I agree with your comments, I’ve noticed older retired men feel very lonely and invisible. For many, their identity revolved around their careers, not who they where/ are as a person.
I’ve seen this happen to older women, they may have retired or their children are busy and no longer need them. These women are also invisible and lonely. Both these men and women put on a brave face but behind their mask, their value and self esteem plummeted. In our Australian culture we tend not to value our older citizens
Loneliness doesn’t discriminate and we need to be more aware of that for ourselves and those around us. I think while we make some progress on the MH, there is still much to do
Oh that’s so true. Homeless older woman are increasing. I wish we cared for our elderly like other cultures do. It saddens me the neglect older people endure. My mum is 93 and we can’t do enough for her. It’s only right and what love is about, simple.
great article for us all to share. Many of us will not admit we are lonely even if our life seems busy. Take the time to reach out to those that important to you often they will respond by telling and sharing with you parts of their life they need to share also it can be a two way street.
So true. I work with vulnerable people and often see the barriers loneliness incurs. I offer the “it’s ok to be vulnerable” convo starter and offer guidance on what that means. Too many men have been taught to tough it out, no it’s great to face your weaknesses, thoughts of despair and troubles. I advocate for high schools to include MH programmes and have implemented a couple of said programmes locally. The feedback particularly from male students proves it hits home and reduces the stigma to seek support.
As for social media, don’t get me started on wellness influencers who apparently have life worked to a T at 22 🤣
I agree with your comments, I’ve noticed older retired men feel very lonely and invisible. For many, their identity revolved around their careers, not who they where/ are as a person.
I’ve seen this happen to older women, they may have retired or their children are busy and no longer need them. These women are also invisible and lonely. Both these men and women put on a brave face but behind their mask, their value and self esteem plummeted. In our Australian culture we tend not to value our older citizens
Loneliness doesn’t discriminate and we need to be more aware of that for ourselves and those around us. I think while we make some progress on the MH, there is still much to do
Oh that’s so true. Homeless older woman are increasing. I wish we cared for our elderly like other cultures do. It saddens me the neglect older people endure. My mum is 93 and we can’t do enough for her. It’s only right and what love is about, simple.
great article for us all to share. Many of us will not admit we are lonely even if our life seems busy. Take the time to reach out to those that important to you often they will respond by telling and sharing with you parts of their life they need to share also it can be a two way street.
A conversation can change everything, I agree!
So true. I work with vulnerable people and often see the barriers loneliness incurs. I offer the “it’s ok to be vulnerable” convo starter and offer guidance on what that means. Too many men have been taught to tough it out, no it’s great to face your weaknesses, thoughts of despair and troubles. I advocate for high schools to include MH programmes and have implemented a couple of said programmes locally. The feedback particularly from male students proves it hits home and reduces the stigma to seek support.
As for social media, don’t get me started on wellness influencers who apparently have life worked to a T at 22 🤣
I really like what you wrote Michelle, thanks for sharing. Also, please do start on wellness influencers, we can compare notes… haha