February is a time of relationships, love, and chocolate. While the world revolves around these sentiments this time of year, there's a population of people who don't feel the love and instead suffer loneliness each day; many in this group are seniors.
Older adults are encouraged to look forward to their "golden years." Still, for many seniors, their supposed golden lives are fraught with loneliness: mobility decreases, loved ones pass away, and illness increases, each event building toward an isolated lifestyle.
Seniors are not a one-size-fits-all demographic, but here are tips in the acronym for EASE- suggested by John T. Cacioppo, Ph.D. through AARP.org to provide a starting point for easing loneliness.
E is for Extend Yourself. Start small: Volunteer at a shelter or a hospice, tutor children, or help with a kids' sports team. You may feel the positive sensations that can reinforce your desire to change while building your confidence.
A is for Action Plan. The simple realization that we are not passive victims — that we can change our situation by changing our thoughts, expectations, and behaviors toward others — can have a surprisingly empowering effect.
S is for Selection. The solution to loneliness is not the quantity of your relationships but their quality. Try to sense which prospective relationships are promising and which would be climbing the wrong tree. For people who tend to be quiet, for example, selecting someone comfortable with silent companionship is a good idea.
E is for Expect the Best. We have more control over our thoughts and behavior patterns than we think. This warmth and goodwill on one person's part will likely elicit warmth and goodwill from others — that's the power of reciprocity.
If you or someone you know is struggling with loneliness and need support, please visit athomeseniors.net or call At Home Senior Care at (802) 768-8565 for more information.