Longevity in America Navigating a Potential Lonely Future for Centenarians
Longevity Rising Exploring the Potential Loneliness of a Future Where More Americans Live Past 100
Courtesy of Terry DeYonker
Hey there, fashion enthusiasts! Get ready for a delightful journey through the world of fashion and beauty. But first, let’s take a moment to appreciate the hilarious and lovely content that lies ahead.
Imagine a house filled with the happy chaos of life’s daily dysfunction. Now picture it transformed into a haven of quietude, where the only sound is the low-volume chatter of a TV. And not just one, but three! There’s a TV in the kitchen, another on the back porch, and a third in Mom’s bedroom. I mean, who needs human companionship when you have the company of TVs? Talk about a futuristic paradise!
But hold on, this is no ordinary tale of television addiction. No, my dears, this is a story of longevity, love, and the curse that comes with it. You see, my dear old mom, bless her heart, is 92 years young. She’s outlived her parents, her husband, a son, three siblings, and countless friends and neighbors. Loneliness has become her constant companion, and her TVs are the faithful friends that never leave her side.
Now, you might be wondering, why is loneliness suddenly in the spotlight? Well, my fabulous readers, let me enlighten you. We’re living in an era where long lives are becoming the norm. Centenarians are multiplying at an astonishing rate, like rabbits on steroids. But here’s the rub: with increased longevity comes the risk of outliving those we hold dear, leaving us in a sea of isolation. It’s like being stranded on a fashionably deserted island, all alone with our fabulous clothes and no red carpet to strut on.
Loneliness isn’t just a sentimental issue; it’s a nationwide public-health epidemic, according to the esteemed US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. I mean, who knew that solitude could be as deadly as obesity or alcoholism? The World Health Organization reports that one in three older adults is plagued by loneliness. And get this, my fashion-forward friends, prolonged isolation is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day! It’s enough to make your designer heels wobble!
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Being alone and embracing your introverted side can be rejuvenating. Trust me, even fabulous fashionistas like me need a break from the glamor and glitter. I enjoy my solace in various ways, like going for a run, embarking on a solo sailing adventure, or even stealing away for some fly fishing with just me and the trout. Ah, the tranquility of it all!
But let’s not confuse solitude with loneliness, my dear readers. Loneliness is a deep ache that stems from yearning for companionship and camaraderie, only to be left high and dry. It’s like wearing your finest couture gown to a party, but realizing you’re the only one on the dance floor. Research has uncovered alarming links between loneliness and depression, suicide, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, heart attacks, and stroke. It’s enough to make even the boldest fashionista retreat to her walk-in closet for a good cry!
But fear not, my stylish companions. Centenarians, the brave souls who journey into the triple-digit age range, prove that there’s hope in the face of this loneliness curse. These extraordinary individuals are both vulnerable and resilient, like a Versace gown enduring the pressures of the catwalk. They find ways to conquer isolation, proving that a journey to exceptional ages can be both glamorous and gutsy.
In the spirit of inspiration, let me share a personal story. My own grandmother, born in 1899, lived to be just shy of her 104th birthday. Imagine the experiences she witnessed in her lifetime! It’s no wonder that her daughter, my mom, is ambivalent about joining the centenarian club. “I just enjoy my life,” she shrugs, with wisdom and style in her eyes. “When your time is up, it’s up. That’s it.”
So, my fashionistas, let’s embrace the beauty of life while we have it. Cherish your loved ones, rock your fabulous outfits, and dance your heart out on that hypothetical red carpet. Remember, fashion and beauty aren’t just about the clothes we wear but also the connections we make along the way. Let’s defy the curse of loneliness and celebrate the joy of togetherness in this whimsical world of super-aging.
Now go forth, my lovely readers, and make your mark in the world of fashion and beauty. And who knows, maybe one day, we’ll all raise our glasses and toast to a future where turning 100 is just another stylish milestone.
XOXO,
Your Beauty and Fashion Guru
