Tips on coping with the friendship recession – Herb Weiss

Group dining at a restaurant table together.

By Herb Weiss, contributing writer on aging issues Photo, top: (l. to r.) Author Herb Weiss, Paul Audette (dec), and Len Lavoie, at Gregg’s, No. Main St. In the midst of the global pandemic, the May 21 American Perspective Survey (APS) revealed a significant shift in how Americans experience and maintain friendships. The findings, dubbed…

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GriefSPEAK: Freedom or fear – Mari Nardolillo Dias

loneliness

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, contributing writer, grief and grieving “When you’re alone and life is making you lonely, you can always go Downtown…” -Petula Clark, “Downtown” (1964) The surgeon general has declared an epidemic of loneliness in the United States. In fact, Dr. Ruth was named the loneliness ambassador before her passing. Loneliness is not…

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Combating loneliness and isolation in nursing facilities – Herb Weiss

An elderly man is holding a walking stick.

By Herb Weiss, contributing writer on aging issues Almost four months ago, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released an 81-page advisory report titled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” putting a spotlight on a troubling national problem, the growing incidence of loneliness caused by isolation in our society. The nation’s chief advocate for public health…

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GriefSPEAK: Choose Hope – Mari Nardolillo Dias

A woman holding a hoop in front of a white wall.

by Dr. Mari Nardolillo Dias, contributing writer …Tell me, in a world without pity – Do you think what I’m askin’s too much?- I just want something to hold on to – And a little of that human touch – Just a little of that human touch… Share a little of that human touch –…

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Senate Comm. on Aging: Impact of Isolation and Loneliness on Seniors During COVID-19

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By Herb Weiss, contributing writer on aging As the COVID-19 crisis has shuttered businesses throughout the nation, state and federal health officials scramble to stop the spread of this deadly virus.  As states begin to slowly open up their economies, a growing number of researchers are finding that mandated social distancing and isolation through self-quarantine may have…

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The spring of our loneliness…

RINewsToday

By Michael Morse Lonely people don’t reach out. They don’t call the volunteer hotline. They don’t connect with Skype. They get lonelier, and sink further into despair. These folks are not embracing their lives, or enjoying their existence. They survive. For many, their weekly trip to the market is the only interaction they get, if…

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