Parade: Prof. Keefe, CADER Director, Shares Expertise on Battling Loneliness as We Age
Research shows that loneliness follows a U-shaped pattern that peaks in young adulthood and old age, and the rate of loneliness has increased in the last five years. While young adults experience high levels of loneliness due to life transitions exacerbated by the digital age’s constant connectivity and comparison culture, older adults may face loneliness from losing a spouse or functional limitations. Prof. Bronwyn Keefe, director of the Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research (CADER) at BUSSW, spoke to Parade about what people can do to proactively combat loneliness at any age.
Excerpt from “This Is the Exact Age When We Tend to Feel the Most Lonely—and What to Do About It” by Kelli Acciardo:
“If you’ve been growing increasingly lonely lately, or know someone who has, the good news is there are myriad ways to combat the feeling that can be done from the comfort of your own home and don’t cost a dime. Keefe suggests starting with the following steps:
- Connect with family, friends or loved ones. ‘This is especially important for people living alone,’ warns Keefe.
- Care for living things. ‘Caring for pets or plants provides a sense of purpose and improved health,’ she says.
- Take care of your body. Get plenty of physical activity (even if it means going for walks numerous times a day), eat healthy, well-balanced meals and avoid alcohol and drug abuse.
- Get adequate sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that teenagers aged 13–18 get 8–10 hours of sleep per night while the advised amount for healthy adults aged 18–60 is 7–9 hours nightly.
- Keep your mind active. Keefe says completing puzzles, reading and engaging in art projects helps to keep the mind occupied and can improve cognitive functioning.
- Use calming techniques. Such as deep breathing, stretching, meditation, prayer, taking a warm bath or shower or sitting with a pet.
- Find ways to laugh. ‘Watch a TV show, or chat with a friend or family member who brings you joy,’ she adds.”