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18 July 2016

Lonely People: A Shocking Health Risk for Boomers and What to Do About It

Written by Randy Hartman| Get Our Boomer Manifesto

Not long ago, I shared with a friend the keen observation that, “Getting old is not for wimps.” You can imagine what prompted me to state the obvious. We were discussing some of our friends who face serious health difficulties.

With increasing concerns about Boomer health comes increased warnings about health risks. It’s true. As we age, health concerns rise. Ways to avoid certain cancers and tricks to keep the heart ticking, are seen all around us.

But in the May 23, 2106 issue of Time Magazine an article appeared showing a shocking health risk which ought to concern Baby Boomers. This shocking health risk for Boomers is social isolation. The article  characterized this danger as risky as being a cigarette smoker: “Social isolation is as strong a risk factor for early mortality as cigarette smoking.” Lonely people face greater health risks.

I find this surprising. I would’ve never guessed that isolating yourself could potentially have as great a health risk as smoking cigarettes.

In prophetic voice, George Harrison wrote these important lines in the song Eleanor Rigby, “Ah, look at all the lonely people. Where do they all come from?”

The article pointed out that as Baby Boomers age we are more inclined to isolate ourselves from friends, family, and the world in general. People in the 55 to 64-year-old age bracket were much more socially connected 20 years ago than people in the same age bracket today. The author points to four different areas which contribute to the number of lonely people:

  • We are less likely to be married.
  • We talk to our neighbors less.
  • We have fewer meaningful interactions with our spouse.
  • And we have weaker ties to friends and families.

When you take all of this and combine it with the reality of disconnecting from your workplace acquaintances, it points to a growing number of lonely people. And that’s a problem. Other studies have shown that staying socially connected is important to maintaining good health.

Here’s a quick checklist of 9 ways to help you avoid becoming one of the lonely people as you move into your post career phase of life.

  1. Find a job that you love and use it to make new social connections.
  2. Join a club which focuses on your number one hobby.
  3. Become part of a health club where you can get your body in shape and at the same time make new friends.
  4. Utilize your freedom from an 8 o’clock to 5 o’clock work schedule to reconnect with family.
  5. Cultivate friendships from around the world using Facebook.
  6. Invite your neighbors over for a barbecue.
  7. Become more involved in your church or synagogue.
  8. Get a dog and take it for a walk everyday and make new friends.
  9. Volunteer at the local hospital, library, or charity thrift store.

Make the decision to remain plugged into the world around you. Don’t become one of the lonely people. Stay connected; stay healthy. It sounds simple but I’m willing to give it a shot!

Let’s begin by you and I staying connected!

Randy Hartman

Dr. Randall Hartman, D.Min., M.Div., is an author and speaker. After serving 30 years as a successful minister he became nationally trained to lead churches through transition. Dr. Hartman started his own website to share his writings with others.

8 Comments

  1. Judy Reply to Judy to Judy" aria-label=' Reply to Judy to Judy'> Reply to Judy
    July 18, 2016 at 5:37 am

    Good ideas.

  2. Carol Reply to Carol to Carol" aria-label=' Reply to Carol to Carol'> Reply to Carol
    July 18, 2016 at 6:20 am

    Good words! Especially for this Baby Boomer who has just moved to a new place!!

  3. Victoria Reply to Victoria to Victoria" aria-label=' Reply to Victoria to Victoria'> Reply to Victoria
    July 18, 2016 at 7:39 am

    Very nice article with a timely message. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I see many people struggling with loneliness. Your tips are excellent and I am copying them to share with clients. Thank you!

  4. Kathleen at BestIsYetToBe.com Reply to Kathleen to Kathleen at BestIsYetToBe.com" aria-label=' Reply to Kathleen to Kathleen at BestIsYetToBe.com'> Reply to Kathleen
    July 18, 2016 at 10:05 am

    I think we have to consciously reach out more as we age, because friends don’t just “fall into our laps” like it seemed they used to when we were in school or in the wonderful world of work. I’ve been retired about a year and a half now, and I’m in the process of re-populating my friendship circle. And I’m really enjoying it – largely because I’m less fussy about who I hang out with and so get to spend time with all sorts of characters!

    • Randy Hartman Reply to Randy to Randy Hartman" aria-label=' Reply to Randy to Randy Hartman'> Reply to Randy
      July 18, 2016 at 10:07 am

      That’s a good observation!

  5. Pam Reply to Pam to Pam" aria-label=' Reply to Pam to Pam'> Reply to Pam
    July 18, 2016 at 9:20 pm

    My husband passed away last year and I don’t get out a lot. I also don’t drive but I live with my grandson ,his wife and my great granddaughter so I am not alone. It is true that I don’t go out of my way to make friends though.

    • Randy Hartman Reply to Randy to Randy Hartman" aria-label=' Reply to Randy to Randy Hartman'> Reply to Randy
      July 19, 2016 at 3:10 am

      It’s worth the effort to make connections with others.

  6. Terry Reply to Terry to Terry" aria-label=' Reply to Terry to Terry'> Reply to Terry
    July 21, 2016 at 6:15 pm

    Great points!

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