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Below is a brief outline of this podcast episode with links mentioned:
Introduction Loneliness is often referred to as an epidemic, particularly among older adults. But what does that really mean, and how does it affect those experiencing it? In this blog post, adapted from a podcast series, we’ll explore the complexities of loneliness, its impact on mental and physical health, and practical ways to foster connection. Whether you are facing aging yourself or caring for an older loved one, this discussion is for you.
A Personal Journey into Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care
Ten years ago, I never imagined going back to school to pursue a Master of Arts in Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care. However, life has a way of leading us in unexpected directions.
In 2017, my mother entered hospice care after a long battle with cancer. During that time, I was deeply moved by the dedication of the hospice staff, and I felt a calling to this type of work. That experience led me to volunteer at a local hospice, and soon after, I enrolled in a degree program to deepen my understanding and ability to serve others.
Fast forward to today—while I continue to work as a facilities director at my church, my role has evolved to include ministry to older adults. My passion for providing spiritual care and companionship to those in later stages of life has only grown.
What is the Loneliness Project?
This podcast series, The Loneliness Project, is part of a larger research and practical initiative for my degree. Over the course of four episodes, I aim to:
Define loneliness and distinguish it from other concepts like social isolation and solitude.Explore the intersection of loneliness and end-of-life issues, including dementia and medical assistance in dying.Provide practical ways to help older adults combat loneliness.Examine the theological and spiritual aspects of loneliness and how faith communities can respond.While this topic may not have the same “romantic appeal” as other popular discussions, I truly believe it can be life-changing for those who engage with it.
Understanding Loneliness: Key Definitions
To have a meaningful discussion about loneliness, we need to define three important terms:
Social IsolationThe objective state of being physically separated from others.Can be neutral or negative, depending on personal perception.LonelinessA distressing emotional state resulting from a gap between the relationships one desires and the ones they actually have.It is a subjective experience—someone can feel lonely even in a crowd.SolitudeThe experience of being alone by choice, often viewed positively.Many people, especially introverts, find solitude refreshing and fulfilling.Link mentioned: https://youtu.be/dpnz85Cj46E?si=glIKlcxUONQY4LnKUnderstanding these distinctions is crucial because not all alone time is harmful, but persistent loneliness can have serious consequences.
Why Address Loneliness in Older Adults?
While loneliness affects people of all ages, it is particularly concerning for older adults due to its significant impact on health and well-being:
Loneliness is associated with a 26% increase in mortality, rising to 45% in older adults.It is linked to increased risks of depression, cognitive decline, and cardiovascular disease.The negative health effects of loneliness are comparable to those of obesity and smoking.Many older adults turn to healthcare providers for companionship, with 75% of general practitioners in the UK reporting patients who visit primarily due to loneliness.The Cycle of Loneliness and Trust
One of the more surprising findings in loneliness research is the connection between loneliness and trust.
When people feel lonely, they tend to distrust others.Conversely, lonely individuals are often perceived as less trustworthy.This creates a vicious cycle where loneliness begets further isolation.Understanding this cycle can help us become more intentional in reaching out to those who may be experiencing loneliness, breaking down barriers of distrust.
Your Thoughts Matter
Loneliness is a deeply personal experience, and I would love to hear from you:
Have you considered the difference between loneliness and solitude?Where do you see yourself on the continuum between social isolation and connection?What are some ways you’ve found to stay connected as you age?Let’s continue this conversation. You can reach out via the contact details in the show notes of the podcast.
Looking Ahead
In the next blog post, we will explore loneliness in relation to end-of-life concerns, including dementia and medical assistance in dying.
Thank you for joining me in this conversation—there is hope, and we are never truly alone.
Blessings, my friends.
Irwin
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Whether you're hosting a cozy family dinner or a festive Christmas feast, setting the table can be such a fun thing! In this post, I share simple and easy tablescape ideas to add a special touch to your holiday meals.
Find all the links to today's show here: https://www.harbourbreezehome.com/tablescapes/
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Decorating your tree & home for Christmas doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive! I’ll share budget-friendly and creative ways to make your Christmas tree sparkle—whether it’s your first Christmas or your 34th!
