slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Taken from The National Association of Agencies on Aging...

As we age, circumstances in our lives often change. We retire from a job, friends move away or health issues convince us eliminate or restrict driving. When changes like these occur, we may not fully realize how they will affect our ability to stay connected and engaged and how much they can impact our overall health and well-being.

We need social connection to thrive...no matter our age...but recent research shows that the negative health consequences of chronic isolation and loneliness my be especially harmful for older adults.

The good news is that with greater awareness, we can take steps to maintain and strengthen our ties to family and friends, expand our social circles and become more involved in the community around us.

Sometimes it takes effort to stay connected. You may have noticed that your social engagements have decreased or that you have gone days or weeks without speaking to or interacting with others.

It never hurts to take stock of our network of activities and friends and to evaluate what you can do to make more connections.

Here are some actions you may want to consider taking to help you stay ahead of the 'connection curve:'

*Nurture and strengthen existing relationships; invite people over for coffee or call them to suggest a trip to a museum or to see a movie.
* Schedule a time each day to call a friend or visit someone.
* Meet your neighbors...young and old.
* Don't let being a non-driver stop you from staying active. Find out about your t***sportation options.
* Use social media like Facebook to stay in touch with long-distance friends or write an old-fashioned letter.
* Stay physically active and include group exercise in the mix, like joining a walking club.
* Take a class to learn something new and, at the same time, expand your circle of friends.
* Revisit an old hobby you've set aside and connect with others who share your interests.
* Volunteer to deepen your sense of purpose and help others.
* Visit your local community well-ness or senior center and become involved in a wide range of interesting programs.
* Check our faith-based organizations for spiritual engagement, as well as to participate in activities and events.
* Get involved in your community by taking on a cause, such as making your community more age-friendly.

Radiance3

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Thank you. You've summed up the most important issues that adults and those in stages of getting old, must have.

These are the overall maintenance of our mind, body, and spiritual consciousness. Without God though how much we put our health together, has no meaning and purpose in life.
God precedes everything, and from there your life is complete.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Thank you, young-at-heart lady. I am so glad you enjoyed this thread post. It is always a pleasure when we find agreement with one another on any thread topic.

However, I'm disappointed by the paucity of comments on this and my 'Thoughts with Thanksgiving approaching' thread.

Radiance3

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I guess most of us are busy right on front of our computers, engaged on this political saga that we have so much upheaval going on.

It is forgotten that actual physical interaction with people on various ways are much needed by both mental and physical health. Overall, I think better things are helping others who are in most need. There are many ways, counseling, tutoring kids of less advantage, or feeding the hungry.
I am reminded of this. Thanksgiving is coming soon. Every year, I cook and prepare lots of foods for the homeless about 40 to 45 people. We invite them to our church and stay overnight, to give them that spirit of thanksgiving.
I think mentally for me, and perhaps for others too, there is a feeling of joy and peace, that fulfills one of our purposes in life. Being solitary constantly is not healthy. Though God is always with us.

Tug484

I h**e to say it, but I'm used to being alone.
That was never me before.

Radiance3

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There are abundant times I set aside being alone with God. Other times when I searched the footprints of my life, where I was, and where I am now. It is a reminiscence of those days past, sad and happy. I think all human being have that desire for peace comfortably in their home.

Psychologically, there are positives and negatives of being alone. It is how you feel being alone.
Here are complete explanations. It is very interesting.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-single/201812/is-solitude-something-you-enjoy-or-way-avoiding-others

Mike Easterday

Thanks for the posting of the information!

Tug484

Thank you.
I actually enjoy being alone.

Mike Easterday

So do I. Unfortunately I have have had to help prevent a few suicides . It wasn't pleasant.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Good link, thanks

Tug484

Oh my gosh.
That's awful.

Lt. Rob Polans ret.

Thanks Slatten, for me there are times when I'd rather be alone. Also times when I'd rather not and I know who I'd like to be with. Funny that you mentioned old hobbies. My wife bought a fish tank and thought 'Okay I'll just put fish in it.' No, there's a hell of a lot to do before the fish. My knowing what to do amazed her, what amazed me was now there is a water conditioner. I never used one and three years with a pretty lucrative contract. So now I'm putting her tank together as I watch over my ten or so. Yes I'm outside very often, but I feed them after breakfast.

Tug484

Watching fish is quite soothing but I also liked the calm spending a day with my son's horse and his friends horses.
A pet ferret can keep you entertained, too.

bggamers Loc: georgia

I was telling someone on here that there are probably some here that this and other sites are what keep them connected I didn't realize that till I broke my ankle in Aug and ended up stuck in my house in a wheelchair. So these chat spaces are important for many reasons to many people.Thanks for the post very important info for all of us and our families

bggamers Loc: georgia

I have always been a loner so it doesn't bother and I can get on this site and talk to all of you. Most of my socializing are done at work and going bowling and out to lunch with friends