COFFEE WAS A BEST FRIEND …

Remember the big “Q”?

Most of us do.  Don’t think we ever want to do that again!

I ran into a family friend a few weeks back and was surprised to hear from her that she STILL felt isolated.

WOW.

Coffee (iced Latte – it’s been high 90’s here for weeks) ensued and I heard quite a few things I thought might be valuable my community here @newfaceof60.

First, know that several studies were done relevant to those of us 55 and older and, they confirmed that “A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) points out that more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.”

How does this happen to someone who lives in a designated “senior community”?  Lots of seniors living in close proximity, right?  Wrong. Many were afraid of getting sick and chose to take all of their meals in their apartments.

Well, think about 2021 … masks, staying in rather than venturing out, NO visitors were allowed inside Senior Communities.  People spent almost 13 months by themselves.  Sure, relatives came in to wave through the window…but, NO social contact.  That’s a long time to spend sitting alone.

Then, you had the older couples who still lived in their homes but, didn’t have anyone in…or, weren’t healthy enough to get out by themselves.

If you or someone you know is alone, be sure to stop by or call and check on them.  It will make a HUGE difference in their health.

Here are some ideas to stave off isolation now that the World has gotten back to “almost” normal:

  1.  Call someone you are thinking about but have not seen in a while.

  2.  Join a book club – or, invite someone who is alone to join your book club.

  3.  Go to the market with friends once a week.

  4.  Get friends together and see the latest George Clooney movie.

  5.  Take walks and catch up with neighborhood activities and movement.  And, check out everyone else’s gardens while you are at it.

  6.  Hit the gym or pilates class.

  7.  Take turns hosting coffee or wine get-togethers in your home or apartment.

  8.  Travel – so many groups of women traveling these days.  Pick something from your Bucket List and go!  If not now, when?

Do you know someone who could use a visit?

 

xoxo, Rosanna
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2 thoughts on “COFFEE WAS A BEST FRIEND …”

  1. Hi Sharon!
    My mom felt the effects of prolonged isolation as well. We are just not built for solitude long-term. Thanks for sharing your method of coping – I lost my “gym” life during that time and reallllllyyyy felt deprived. It takes a while to get back into it.
    xo, Rosanna

  2. I know that the isolation of 2020 affected my 86-year-old mother! I walked with friends seven days a week during the pandemic, and that was my social for the day. I do feel a bit of anxiety about going out now after being home so much during the past 2 years!

    Sharon