Health Beat

Remember the famous line credited to the actress Marlena Dietrich, " I want to be alone"? Turns out she actually said 'I want to be LEFT alone'. That's what she told her friend Allen Porter, of the Museum of Modern Art, many years after the misquoted line had become a classic. Being alone or being left alone can both have negative consequences as we age. The isolation can lead to a raft of health problems. But the challenge for many seniors is staying connected. Friends and family may have moved away or passed on. The effort to make new friends can seem daunting. So what to do? For starters, do what the kids do - use social media. Facebook can be a great way to stay connected. It can also provide opportunities to join groups of people with similar interests. If you're no longer driving, check with your local senior service center for mass transit options. Many communities offer transportation specifically for seniors. Do you have a hobby, perhaps one that you used to enjoy? Consider taking it up again and connecting with like-minded people. Zoom, while not as fulfilling as face-to-face meetings, can also serve as a way to stay connected. You may also consider volunteering with a local organization that piques your interest. For other ideas check out this website: https://eldercare.acl.gov/ Public/resources/brochures/docs/expanding-circles. pdf. As Sally Bowles, the lead character in the musical “Cabaret” sings, "What good is sitting alone in your room, come to the Cabaret."

Benita Zahn, DPS, CHWC

Health and Wellness Coach Host/producer Health BEAT/WNYT