Maintaining a Sense of Purpose Relieves Loneliness and Lowers Dementia Risk
Dear Carol: I’m worried about my healthy, recently retired father. He had a high-energy, social personality so his successful sales career suited him. When he retired, he made a big deal about being ready but he’s not doing well at home. He’s become a cliché in driving my mom nuts with his suggestions to improve efficiency and his neediness for constant connection. She understandably gets irritated, but my main concern is for his mental and emotional health. He swings from being restless to depressed. Even though we have a close family, I think he’s lonely due to a lack of structure and varied companions. I suggested the senior center, but he says that’s for old people. I’m learning from you that I can’t fix all my parents’ problems, but isn’t there some way I can help? – LS
Dear LS: Some people thrive during retirement without much structure. For many, though, once the thrill of not having a schedule wears off, they feel lonely and isolated. This can be harmful to physical health, as well as increasing their dementia risk. Elder loneliness is not new, but it’s now considered an epidemic. Since your dad has a social personality, this…
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