In my memoir Until My Dying Day, I talked about isolation. A Place’s playground for the wicked; symptoms developed and how to overcome them. “It is as a sport to a fool to make mischief, but a man of understanding hath wisdom.” -Proverb 10:23.
STATISTICS
The 2012 statistics showed that 36.6% of women 85 and over were seniors living alone, and 21.7% of men. The percentage for women was due to higher life expectancy.
According to 2023 census data, 64,000 elderly people live alone over the age of 60, a significant drop from 85 years reported in 2012. Is there a benefit to living alone?
BENEFIT OF COMPANIONSHIP
Isolation is like being placed in a 4X4 space area and left alone to survive. We are a people born with the need to be with others. And a fact is how our growth begins. When you are placed alone or become alone due to the death of your partner, life becomes lonely. Although loneliness is just a state of mind, the need to communicate your innermost thoughts and feelings is a need that must be shared, or over time, one may go crazy from being isolated. (Thanks to technology that has allowed many to express themselves, but not without the disadvantage to their wellbeing.) Unless the individual chooses to be creative.
APPRECIATING THE PRESENT
Life is ironic; sometimes, it takes absence to appreciate the presence. We constantly live in the past and think about the future, and seldom do we live in the present. Within the moment of the presence, if you allow yourself to be, you can hear the sounds of nature. The tweet of a bird, the bark of a dog, the engine of a vehicle, the squeaking sounds within an old building, or the voice of another human. To feel the redemption of your heartbeat. To spot an insect if one is fortunate. To observe the pictures on the wall and all in that isolated area. Then, you become more aware of your being as you recognize you are part of a greater whole.
However, you will lack the energy to be creative if you don’t appreciate the presence. Creativity is developed from being isolated and, ironically, discovering one’s spiritual self and physical strengths. Our weakness can only be recognized and strengthened by our association with others. Like all things life offers, isolation also has disadvantages, depending on how you use the position. It becomes a disadvantage when the wicked ones see your circumstances as an opportunity to experiment with your mind to the point of sending you insane. Here is where your observation must become sharp as you separate the distractions to be wise in the way of your thoughts, enabling you to draw logical conclusions about a problem or situation.
HELPING SELF TO COPE
In my isolation, I have experienced many stressful times. What has helped me cope is the knowledge I have gained through being observant and keeping personal notes of my daily activities. I occupied my time learning a new language and playing online games, and I caught myself hooked on watching foreign movies on YouTube to ease the stress of some days, unable to get to my set writing goals to complete my novel. I trusted that those who knew me and had become acquainted with me through conversations saw that I was mentally sane. The intrusion of the presumptuous caused my occasional outburst in my unit. My belief lied with the one who sees all and knows all, we will defeat the wicked’s actions together.
Isolation is like changing seasons; we must learn to adapt and accept. Isolation allows one to find oneself and helps one prepare to handle situations. It does not mean you are not blessed, for each day we wake is a day blessed to see and experience God’s glory. Isolation can make you delusional, drain your energy, and cause you to give up on life.
DO NOT LOSE HOPE
Therefore, I encourage those of you in isolation not to fear the wicked ones who find an opportunity in your situation to make you lose hope. Know that all our days are numbered, and there is a time for everything under the sun. Like a dark cloud before a storm that soon passes, it will be for the wicked ones. Find activities to keep you occupied, groups to express your stresses, and travel if you can afford the cost of discovering new places and meeting different cultures.
RECOMEND
Crisis Outreach Service for Seniors. Phone: 416-217-2077.
Better The End 