“I have learned that to be with those I like is enough.” -Walt Whitman
A strange and damaging tendency present in both individuals and societies is the assumption that because something is a certain way, and has been for a long time, it should be. That allows us to accept all manner of injustices and to keep in place ideas that have long since been disproven.
One example of that is the idea of loneliness in older adults. We almost take it for granted that as our loved ones or ourselves age they’ll get more isolated. They’ll have fewer friends. The ones they have will move or take ill or die, and their social circle will cinch up.
The problem is that because we assume these things to be true, we don’t take action when they come to pass. And then the cycle is perpetuated until we believe that isolation is a natural part of aging. It isn’t. It is neither inevitable nor good. Companionship for seniors is incredibly important, as important as it is for anyone at any stage of their lives. It promotes better mental health, better physical health, creates new routines, and really, just makes life better.
Cultivating new friendships while maintaining old ones might echo the Girl Scout motto, but it is good for all older adults. Don’t believe that growing old means being alone. Life is still a vibrant journey, and friendships can continue to bring happiness.
