Whalesong Conversations

Seniors are not the only population at risk for loneliness or isolation–caregivers can be impacted, too. As caregivers for aging parents, adult children often feel like they have to give up their own activities, routines, and even work in order to meet the physical and emotional needs of their parent. Caregivers’ opportunities for social connection frequently become more limited as they accommodate these additional responsibilities, which can make them more likely to experience loneliness, anxiety, or depression.

If you know someone who is a caregiver, have you talked with them lately? A short phone call to check in could provide them with some much-needed social connection!

Caregiver Loneliness Many caregivers are much more lonely, isolated, or disconnected than we realize. This is caused by a withdrawal from their previous routines, lifestyles, and social activities in order to focus on their family member or other care recipient.

Technology makes it possible for us to connect with others digitally, so we can talk face-to-face with a friend, take a class, or even watch a live performance without ever leaving the house. While this presents unlimited opportunities for seniors who are homebound, understanding how to use devices, apps, and online platforms can be challenging for newer technology users. Cyber-Seniors is a non-profit organization that provides free technology support and training for seniors. Trained high school and college students offer one-on-one tech support calls, and seniors can also participate in daily webinars and self-guided tutorials.

If you know someone who could use a little help using their new iPhone or getting onto Zoom, share this link with them!

Cyber-Seniors - Cyber-Seniors Inc. Cyber-Seniors provides FREE technology support and training for senior citizens. Powered by tech-savvy student volunteers.

When I tell people about Whalesong Conversations, they often ask me what it’s like to talk with seniors whom I’ve never met before. For me it’s enjoyable and rewarding, and it turns out you might think so too! According to a recent study, people underestimate how much they would enjoy talking with a stranger. In fact, their enjoyment of the conversation significantly increased when the conversation was longer (up to 25 minutes).

According to Michael Kardas, an author of the study, “if you’re looking to connect with someone new or deepen an existing relationship, our research suggests you shouldn’t hesitate to set aside more time for conversation, as these conversations tend to remain rich with material to discuss and enjoyable for longer than people typically expect.”

Ready to give it a try? Schedule your free introductory call with me at whalesongconversations.com!

People underestimate how much they would enjoy conversation with a stranger, study finds People tend to underestimate how much they would enjoy having a conversation with a stranger, according to new research. The study found that people incorrectly believed that their conversations would become more and more dull and awkward over time. Instead, conversations lasting up to half an hour....

Several years ago, Dr. Julianne Holt-Lundstad made global headlines when she published the results of a study showing that loneliness impacts a person’s lifespan as much as smoking 15 ci******es a day. Yes, you read that right. Her research essentially demonstrated that better relationships predict a longer life.

So what does this doctor order? One of the single best things you can do for your health is to nurture your relationships¬–starting today!

Is Social Disconnection Comparable to Smoking? | Julianne Holt-Lunstad | TEDxBYU Social isolation and loneliness are significant predictors of long-term health outcomes. In this talk, Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad describes the vital importan...

Many of us intuitively understand the link between social connection and mental health. It makes sense that people who struggle with loneliness are more likely to experience depression or anxiety. But did you know that social connection (or lack thereof) has a significant impact on your physical health, too?

Research shows that strong social connectedness reduces risk of heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It also positively influences our blood pressure and immune system response–even our lifespan! (Stay tuned for more on that next week!)

Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks Social isolation and loneliness can affect the physical and mental health of older adults, including those with cognitive impairment. Read about research on risk factors and solutions.

What's another way you can strengthen your social connections? Volunteer to help others! If finding an organization to support or making a regular commitment feels overwhelming, start with a manageable step. You might try something simple like holding the door for a stranger, writing a letter to a friend, or watering your neighbor's yard while they are on vacation. Being of service to others helps us feel connected to our community and provides a sense of purpose.

An Overlooked Cure for Loneliness Science tells us the solution may lie in what we do for others, not ourselves.

When I decided to start Whalesong Conversations to support people who want more quality social connection than they have, my relationship with my grandma inspired me to focus on seniors. Older people commonly face barriers to connecting with others, including physical isolation (due to illness or mobility challenges), vision and hearing issues, and cultural messages about aging. Dr. Vivek Murthy discussed this (and so much more!) in an interview about his book Together when it was first published in 2020.

How Loneliness Hurts Us and What to Do About It Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s new book, Together, explores how to combat the problem of loneliness.

Many people associate loneliness with being alone and isolated from others. While being physically isolated is one of several risk factors for loneliness, it is quite possible to feel lonely even when you’re surrounded by people. That’s because loneliness is the subjective feeling that you don't have the quality and quantity of social connection that you desire.

This means that living with someone or spending time with other people does not necessarily insulate you from loneliness; instead, it’s the quality of connection you have in those relationships that makes the difference. When we feel connected to others, we experience the belonging, companionship and closeness that we crave.

One thing you can do today to strengthen your social connections: talk with someone you care about. Make this a priority, even if you can only carve out five or ten minutes. Bonus if it’s a face to face or video conversation!

P.S. Don’t forget last week’s tip to reduce distractions while you are talking!

Loneliness is common in our society (though that may be hard to believe when you’re feeling lonely yourself). And over time, loneliness negatively impacts both mental and physical health. So it’s something to pay attention to! In upcoming posts, I’ll be sharing information from this insightful book about loneliness and the power of connection.

One small step you can take today to strengthen your social connection: reduce distractions. In your next conversation–even if it’s not face to face–practice giving the other person your full attention, without looking at your phone, checking your watch, or other multi-tasking.

Hello! I’m Kate, and I’m glad you’re here. My grandma was my inspiration for launching Whalesong Conversations and offering social connection to seniors who might need a good listening to. If you are one of those seniors, or if you’re the child of an aging parent or someone who is simply looking for a little more connection yourself, please like this page to learn more. I’ll be sharing resources, tips, and research on the many benefits of social connection. Visit whalesongconversations.com to schedule a free call. I look forward to talking with you!