Twenty years ago, Dr. Bill Thomas was treating a patient at
a local nursing home. After addressing his
patient’s immediate needs, he then asked if there was anything else
that he could do for her. The patient quietly informed the doctor
that she was lonely! Little did she know that
her response would be life changing and help the lives of others
in her same situation. Loneliness can seem so unimportant when compared to
physical illnesses, however, when removed from familiar surroundings
with additional physical limitations and placed in a room with nothing but
a television and a window, can have a large impact on one’s wellbeing . Not
only would we be lonely but we would also be depressed.
In Dr. Thomas’
research, he found that there are three plagues that are negatively affecting
our elders which include: loneliness, helplessness, and boredom.
These plagues are shockingly killing off our elders faster than any
other disease. The only way to combat these plagues is through
companionship, meaningful activity, and spontaneity. None of which can be
found in a pill bottle.
Read More about the Affects of Loneliness
