We are getting lonelier and lonelier partly because we have recently experienced a pandemic that uprooted us from our friends and families and ways of working, worshiping, and socializing. And partly because of our use of technology to interact with others from afar instead of in person.
Approximately 1 out of every 2 Americans are experiencing measurable levels of loneliness. Loneliness and isolation often lead to depression and affect our physical and collective well-being. This has been a growing problem for decades and has been made worse by the COVID-19 lockdown and the use of technology such as a smartphone to interact via text messaging with little effort needed. Technology such as the internet and smartphones actually can increase social disconnection because we are observing what others are doing instead of engaging in our own activities.
Spending time with others in-person or IRL, allows for the advantages that physical proximity delivers – impromptu conversations and the ability to better absorb body language and the environment surrounding you. When you aren’t in person, you miss out on these positive environmental experiences.
People are more likely to experience anxiety and depression when they are socially isolated. They also have a higher risk of stroke (32%), dementia (50%), and heart disease (29%) than the general population.
Now we are finding people tend to replace social interactions by doing everything online. This can result in a reluctance to make social plans because we feel that “we lack the energy” to interact and make the extra efforts to organize get-togethers. While it may seem like with the help of social media and the internet, it’s a lot easier to catch up quickly this way, the reality is that when you meet up in person, you gain a real boost in energy.
Think of communication like food. We all know that people need to eat, but not all food is equally nutritious. When we interact using social media, we feel like we got connected but that feeling is temporary. It’s like eating a snack that doesn’t satisfy what you really need. It’s like junk food where your body has the quick hit but leaves you feeling hungry later and without any energy, instead of a nutritious smoothie that leaves you fulfilled and comforted an hour later and the next day. Social interaction is the same way. Our bodies need the benefits of in-real-life social interactions.
Social Interaction in person delivers the same benefits as eating a healthy, nutritious meal and remains a very important necessary activity to enjoy a healthy life.
Caring for yourself, our “Caring for the Caregiver” requires making sure you are scheduling time for social activities with friends and family. Make the extra effort to pick up the phone and have a conversation and schedule a time for dinner and a movie or to grab coffee with a friend or relative.
Remember, everyone likes to receive a call or to be asked how they are doing – reach out and engage with others.
Socialization Ideas for Caregivers:
- Reach out to Schedule an Activity with a Friend
- Visit a Family Member
- Attend a Sporting Event with a Friend
- Volunteer with Community Service as When you Give, You Receive
- Meet up for Coffee or Tea with an Old Friend or Co-worker
- Plan a Walk with a Friend: Invite Someone to Go for a Walk with You
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Supporting Caregivers, Caring for Caregivers