Find all the links mentioned in this podcast here: https://www.harbourbreezehome.com/christmas-tree-decorating/
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Skip the overwhelm and find a Christmas color scheme that captures the cozy holiday feeling you want. Get inspired by examples you can find now, so you can deck the halls with ease!
Find the blog post with all the items described in this podcast here: https://www.harbourbreezehome.com/christmas-color-scheme/
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Whether you're team real tree or artificial, this guide is packed with practical tips for choosing the best Christmas tree for your home, no matter the season of life you're in. Learn the pros and cons of each- with some hilarious real life stories thrown in.
Find the blog post with all the links mentioned at Harbour Breeze Home here: https://www.harbourbreezehome.com/choose-christmas-tree/
Rita Joy is the author of the home and recipe blog Harbour Breeze Home. You can find family favorite recipes (like these amazing rolled sugar cookies!), home decorating ideas on a budget, and time saving tips - like how to freeze avocados! You can find her writing on the blog or over on her Instagram telling stories most days...
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Whether you’re celebrating your first Christmas as a new family or navigating the holidays as empty nesters, this series is packed with festive ideas! I’ll share my best Christmas tips—as a Christmas loving "Christmas minimalist" - from decorating and baking to gift-giving—tailored for every season of life.
Find all the information mentioned in this podcast here: https://www.harbourbreezehome.com/christmas-secrets/
Rita Joy is an empty nest Grandma who is the author of the homemaking blog www.harbourbreezehome.com. She shares recipes, decorating tips, & home organization she's learned over 30 years of homemaking to help make daily life more beautiful - and simple, too!
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In this podcast episode, I'm introducing you to my sweet little granddaughter who teaches us all a valuable lesson in the value of learning hard things and celebrating the wins! Alongside her story, I'm sharing a piece of my own personal journey of facing fear and anxiety, and the truth of finding rest in where our true identity is found. Through our experiences, we are reminded of the unwavering support of our heavenly father, who cheers us on through every step of life's journey, ready to catch us when we stumble.
You can find the all the recipes I've written on my blog here, and this week's new recipe is the BEST sloppy joes recipe. (It was my mom's, of course!)
You can become a VIP newsletter subscriber member and get exclusive access to a whole library of free printables for your home - including printable wall art and a 30 Day Decluttering calendar here: https://harbourbreezehome.ck.page/vip-printables
Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she shares practical tips for everyday life like the best way to clean a glass shower door and yummy ideas like her mom's recipe for rhubarb crisp. You can also see her smiling face over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.
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As the years tick by and I get older, I’ve observed in myself and others how emotions can be all over the place when Christmas rolls around. The truth is, Christmas time brings with it moments filled with anticipation, excitement, laughter, and maybe even a yummy platter of perfect Christmas cookies - but other times we can feel a tug at our heartstrings that feels disappointment or sadness - and the Christmas cookies seem dry and tasteless!. No matter what age or stage of life we’re in, Christmas is usually a dance between Christmas joy and the occasional note of disappointment.
Let's have some fun this Christmas present while strolling down the lane of some Christmases past...
Notes from this podcast transcript here.
Read the Twinkle Lights article written and read by Rita's husband here.
Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she shares practical tips for everyday life like the easiest houseplants to keep alive and yummy ideas like this baked brie that's perfect for parties. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.
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Join me as we delve into the sparkly world of fine jewelry with special guest Kimberley - a third generation jeweler. We'll touch on topics such as selecting fine jewelry, cleaning & care of diamond rings, and asking the right questions when choosing the perfect engagement ring. Get ready to learn from the wisdom gained from many years of experience. So, sit back, relax, and let the sparkle of this before-Christmas episode add an extra twinkle to your day.
For Detailed Show Notes from the Transcription of this Podcast, click here
Recommended Fine Jewelry Cleaning Products on Amazon
Find Kimberley, Personal Jeweller here
Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she shares practical tips for your everyday life and home. Right now, people are going bonkers for her old fashioned roll sugar cookie recipe , and this time saving tip for how to to clean a glass shower door will help get your home shipshape for Christmas guests. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze
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The story behind why this year's Fall Home Decor tour photoshoot was so meaningful to me.
See the Boho Casual Fall Home Decor Tour Post Here>> Harbour Breeze Home Blog
Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she has even more ideas for Fall and your home - like this pumpkin printables art and yummy ideas like this caramel apple crisp. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.
