What's Your Cause for Social Isolation?

Social Connections are one of the top 10 Life Domains to plan for. Friends are most significant for people who live alone. They are the lifeblood for aging well. In this video, you're asked 5 questions to quickly assess your level of satisfaction for  the domain. Knowing where you stand with each gives you a template of what needs attention and modification.

SOLO AND SMART, The Roadmap for a Supportive and Secure Future, offers a full assessment of the top 10. You are asked 25 questions for each. Check out the book, SOLO AND SMART, The Roadmap for a Supportive and Secure Future. 

Today, 35.7 million Americans live alone, 28% of households. That is up from 13% of households in 1960 and 23% in 1980, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Delayed or forgone marriage, longer life expectancy, urbanization and wealth have contributed, demographers say.

Few suggestions for getting along well when living alone and far from family:

1. Have faith and trust in God and know He is in charge. Since the start of the pandemic, I've learned to turn my power and control over to God and to depend more on Him than on myself for guidance.   
2. Be good to yourself and those who live near you. Have a morning routine that gets you up and going. It could be making coffee, reading the paper online, or starting the day with exercise. I enjoy praying, stretching and doing a few yoga poses. Connect with someone you know, either by phone or text. It's important to befriend at least one other person and together build a system of support. Make time for yourself and your friend(s.) Don't get bogged down with worry of having no one in the house. It’s a hard reality to deal with, that when you live solo, you cannot rely on anyone other than you. So, it is essential you are as strong and healthy as you can be. And this is the biggest reason I live in a high rise building. I have close neighbors and we look out for one another.
3. Make friends with your neighbors. Take charge and start a support group of like minded friends or neighbors who live nearby. Gather and discuss ways you can help each other remain independent and strong.
4. Gain self-control. It's easy to become lazy. To stay in our pajamas and watch TV all day. Instead, get up, practice a routine, go outside, say hello to someone, and get involved — doing so will benefit your body and mind. 

Circle back in a few days for more tips and resources for building a sense of strong social connections.