Combatting Loneliness Through Connection and Community Engagement – Herb Weiss

Woman with curly hair gazing into bright sunlight outdoors.

By Herb Weiss, contributing writer on aging issues On April 30, 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy published an essay in The New York Times, announcing the impending release of U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory report titled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.†In this essay he talked about his own personal struggles with loneliness and called loneliness…

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GriefSPEAK: Freedom or fear – Mari Nardolillo Dias

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, 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…

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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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Dr. Ruth Westheimer to help fight social isolation epidemic. Named 1st Ambassador to Loneliness

Dr. ruth weiss, also known as Dr. Ruth Westheimer, can be found on Twitter sharing her expertise and insights.

Social Isolation and Loneliness are associated with multiple physical and mental health issues; significantly increasing the risk of premature death. Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she has appointed Dr. Ruth Westheimer as the nation’s first Ambassador to Loneliness. In accepting the honorary title, the iconic talk show host pledged to help New Yorkers of all…

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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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