"The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved." Mother Teresa
Older people are especially vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation. As a result, it can have a serious effect on health. 90-year-old Derek Taylor knows the feeling of loneliness all too well after his partner and sister passed away. He was faced with the prospect of no-one to talk to and had no company to share his heartbreaking feelings with. However, instead of allowing his loneliness to get the best of him, he decided to do something about it.
In a BBC interview, Derek Taylor said "the older you get, the less people seem to contact you." Sadly, Taylor isn't alone in experiencing loneliness at a later stage. According to Age UK statistics only 35% of people over the age of 65 spend time with friends most or every day. But 12% never do. 9% of people over the age of 65 say they feel cut off entirely from society. This equates to around 5 million people in the UK.
The same can also be said for people in the U.S. with studies indicating that more than half of Americans have no one with whom they can share their troubles and joy with. Research about the health effects of social isolation shows that older adults without adequate social interaction were twice as likely to die prematurely. In fact, the increased mortality risk is comparable to that from smoking.
So, to combat his feelings of loneliness, Derek Taylor tried a different approach. Rather than waiting for the phone to ring or people to walk into his life, Derek decided to become more active. Take a look:
What Does Your Pinky Finger Reveal About You?
Discover what your pinky fingers reveal about your personality, including how you communicate and interact with the world around you.
Having Trouble Sleeping? Try These Breathing Exercises
Having trouble falling asleep? Try these breathing exercises.
Bored of the Outlet Covers? Here's How to Paint Them Well
In this article, we'll learn how to paint and wallpaper plastic or metal outlet covers effectively and professionally.
Just Say It! - Tips to Help You Speak Up
Here are some tips on how to best express yourself in situations when you may usually hold your tongue.
Discover the Effects of Drinking Dirty, Contaminated Water
How safe is it to drink contaminated water? Find out here.
Why You Need to Avoid Palm Oil Right Away!
Palm oil is harmful to the environment. Here's what to do about it.
It Took Him 80 Years to Wake Up to Life's Biggest Truth...
An 80-year-old man has been left very bitter by his continuous pursuit of happiness. Luckily for him, a stark realization puts everything into perspective...
How to Make Yourself Mentally Tougher
What does it take to be mentally strong? This is what it takes to be a mentally tough person.
Ever Hear About the 6 Elephants?
What is "truth" comprised of? This highly inspiring story will definitely get you thinking about this.
Dealing with the Loss of a Spouse: How to Proceed
Losing a loved one is a most devastating event, and there are many ways of overcoming the grief. Here are some things to consider to help you through mourning.
What a Beautiful Message This Father Relays to His Son
The life lesson that this father teaches his son is one that we can all learn from. So watch carefully!
This Story Reminds Us to Give No Matter How Little We Have
An angel grants three boys a wish after they passed the first test of kindness. Did they remember the angel's lesson?
Quotes that Makes Your Body, Mind, and Soul Healthier
These quotes aren't merely inspirational; they're life-changing.
How to Avoid the Harmful Effects of Introspection
Listen to spiritual teacher Sadhguru offer profound insights on the dangers of overthinking.
A Profound Thought About Human Character I'd Like to Share..
What is character? And what is its importance? Here are a few words about character for you to mull over...
16 Useful Social Tricks That Can Be Picked up Quickly!
With these confidence-boosting hacks, you will feel comfortable no matter what situation you are in.
The First Animal You See Tells You About Your Personality
A major part of life is learning about ourselves, which is just what this animal test will help you to do.
Simple Steps to Deal With The Negative People in Your Life
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it."
I Like to Start My Day with a Bit of Inspiration...
The Motivation You Need to Succeed!
These Important Life Lessons I Learned From My Mother
At times, life can be hard, so we can all use a piece of good advice from time to time. Here are 12 valuable life lessons that my Mom taught me.
When You're Going Through a Tough Time, Read These Words
If you are going through a tough time may you find solace in these words.
