember those we say we care about.

Disclaimer: This article is intended as a friendly reminder with recommendations. It is not medical advise, direction or prescription of any sort. Please refer to professional services for any health related questions, concerns and relief.

References:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2017/01/18/loneliness-might-be-a-bigger-health-risk-than-smoking-or-obesity/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/21/science-loneliness_n_6864066.html

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/love-and-gratitude/201708/loneliness-cited-public-health-threat

http://time.com/3747784/loneliness-mortality/