Vivien Arguelles, an 82-year-old woman, struggled to make friends after moving to Florida in 1988. Growing up in Cuba, she valued family connections but found herself isolated in the US. After trying different jobs and activities, she found her closest friends through a running group and discovered the importance of shared passions in forming connections.
Arguelles emphasized the need for older adults to have a social life and engage in activities they are passionate about to combat loneliness. She believes socializing is crucial for brain health and can help prevent diseases like dementia. Through activities like running, spinning, and learning Italian, she has built a network of friends who she socializes with regularly.
Loneliness among older adults is a serious issue, with US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declaring it an epidemic. Studies have shown that minimal social interaction can lead to health risks like heart disease and dementia. Arguelles underlines the importance of making an effort to meet new people and stay active to maintain one’s mental and physical well-being.
While some older adults face physical constraints that limit their ability to engage in certain activities, the key is to prioritize community-based organizations like senior centers to facilitate connections. Arguelles, who enjoys travel and fitness, remains committed to living an active life by the ocean in Florida and encourages others to find joy in their passions and seek meaningful social connections.
For older adults struggling with loneliness, Arguelles’s story serves as an inspiration to prioritize social engagement and maintain an active lifestyle to combat the risks of isolation.
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