LEBANON, N.H. (WCAX) – It has been widely reported that the pandemic took its toll on mental health, and that includes problems associated with isolation and loneliness. But experts say snapping out of the cycle of feeling lonely could be as simple as a smile and saying hello.
Doctors say loneliness can affect anyone at any age, especially seniors who are often isolated. They say it can have an impact not only on mental health but also on physical well-being.
“During the time that we were locked down for three years, I was on the telephone a lot,” said Lorna Nordstrom of West Lebanon, a volunteer at the Upper Valley Senior Center.
Nordstrom says she isn’t lonely often thanks in part to the facility.
“Coming here is great,” she said. “They have the food, they have a lot of people to talk to.”
Sid Pratt of Springfield, New Hampshire, has lived alone for 20 years which he says can be tough at times.
“Yeah, it is. I have a very large house,” he said.
Pratt stays active with his photography.
“You know in the back I’m still looking for that certain person, too, to fulfill my life and to fulfill her life, too,” he said.
Health professionals say loneliness is a common human emotion, not a weakness. But it can also cause physical health problems like cardiovascular disease, immune issues and even stroke because loneliness often leads to being less active.
“What we do when we gather with other people, we go for walks, we share hobbies. Things that get our bodies moving,” Dartmouth Health Psychologist Andrew Smith said.
Smith recently co-authored a study on how social connectedness can help improve health. Step one is to be self-aware enough to notice there is a problem. Step two, he says, is to step outside of your comfort zone.
“Take the risk to say something nice and ask somebody how they are doing and see how it goes,” Smith advised.
He says doing that simple thing could lead to stronger relationships with those closest to you.
“Social action, getting out there begets more social action,” Smith said.
Pratt agrees.
“You have to keep energizing yourself,” he said. “If you don’t, both mentally and physically, you vegetate.”
Any senior struggling with loneliness is encouraged to contact Dartmouth Health’s Aging Resource Center.
If you or someone you know is struggling with loneliness and needs immediate help, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by texting 988 or calling 800-273-8255.
Click here for more advice on overcoming loneliness.
