William Penn Life, 2018 (53. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2018-03-01 / 3. szám
Aging Well with Cathy Graham m A simple cure WINTER'S DÉCOR of gray skies, milky white ground cover and trees with coat hanger arms can make anyone feel blah and lonely. Inside, we know that, in time, this ashen portrayal will move aside for brighter hues and happiness will be restored. But, what if the lonesomeness endures? Can it lead to more serious health conditions? Recent research says yes. Studies have shown that feelings of isolation can increase both mental and physical illnesses. A report from the AARP Foundation explains that "the health risks of prolonged isolation are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day." I hope that gets your attention. Nobody likes the idea of facing each day and night without someone to talk to, laugh with or just enjoy a meal with. Sadly, many aging adults go without contact, sometimes for days on end. What's even worse is that feeling of disconnect. Some people have a sense of being alone while in a crowd or familiar setting. A completely unrelated study reveals that the way to live a happy and fulfilled life has less to do with diet and exercise (ouch), and more to do with rich, nurturing relationships. Exercise and proper nutrition are high on the list, but the number one key to a happy, long life is love. Not just romance but deep-seated meaningful connection. Friends to laugh with, children to play with and family to buffer the hard falls increase self-worth and a reason to live with joy. Think of your own life and a time when you were on the outside looking in. Be it a new job, a new school or Photo © Can Stock Photo/gajdamak moving away from loved ones, it wasn't easy. It took building new relationships to make you feel warm and cared for. Social contacts become fewer and far between as we age. The struggle is difficult, and most likely the person feeling lonely isn't going to bring it up. From my own experiences, I have heard comments from folks who don't want to be a bother or a burden. It is up to all of us to put the antenna up and learn to recognize that we could make a difference in someone's life. Give of yourself, ask questions and listen for the signs. Instead of saying a prayer for someone, be the prayer answered. Connect and stay connected to someone who may be dying from loneliness. After all, we are all we have. Cathy Graham is director of the Graceful Aging Wellness Center at Bethlen Communities in Ligonier, Pa. Show your WPA pride! We have a shipment of our popular Lands’ End® brand, 100% cotton, short-sleeved polo shirts featuring an embroidered William Penn Association logo. These are the same comfortable shirts worn by volunteers at various WPA events. The men’s shirt features a two-button placket, and the women’s shirt features a four-button placket. Available in charcoal heather grey only, while supplies last. Name:___________________________________________________ City:_____________________State:________Zip:_________ Email:_____________________________________________________ Size (Circle One): Mens S M L XL XXL Womens S M L XL XXL Make check payable to “William Penn Association." Mail form & check to: Shirt Offer, William Penn Association, 709 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 WILLIAM PENN LIFE 0 March 2018 0 9
