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Social isolation is certainly not limited to retirees, though we are more vulnerable due to physical limitations and to the thinking that it is something to be accepted in old age. For young and old alike, the only answer is to get out of the house, and if you can't, to find some way to let other people in.
Thankfully, this is not just the typical magazine junk written by a 20 something who knows nothing. There are actual facts and literature citations and plenty of links for anyone who wants further information.
I do think social isolation is a major problem. Walk into any gym, bar, sporting event crowd, etc., and almost everyone is buried in their phone. People just don't talk anymore.
In regard to the holidays, maybe it's just me, but I've never been into the holidays really. I'm not very religious, so there's not that aspect, and hate all the commercial hoopla and pressure to reciprocate on gift-giving. I tell people I don't want anything, then they buy me things I don't want or need, so I have to reciprocate. I see the family I want to see frequently. It's just not special to me.
I get enough social interaction in my day to day routine. I'd be quite happy to just have some alone time during the holidays, but instead, I'll be eating overcooked ham and veggies and forced to put on a smile when I'd rather just be hiking or something.
It's important to stay connected to your friends. For me, that means in person, not just on Facebook.
We have one group that meets once a week at Starbucks for coffee and another that meets on Friday afternoon for beers. We've known each other for years and we're all retired.
Humans are social animals. I've come to appreciate this more and more as I've gotten older. It's important to get out and meet and help other people. Do things with them.
Be especially well connected to your family. In the end, it's all you have. The older I get, the less I care about having stuff.
Just could not read the whole article. Made me sad. Many people do try to get out of the house and be with others. Sometimes they meet cynical, mean spirited others who just push them back into their homes. Especially with some elderly, who think everyone else is a threat to their well being. This silliness doesn't help anyone.
I hope for 2017 that every lonely person can find peace and good will somewhere. We all need this.
Another advantage of the 55+ communities for the most part.
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