"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:
7 Ways Persistent Coughing Hurts Our Body
Don't let a cough go unnoticed. This is how it can harm your body.
Baba-Tips: How to Extend Your Perfume's Shelf Life
Can perfume go bad? How can you tell? How can you extend its shelf life? And what to do if it's already expired? Get your answers here.
Discover the Effects of Drinking Dirty, Contaminated Water
How safe is it to drink contaminated water? Find out here.
These Cosmetic Products are Cheap to Make & Chemical Free
Ready-made cosmetics may be convenient, but not only are they expensive, they tend to contain toxic products. Here are 8 products you can prepare yourself.
How to Grow the World's Most Expensive Spice at Home
Saffron doesn't have to be that expensive. It is a natural resource that should be available for everyone - use this guide to grow your own!
Have You Made Someone Smile Today? You're About To!
Send one of these gorgeous GIF messages to someone dear today.
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...
Everyone Needs to Know the Magic They Make You Feel
Because you wish them all the best, because they help you and work so hard, you just want to show your friend that you love them...
I Just Wanted to Let You Know How Much You Mean to Me...
Whether they are close to me or far away, I want the members of my family to know how I feel.
These Wise Creatures Have Some Advice For You...
Sometimes the best advice comes from the natural world around us.
Here’s How to Stop Taking Others' Opinions So Personally
Many of us often feel offended by the actions or comment of others, even though it may have nothing to do with us, here's how to stop taking things personally.
Ever Hear About the 6 Elephants?
What is "truth" comprised of? This highly inspiring story will definitely get you thinking about this.
Love Yourself: 12 Inspiring Quotes for Happiness
Self love an acceptence are important but don't always come easy. We hope these quotes will inspire you and remind you to be a little kinder to yourslef.
13 Quotes From the Greatest Minds of the 20th Century
13 memorable quotes by some of the 20th century's most outstanding figures
12 Harmful Thinking Patterns That Perpetuate Stress
Some of the subconscious thinking patterns people have can be very harmful to their mental health.
When Irritability is More Than Just an Emotion...
If irritability is an issue for you or your loved ones, learn about its possible causes and several methods that help manage irritability.
John Lennon Inspired Millions with His Wise Words
Lennon was also capable of inspiring millions with a single, spoken sentence. Take a look:
Epic Collection: The Most Inspirational Quotes!
This mega collection of quotes will give you 14 different articles, each with its own theme of quotes so you have a quote for every occasion!
10 Zen Quotes That'll Help Anyone Find Their Inner Peace
Looking for some inspiration today? These 10 wise zen quotes will help you find it!
Want To Be Happy? Stop Expecting These 7 Things...
Learn to let go of these 7 expectations to live a happier life!
These Short Prayers to God Will Bring Peace and Gratitude
Saying a short prayer brings about a peace within me, so I thought I'd share with you 8 simple, yet effective prayers for all occasions.
Would You Call God If He Had a Phone Number? Inspiring!
Each night, before I sleep, I converse with God. This is what I say.
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.
Share This Lovely Message & Wish a Friend a Good Day!
Share these lovely thoughts and wish someone you love dearly a good day!
The Conclusions Drawn From a 75-Year-Long Happiness Study
Psychiatrist Robert Waldinger is the fourth appointed head of the longest happiness study in history. Watch this video to see what its conclusions were.
The Truth Behind This Song's Words Will Touch You Deeply
Tears in Heaven was written as a father's attempt to fight the most affecting grief any parent could experience. The beauty of this song staggers.
She Left This Letter Before She Died, It Was Heartbreaking
A little girl passed away, this is the letter they found...
Have You Heard This Beautiful Old African Story?
This old African story hits home in a way that you would never expect it to...
I Hope These Motivational Pictures Bring Light to Your Day
These seemingly simple comic strips all have a deep meaning, motivating us to be our best selves and always see the big picture!
This Father Is a Liar, The Reason Will Make You Tear Up...
This beautiful story of love between father and daughter is one you won't soon forget.
These Beautiful Quotes Will Bring Peace to Your Soul
Here is a selection of 20 pieces of beautiful and wise quotes, for you to be inspired by and lift your spirits!
7 Evocative William Wordsworth Poems to Reflect On
Explore the meaning behind some of William Wordsworth's most celebrated poems
30 Things We HAVE to Stop Doing to Ourselves
the things we should stop doing to ourselves to gain the joy that we deserve!
The History of the Statue of Liberty and Its Symbolism
The history behind the Statue of Liberty and the poem that has come to symbolize it,
I'd Like to Say a Few Beautiful Words About Friendship...
Here are some famous quotes on friendship that will say it best to the friends you care about
Here's a Powerful Thought About Christmas to Bear in Mind...
While I wish you a merry Christmas, here's a meaningful thought I would like you to remember...
Man Builds a Wildlife Pond on His Property - Fascinating!
This man built a safe haven for wildlife on his property. You won't believe what happened next!
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.
12 Toxic Behaviors We Need to Release From Our Lives
At one time or another we have all been toxic to be around. Here are 12 toxic behaviors we should all be aware of and stay away from.
May These Words Light Your Way...
Sometimes It's not easy to listen to something, But when we do, good things just might happen. Read some wise thoughts and take a moment to ponder.
This Beautiful Story Made Me Think About My Life...
This beautiful story takes a simple coffee drink and creates a lesson for us all.
These Quotes Will Change Your Perspective of the World
Neil Degrasse Tyson’s wise words will make you look at the world from a new perspective.
There's Nothing Better Than Life Advice From a Dear Friend
Receive the kind of life advice you've always wanted to be given - you will see how it all makes sense.
12 Principles For a Good Life By a Great Thinker
Follow these 12 principles to live a good, healthy life.
8 Great Quotations from the Brilliant William Shakespeare
One of the greatest writers the world has ever seen has these words of wisdom to impart...
Inspiring! Change the World by Making Your Bed
We are sure you will be motivated after listening to what this man has to say!