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If you like to travel (like I do), you may enjoy these travel hacks that will help you save frustration, stress, & even money - so that you can have a wonderful time seeing new sights and making great memories. Here are some little tips and tricks - like packing tips for a carry on bag and other things I've learned over time to help each step go a little easier.
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Go to more travel posts
Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she shares practical tips for everyday life like how to hang pictures and yummy ideas like this crock pot pulled pork recipe. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.
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While the sky is blue and the sun is shining, I thought today we could talk about Summer camp and some of the life lessons learned there. I was after all, introduced to camping in the woods at the ripe old age of 22! Stick around to hear stories of how we found ourselves leading teenagers at a camp in the woods along with practical things I learned while watching masters in the art of camping.
GET THE FAMOUS BUTTERSCOTCH BROWNIE RECIPE HERE
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Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she shares practical tips for everyday life like this how to hang a picture hack and yummy ideas like old fashioned blackberry jam and potato salad. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.
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Today’s podcast topic is gonna take us all to the spa!! So, if you feel like you’re in need of a good relaxing experience with a dose of laughter, stick around for some funny stories and hear about the spa gift experience that was better than therapy for me.
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Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog www.harbourbreezehome.com where she shares practical tips for everyday life like the best way to clean a glass shower door and yummy ideas like this family comfort food meal meatloaf recipe. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze
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Are you are someone who dances with glee over the thought of dusting shelves and cleaning toilets, or someone who would rather hire someone else to do that? (I'm team housecleaner, personally. Although, I've never had one!;) Today we’re going to talk about some tips and tricks I learned from the pros when it comes to speed cleaning your house - and some tips and tricks to help us check it off our to do lists quick!
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Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog www.harbourbreezehome.com where she shares practical tips for everyday life like the best way to clean a glass shower door and yummy ideas like this crowd pleasing classic broccoli salad. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.
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One of the less pleasant facts of life we all face is that at some point it’s inevitable that we’ll experience grief in one form or another. Today I’m sitting down at my podcast desk with my husband as we discuss this topic - not as experts, but as 2 people who’ve experienced some and are learning how to walk alongside others as they grieve.
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Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog www.harbourbreezehome.com where she shares practical tips for everyday life like the fun and pretty powder room ideas and yummy recipes like potato salad that tastes just like Grandma made it. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze
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Although it's very helpful to get some practical decluttering tips to help turn chaos into calm, it's good to first address the real life issue of how each of us has a different clutter threshold, and when you put a houseful of people together, it can tend to be a real mess - pun totally intended!
Today's podcast discusses some facts about clutter personalities that may help you be more self aware of what your clutter meter is- and also help you to understand the other members in your household a little better, too.
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Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog www.harbourbreezehome.com where she shares practical tips for everyday life like how to hang a picture on the wall and yummy recipes like crowd pleasing meatloaf and the best ever homemade hot fudge sauce. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze
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Come on over to today's podcast and meet Margaret - a lady full of great stories and inspiration!
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Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she shares practical tips for everyday life like how to covert bi-fold closet doors to french doors and yummy recipes like chicken florentine. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.
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Have you ever experienced a panic attack or known someone who has? Come on over and listen in to my personal story of surviving a season of panic. It may help you find some methods to help you if you're experiencing panic attacks, or give you a little more insight into the reality of someone who suffers with panic disorders.
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Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog harbourbreezehome.com where she shares practical tips for everyday life like how to pack for a trip in just a carry on and yummy recipes like old fashioned blackberry jam. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.
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The number one question my Instagram followers wanted answered when I asked if I should interview my husband was, "How did you meet?" So, in today's episode, I sort of tricked my husband into being my first guest by asking him to "test out how the microphone works for two".;)
Here is our casual, unscripted conversation...
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Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog harbourbreezehome.com where she shares practical tips for everyday life like the best way to clean a glass shower door and yummy ideas like her grandma's recipe for strawberry pie. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.
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What’s for dinner? Could that possibly be the most dreaded question any mom hears? It sure was mine! Come on over and join me in today’s conversation about meal ideas & time saving kitchen tips & tricks for those of us who don’t like to spend too much time in the kitchen.
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Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog harbourbreezehome.com where she shares practical tips for everyday life like these 8 different diy shelves and yummy ideas like this old fashioned blackberry jam recipe. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.
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