Feeling Confined and Isolated by Illness or Aging
Part 2

Source: Webster Senior Center News
Linda Slota, Director

Author: Patricia Normile

Cultivate Your Interest in Others

Everyone thought our Aunt Mary was a fascinating lady. Almost to her ninth decade she knew what every niece and nephew was interested in and doing. When asked about herself, she would reply, "Oh, let's talk about something interesteing. What are you doing?"  When family or friends telephone or come to visit you, inquire about what they are doing. You will learn about them, and they will learn that you are an interesting person! If you are confined to a nursing home or assisted living site and don't know how to reach out, consider Dorothea's story. She entered a nursing home at a relatively young age due to physical disabilities. Feeling isolated, she volunteered to be the home's "mail girl", delivering cards, letters, and packages in her wheelchair around the home. Now Dorothea knows everyone and everyone knows her, and she has all the coversation and companionship she could ask for.

Make Contact

One of the temptations in lonliness is to think we are the only ones who feel so isolated. But many people share these feelings. Search for another person who needs companionship. Make contact, make friends. Letter writing can link you with cousins or friends around the country or even the world. Letter writing can also empower you as an advocate for causes you believe in. Read the newspaper, consider the issues at hand, then write your representatives, senators, or individuals who can make a difference. You can make a difference! Keeping an eye on the outside world is important to minimizing feelings of isolation. Open your drapes or blinds during the day. Sit outside to soak up some sun and fresh air if you can. A birdfeeder or squirrel feeder can provide hours of viewing fun. Turn on bright lights when the day is dark or dreary.

Care of Yourself

As you survey your physical needs, review your eating habits. Often people who are feeling lonely resort to food and drink that do not promote good health. Sugary treats and alcohol can be depressants. Some medications can cause difficulties. Talk to your doctor about feelings of depression. Chemical changes in your body may be creating depression that needs prompt attention. Be honest about how well you are caring for yourself. If you have feelings that life is no longer important, talk to a counselor or spiritual adviser. Your life is important. Exercise is vital to physical and mental well-being. Arm chair exercises allow us to stretch arms and legs, march in place, lift weights, practice deep breating. Finding someone to exercise with makes it even more beneficial and enjoyable.

Take Heart

"Take Heart!. That is a powerful comand that indicates you have the power to take your situation in hand. And it is true that even if you are confined, you can take your heart and offer it in service to someone in need of conversation, prayer, companionship. Believe in yourself! See yourself as an able, capable person. You may not be able to do all the things you once did, but you can do many worthwhile activities. Just as importantly, you can open your heart and continue to be the loving, valuable person you are.