Health We have seen how residents of nursing and retirement homes have suffered emotionally from being disconnected, not only from their family visits, but from all other social interactions through isolation. In addition, many are aware of the serious threat to their physical health because of age, infirmity and living in a higher-risk environment. Keeping yourself busy is one of the best things that you can do to offset loneliness. Those who have developed hobbies, interests, reading, computer skills andmany other activities are less susceptible. Those who participate in volunteering, joining seniors’ centres, involvement with church groups, card groups and other social gatherings are far less likely to be lonely. Upon retirement, it is not too late to develop such new interests. Many seniors’ centres offer numerous courses on everything from quilt-making to carpentry, in addition to numerous physical sports suitable for to seniors. Sports such as golf, curling, pickle ball, badminton and hiking are excellent ways in which seniors can benefit both mentally from the social interaction, and from the physical health benefits of exercise. All of these activities − besides providing enjoyment − also help us cultivate new friends and social interactions. I remember the many times I visited my mother (in her nineties) at her retirement home, where she always had to attend the 5 o’clock cocktail hour many enjoyed before dinner. She would tell me that it wasn’t so much the whiskey as it was her friendships! Although the pandemic has limited many of our options, there are also many that can be continued in one’s own home. It is never too late to try something new. Reading a new book, learning a new board game or playing an old one, doing crossword puzzles, learning something new on the computer or TV or simply enjoying an extra movie on Netflix are just a few of the things that can stimulate the mind. Games such as bridge can now be played with others via the internet. Modern technology has allowed us to have audio visual communication with our family or friends. Many of us are using Facetime or Zoom to accomplish this interaction during the pandemic, and for those separated by distance. This can also be a time when we pay more attention to enhancing our relationship with family members and old friends. Through e-mail, phone calls, texting and video communication, we have the time to rekindle or maintain our connection with individuals whom we don’t often normally see. Pay special attention to individuals whom you suspect may be at high risk for loneliness. There are many things that we can do to assist those who may be lonely. There are also many things that we can do to reduce the risk of loneliness in our own lives and to manage the loneliness when it threatens, especially during the time of pandemics. Do what you can. And now, after calling my old friend in Fort Lauderdale, I think I will go out to my garage and do some more restoration work on my 1928 Model A Ford roadster! 50 | www.snowbirds.org
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