Isolation / Loneliness

It’s no secret that social isolation can take an enormous toll on older adults. And in a twist of irony, it seems clear that cutting off social and physical connections, as we are doing during the coronavirus outbreak, makes it harder for people to fight off infection, among other detrimental…

It’s hard enough facing some of the challenges of getting older. Now imagine facing those challenges without loved ones or supportive family members to offer a helping hand. For millions of Americans, they don’t have to imagine, because that’s their reality. According to the Merck Manual, 30% of the 46…

It’s no mystery that loneliness and social isolation can accompany aging. Previous posts in agebuzz have noted the value of friendships and even pets to help older adults battle the loneliness and isolation that can arise if your social contacts are few, your senses are diminished, your mobility is limited…

If you’re lucky, you may have one or two decades-long friendships (known in today’s world as BFFs, or Best Friends Forever) in your life. But as we age, few of us maintain a large group of friends. For most, having a small circle of friends is enough to make you…

You may love your spouse and be smitten with your grandchildren, but for many of us, there’s nothing quite like the unconditional love we receive from our family pet. And that love may be even more precious once you realize the physical and emotional health benefits derived from pet ownership. …

by Hope Reiner,  Founder, Hope and I   Few would disagree that our sense of community is undergoing a revolution. Our culture leads us to focus on what websites or news blogs we read, what social media platforms we are part of, and which celebrities we follow. But it does not…