AGING WITHOUT ISOLATION

Popular band Casting Crown’s front man Mark Hall knew all too well the emotional and mental toll of not being allowed to visit loved ones during the COVID-19 epidemic. Both his grandparents passed away within a year of each other. Thus, was born the song “Scars in Heaven” with its haunting lyrics reminding us all of the importance of visiting our aging loved ones not only for our own mental health but for how it improves the overall health of that friend or relative.

His song released in 2021 begins:

If I had only known the last time would be the last time, I would’ve put off all the things I had to do. I would’ve stayed a little longer, held on a little tighter.

Now what I’d give for one more day with you.

Don’t let guilt and grief get to you later, as you use the “shoulda, woulda, couldas” to cope with over losing someone you love without spending quality time with them. You have plenty of your own health reasons to put that visit on your Outlook calendar today.

“Maintaining frequent communication and visiting with the senior loved ones in your life can help them ward off detrimental cognitive and physical problems as they age,” concluded a February 2022 research study in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior.

Keeping in touch with seniors through active communication and visits can help remind them of how loved they truly are. It’s even more important for those who are “shut- in” and can’t get out. Any amount of quality contact can help to ward off social isolation, which is a known key factor in the decline of health and cognitive thinking for older folks. Lacking social time with family and friends can also lead to depression, not only for the aging person in your life, but for you too.

Although National Shut-in Visitation Day has been going on for many years, no one seems to know who founded this simply remarkable day. This year it’s even easier to find time to celebrate as the day falls on a Saturday.

Here are a few ideas of things you can do at your visit:

1. Watch a favorite movie of theirs. In most cases, your taste in films will differ from theirs. Keep in mind that this day is to honor them. Sit down and watch their favorite movie. You might just discover you like it while you are providing them needed connection.

2. Play a board game. This can include old school games like chess, carrom, checkers, and backgammon. If there are people with or around you, consider making it a fun group activity.

3. Try out some new recipes. If you’re visiting someone who loves to cook but, out of loneliness, doesn’t cook as often as they used to, try out some unusual new dishes with them. This will lighten their hearts and they will thoroughly enjoy it.

Please send us your photos and stories of how you celebrated National Shut-In Day or a visit to a shut-in on any day to info@lsssc.org with the subject line: For ENGAGE Magazine.