These Japanese Philosophies Are Super Interesting...
Here are some really cool Japanese concepts that can change the way you look at life.
Because Sometimes it's Hard to find the Right Words...
We all have someone in our lives who mean so much to us that we can hardly find the words. Sending them this video will let them know how you feel about them.
Beauty Is Captured in these Romantic Words by Robert Burns
Love is depicted beautifully in this poem by Robert Burns.
15 Wise Irish Proverbs Full Of Humor and Love
Proverbs and sayings accompany us through life and reflect on our life and culture. Here are 15 Irish proverbs I'm sure you've never heard.
Egyptian Pantheon: 11 Powerful and Fascinating Gods
In this article, you will learn of 11 of the most powerful, lasting and popular gods of Ancient Egypt.
How to Reframe Your Negative Thinking for a Better Life
In this video, we will learn to process our negative emotions in a way that won't destroy our lives and our happiness.
Inspiring: One Day, a School Teacher Had a Brilliant Idea
It's hard to believe that a teacher could come up with a lesson so powerful that thousands of people have been inspired by it. I'll never forget this advice.
Here Is a Blessing From Me to You, My Friend
May these simple, yet sweet words put a smile on your face.
The Life and Works of Walt Whitman, an American Symbol
Today, we are looking into the biography of this extraordinary man, drawing wisdom from a selection of his quotes.
Let Nature's Law of the Seed Serve As Your Inspiration
Our perceived failures often bog us down, but all you need to do is look to nature for a change of perspective. The Law of the Seed will show you the way.
There's No Message as Important as This One...
This message will inspire you to live the life that you truly want to live.
Every True Friend Deserves This Cute Message!
If your friends are of those who brighten your life, then they should receive these animated messages, to remind them they're special.
These Innocent Questions Can Hurt Other People’s Feelings
Sometimes, asking seemingly innocent and common questions can hurt other people’s feelings.
15 Deep and Beautiful Quotes By Women’s Rights Advocates
Let’s zoom in to some beautiful meaningful words of wisdom uttered by famous people who advocated for women's rights and empowerment
Read These Quotes for a Bit of Inspiration!
Past hurts and old injustices have a way of keeping us stuck in our tracks. If this is something that you can relate to, may you find solace in these words.
This Girl Surprised All When She Was Asked About 7 Wonders
When a little girl is asked in her class about what she thinks the true 7 wonders of the world are, her answer surprises and inspires everyone...
10 Things You Really Need to Stop Apologizing For
Do you constantly find yourself apologizing for these things? It’s time to change your ways.
Words on Life, Love and Faith From Greek Philosopher Plato
Plato was a brilliant philosopher and a student of Socrates who always offered words of wisdom to deal with any scenario life throws at you
Share This Lovely Message & Wish a Friend a Good Day!
Share these lovely thoughts and wish someone you love dearly a good day!
This Dance Performance Deserves a Standing Ovation
This 80-year-old ballet dancer showed the world that it is possible to inspire and amaze the audience with a grand performance at any age.
8 Life Lessons We Can All Learn from the Bamboo
This humble plant looks anything but inspiring, and yet, its strength, determination and simplicity are a source of great inspiration. In this article, we will explain why.
Smile! A New, Sweet Outlook on Life is Coming Your Way!
These cute greeting cards have the power to change anyone's outlook on life to a positive one!
10 Things No One Can Take Away from You
Discover the ten things that cannot be taken away, even in moments of loss, such as your uniqueness.
What Life Are You Living? Take a Moment to Reflect...
Embrace the gift of life and make it worth living by asking these important questions to yourself.
Inspiring! Put on Your Walking Boots & Step Out in Nature
This inspiring video will entice you to put on your walking boots and step out in nature.
Confucius Says: You Should Listen to This Ancient Advice!
Confucius is widely considered to be the most important eastern philosopher of all time. Read these 10 invaluable nuggets of wisdom he bequeathed to the world.