Do you recall a couple of popular songs in the sixties…Petula Clark’s “Downtown” and The Three Dog Night song, “One is the Loneliest Number” that both mentioned being lonely? Now those who listened so intently to those songs are reaching the “elderly” age group. Were they lonely then…are they lonely now?
Google
“elderly and loneliness” and you’ll find lots of discussion on the symptoms and
treatment of loneliness. This one is from aplaceathome.com/blog. Also see the
National Institute on Aging (NIA) website.
To
effectively support your elderly and other isolated loved ones, it’s important
to recognize the signs of loneliness. Here are eight symptoms of loneliness for
anyone at any age:
- Withdrawal from social
activities or hobbies they once enjoyed
- Neglecting personal hygiene or
household maintenance
- Changes in appetite such as
overeating or a decreased appetite
- Difficulty sleeping or
sleeping too much
- Expressing feelings of
sadness, hopelessness, or being a burden
- Increased irritability or mood
swings
- Increased complaints about
aches, pains, or fatigue
- Substance abuse – The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that about 65%
of seniors 65 years and older considered consuming a “high-risk” amount of
alcohol in a week.
This list
is a bit depressing. People experiencing loneliness are feeling dejected by
others and themselves. Beyond discouragement. I’ve been there and I’m sure that
at some point in our lives everyone has felt a level of loneliness. I experienced
this when moving to a new community…and knowing no one can bring on some social
withdrawal, although getting involved in a new group is one of the best ways to
combat isolation.
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| It is almost Tulip Time. Treat yourself to some cheery tulips...or walk through a tulip field. Joyful. No loneliness here. |
1.
Begin
with self-care by buying yourself a small gift like flowers, chocolate, an ice
cream cone, taking a hot bath, or treating yourself to a favorite coffee or tea
drink, or choosing to engage in a hobby or craft activity that you enjoy.
2.
Spend
time in nature.
3.
Start
small by meeting with just one person—not a whole roomful.
4.
Be
gentle with yourself—but start doing something to get yourself out of
isolation.
In
his great wisdom Solomon wrote about loneliness—a loneliness that he found meaningless
like so many other things in this world.
I observed yet another example of
something meaningless under the sun. This is the case of a man who is all
alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth
as he can. But then he asks himself, "Who am I working for? Why am I
giving up so much pleasure now?" It is all so meaningless and depressing.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If
one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone
is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes
4:7-10
David
also had written about lonely people identifying the LORD as Jesus—who rides
the clouds.
Sing praises to God and to his
name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the LORD—rejoice
in his presence! Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God,
whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the
prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a
sun-scorched land. Psalm
68:4-6
How would
Jesus treat these lonely people? Jesus advised His followers in His Sermon on
the Mount that we should treat others they way we want to be treated by what we
know as The Golden Rule. Additionally, He admonished them to love one another.
For you will be treated as you
treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will
be judged. Matthew
7:2
So now I am giving you a new
commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each
other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my
disciples. John
13:34-35
If you
were a lonely individual, how would you want to be treated? Would you
appreciate a friendly face, or encouragement to get involved in some group or
activity? How do you show love…how do you want to receive love? Peter wisely
wrote to the church at large, using words like Jesus…kindly and humbly, love
one another.
Finally, all of you should be of
one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters.
Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't
retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a
blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.
For the Scriptures say, "If you want to enjoy life and see many happy
days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn
away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes
of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their
prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil." 1 Peter 3:8-12
Can you
personally identify any lonely people in your circle of friends…your
neighborhood…or community? What will you do to show love?
Sing
praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds.
His name is the LORD—rejoice in his presence! Father to the fatherless,
defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely
in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the
rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Psalm
68:4-6
Prayer
– LORD Jesus, I sing praises to Your name…to You. Loneliness can be a trap. You
came to help the lonely and to set the prisoners free. Even those who are prisoners
within their own minds and bodies. Thank you for showing and sharing love—that we
would learn the importance of loving one another. You were the greatest and
best example of that.
Meditate.
Consider God’s love in scripture.
Verse
of Salvation ~ He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will
not be shaken. Psalm
62:6
© 2025 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All
rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless
otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale
House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream,
Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
Books by Mickey M.
Hunacek
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