"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
Human beings are inherently social creatures, thriving on connections with others. However, as people age, they often find themselves alone more frequently, leading to increased vulnerability to social isolation and loneliness. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 14% of the global adult population aged 60 years and above have some form of mental health condition. As such, it is estimated that nearly 25% of older adults suffer from loneliness and social isolation, two major risk factors for mental health challenges in later life. Yes, these are truly devastating conditions that present major health risks, including cognitive decline, depression, psychosis, and heart disease. Fortunately, some research among esteemed institutions like the National Institute on Aging (NIA) is exploring possible interventions to address these issues.
