Purpose, belonging

I very much appreciated the article on Sept. 17 in the Perspective section titled “Social isolation.” We have a program right here in our city working to address this issue among older adults.

LifeQuest of Arkansas is a nonprofit organization which serves to enhance the lives of older adults through lifelong learning and volunteer experiences. Through my years associated with LifeQuest, I have learned how vital social connection is to our members’ overall health. As the article mentions, older adults are the demographic most at risk for the negative health effects of isolation.

We know that about 41 percent of our LifeQuest members live alone, and that this percentage is even higher in our community and state. At LifeQuest, this knowledge strengthens our resolve to help members build social connections by participating in lifelong learning classes, taking trips together, and volunteering in the community. Many of our members join because they’re seeking connection and purpose after a significant life change; they’ve recently lost a spouse, retired from a long career, moved across the state or country to be nearer to children and grandchildren, or suffered a health event and need to be closer to hospitals.

I love to see members join, connect with others, get involved in classes and volunteer activities and develop a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. Volunteering in the community together, discussing books and ideas, traveling, dining, and learning together all provide opportunities to stay connected and develop meaningful, purpose-filled lives centered around healthful longevity and active aging. As the article states, there are solutions to the problems of loneliness and isolation. Thank you for highlighting this issue and for providing a few good models for positive, impactful action.

LEAH GREENFIELD

Little Rock