Are You Lonely Tonight?

 This Elvis Presley song sticks in my head as I think about loneliness, but the fact of the matter is, loneliness is something many seniors face.   The holidays are a special time of year for us all-full of lights, music and memories, but for many seniors, especially those alone, they can feel surprisingly quiet.  Studies show that nearly one in three older adults feel lonely at times, and that isolation can affect not just mood, but overall health.

The good news is that connection makes a real difference.  Getting together with friends for coffee, or joining a community group, or attending a holiday event can lift spirits and bring back a sense of belonging.  Sharing  stories and laughter help remind us that we're not alone-we're part of something bigger.  I always think of the book, The Blue Zones, by Dan Buettner.  In it he discusses the six geographical zones where people live the longest and healthiest.  One of the keys to their longevity is community and socialization.

A few weeks was ago was Thanksgiving, a particularly difficult time for some seniors that no longer have a spouse, a sibling or a parent, and children may live far away.  Here at Ocean Hills some very generous and thoughtful residents put together a Thanksgiving dinner in the big hall for those who were alone.  Interest was overwhelming, and over 100 people attended the dinner.  I've lived here for 10 years and this was the first time a Thanksgiving dinner was arranged for seniors living alone.   My guess is it will become an annual event.  

There were people at the dinner I had never seen before, and many of them said they didn't get out much anymore, but thought it would be nice to have Thanksgiving with others in the community.  They were all so glad they came.  At least for this one afternoon they felt part of a community, had someone to talk to and someone to share a meal with.

It's so important to stay engaged socially, yet so difficult for many.  It's up to us, the social butterflies, to invite shut ins who find it too much trouble to go, to get them out, not just on Thanksgiving, but on a regular basis.  It's good for them, and it sure makes us feel good to get someone to feel part of the community.