Battling loneliness wish for 2019

Stories in the Cape Breton Post about two lonely seniors during the Christmas holidays caught my attention and I was glad to see people helped out after reading about them. There’s no need for anyone to be lonely but nowadays it seems that a lot of people don’t care, not even for family. That’s very cold hearted.

I often visit nursing homes as a volunteer and it’s sad when some seniors tell me they don’t see family much, not even grandchildren. Then, when some do visit, there is hardly a conversation as the first thing they do is start texting.

People sure seem to be addicted to these phones and other forms of technology. They use them in hospitals, clinics, funeral homes, churches,

“My wish for 2019 is that more people out there will do their best to be there for a lonely person. It’s not a hard thing to do and it will make everyone feel good.”

restaurants and elsewhere. Like a lady in a nursing home said to me, they don’t talk to humans any more.

Maybe family or friends could take the time instead to drive a senior who is alone to a pensioners’ hall or something similar for a couple of hours. Just some place where there might be nice music and family minded people in attendance. I know

a woman whose family drops her off every Saturday night and picks her up. She dances at the hall all night. There is also a gentleman who comes in with a walker and listens to the music. A lot more seniors could do the same thing if family or friends would take them.

A lot of grandchildren out there could spend more time with their grandparents or a family member, too.

A lady in a nursing home said she likes when I go to see her. At least we can talk and have a laugh. That’s what people need.

My wish for 2019 is that more people out there will do their best to be there for a lonely person. It’s not a hard thing to do and it will make everyone feel good.

Mrs. Mickey Bushnik Sydney Mines