The holidays are upon us. It’s gratifying to see so many embracing ways to connect with family and friends while also protecting health. What we may not be aware of is how critical connection with others is to our health.
This year, the national Home for the Holidays campaign launched annually by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging [n4a] is a massive educational effort focused on why staying connected during the COVID-19 pandemic goes beyond the niceties of sharing time.
People tend not to want to impose or complain or ask for help. Social isolation is defined as having few or infrequent social contacts. While many enjoy time alone, there’s a fine line when it creeps to loneliness. Prolonged loneliness can quickly become a real threat to health.
free classes available virtually.
The National Academy of Sciences reports that isolation can have effects that are felt immediately, like depression or anxiety, while other issues develop over time. Proven examples include an increased likelihood of dementia (50 percent), heart disease (29 percent) and stroke (32 percent). Chances of early death can increase by as much as 29 percent.
Sobering thoughts. How do you know if this is a problem and what can you do about it?
UCLA created an easy to use 3-item Loneliness Scale. The answers to three questions can either be: “hardly ever”, “some of the time”, or “often”. The questions are: How often do you feel you lack companionship? How often do you feel left out? How often do you feel isolated from others?
If the answer is “some of the time” or “often” to any of these questions, it’s time to figure out a way to turn things around for more connection on a regular basis.
There’s nothing like picking up the phone and making a call. It actually can be refreshing in today’s online world. Not sure what to talk about? Pick a movie or TV show and plan to talk about it, maybe share a recipe. Some folks plan a time when they set up a video chat and actually cook and eat together.
I have a daughter-in-law who periodically sends a long, handwritten letter via mail. It’s always a treat. Personal notes or cards in amongst bills and catalogs are unexpected and brighten days for both sender and receiver.
Getting physical helps. Bundling up and walks outside, either alone, with friends or your pooch work well until the ice comes —- take advantage now. Or try an online exercise class. Don’t want to stare at a little computer or other device? Check out an HDMI cable. This handy tool simply plugs into your device and then into your TV – same plug on each end. Hit the “source” button on your TV remote and find the one that links to the cable. Voila – big screen class! Even I can do this one.
Hesitant to explore the online world? Get over it! One of the best tools proven effective for good brain health is to try something new. The Campus for Creative Aging at www.campusforcreativeaging.org/classes/ is a great place to start. There’s a host of computer related “how-to” classes starting next week sure to boost your confidence. Other offerings include cooking and food ideas; very timely with just about everyone cooking more. There’s also a new Caregiver Support Group offering.
Caring for a loved one can be rewarding and fulfilling, but also overwhelming, challenging, or lonely. Sponsored in partnership with Caring Circle and meeting on Tuesdays, participants talk via zoom with others experiencing the same joys and challenges while sharing coping skills helpful in meeting the many demands of caregiving. Check it out or recommend it to someone who comes to mind.
Missing your favorite local venue? Maybe the Mendel, Ghostlight, art centers, athletic clubs, a favorite senior center, others? Google them or call them up. They’ve likely figured out some great online or outside ways to get connected. Fight isolation and loneliness – enjoy your holidays.