In Pursuit of the Good Life

For some solitude, that is the state of being alone, is an enriching experience; one which allows for quiet introspection away from the distractions posed by company.

Whereas for others, solitude can feel too often like a burden not only for their mental but physical health too. This state is known as loneliness.

It’s possible to feel lonely at any period of our lives, but those who are elderly are particularly prone. It is estimated that one in twelve people in England over the age of fifty often feel lonely.

There are several factors which explain this statistic, but common causes of loneliness in elderly people include retirement from the workplace and bereavement.

It has been suggested by some medical professionals that poor mental health is detrimental to physical health too. The psychologist Susan Pinker argued in her book The Village Effect that prolonged isolation can shorten our lives.

Loneliness however need not be an inevitable consequence of getting older. The psychologist Carl Rogers whose influential work in psychotherapy argued that to achieve good mental health was not a goal but a process which he called ‘the good life’.

“Loneliness need not be an inevitable consequence of getting older.”

In order to enjoy the good life, Rogers stressed the importance of adopting a mind-set which included being fully open to experience and living in the present moment.

If you feel lonely and cannot easily meet up with family or friends then why not take the opportunity to try a new hobby or visit a town you’ve never visited?

For those who face mobility issues or simply want a friendly face to share the experience, a dedicated companionship service like Sheila May’s could be a beneficial option.

Irrespective of how you choose to spend your time and with whom, good mental health is not suddenly achieved by following a series of steps but rather a journey that ought to be nurtured every day.