Help Others Overcome the Winter Blues
Help Others Overcome the Winter Blues
Particularly now with potentially icy roads and colder temperatures, older adults may tend to stay at home and not venture outside. While this can certainly be a safe choice, one of the biggest challenges they may face is feeling isolated and lonely.
Hopefully all of us are lucky enough to have someone to share time with in 2011. Perhaps this year we can turn some of our attention to those in our community who may not have that opportunity and “share the love” with them too. Many of us at AARP know people who have lost their spouses, partners or best friends and for some, as we get older, making new friends can be a challenge.
A lot of community organizations such as Area Agencies on Aging have what are called “friendly visitor” programs where neighbors and friends are encouraged to spend a little time with older adults who live alone. It can be a very rewarding experience. Even light socializing including a phone call or a brief in-home conversation can help alleviate depression and loneliness. Sometimes the greatest gift of all can simply be the gift of spending time.
Older people benefit in many ways from relationships they form with new friends. A strong social support network can reduce stress, foster independence and increase feelings of self-worth. All of that can add up to a longer — and happier — life.
Find an .
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Help Others Overcome the Winter Blues
Do you know anyone in your community who lives alone and might welcome a new connection?Particularly now with potentially icy roads and colder temperatures, older adults may tend to stay at home and not venture outside. While this can certainly be a safe choice, one of the biggest challenges they may face is feeling isolated and lonely.
Hopefully all of us are lucky enough to have someone to share time with in 2011. Perhaps this year we can turn some of our attention to those in our community who may not have that opportunity and “share the love” with them too. Many of us at AARP know people who have lost their spouses, partners or best friends and for some, as we get older, making new friends can be a challenge.
A lot of community organizations such as Area Agencies on Aging have what are called “friendly visitor” programs where neighbors and friends are encouraged to spend a little time with older adults who live alone. It can be a very rewarding experience. Even light socializing including a phone call or a brief in-home conversation can help alleviate depression and loneliness. Sometimes the greatest gift of all can simply be the gift of spending time.
Older people benefit in many ways from relationships they form with new friends. A strong social support network can reduce stress, foster independence and increase feelings of self-worth. All of that can add up to a longer — and happier — life.
Find an .
Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures