Blog archive
June 2023
Bridget Brewster Discovers Village Benefits
06/04/2023
Rumor of Humor #16
06/04/2023
Communications Project with Cal State LA
06/02/2023
Creative Aging
06/01/2023
May 2023
One Villager's Story
05/31/2023
Pasadena Area Liberal Arts Center
05/31/2023
Pasadena Village Responds to Rainbow Flag Burning at Pasadena Buddhist Temple
05/31/2023
Plan Ahead - And Be Prepared
05/31/2023
Tuesday, May 23 Pasadena Celebrated Older Americans
05/31/2023
Reparations, Social Justice Activity
05/24/2023
Rumor of Humor #14
05/19/2023
Rumor of Humor #13
05/12/2023
Issue #12
05/09/2023
Science Monday - Review of Meeting on April 10, 2023
05/09/2023
Conversations Re African American Artists Before 1920
05/08/2023
Beyond the Village – Suzi and Phil Hoge
05/01/2023
Congratulations Wayne April! Honored at UNH
05/01/2023
Table Topics
05/01/2023
Volunteer Appreciation at the Village
05/01/2023
“ACCIDENTAL HOST—The Story of Rat Lungworm Disease”
05/01/2023
April 2023
Jumbo Joy
04/24/2023
Pasadenans Recent Experience With Racism
04/23/2023
Recent Events Reflecting Racism
04/23/2023
Fig and Goat Cheese Bruschetta
04/18/2023
Photography for Social Justice
04/11/2023
Issue #8
04/07/2023
BEYOND THE VILLAGE - Catherine Deely
04/06/2023
Creative Writing in Older Adults
04/06/2023
Gifts of Love
04/06/2023
March 2023
Issue #7
03/31/2023
Issue #6
03/26/2023
Great Decisions update
03/14/2023
Dominion Lawsuit, South Africa and 710 Stub
03/08/2023
February 2023
2023 DEI Progress
02/27/2023
BEYOND THE VILLAGE - Doug Colliflower
02/26/2023
CONVERSATIONS WITH ART
02/26/2023
GREAT DECISIONS
02/26/2023
OLDER ADULTS RESOURCE FAIR
02/26/2023
The Important, Influential Books in our Lives - Revisited
02/26/2023
History, Resolution of the 710 Freeway
02/19/2023
Eminent Domain, 710 Highway
02/13/2023
Bernard Garrett, 710 Freeway
02/06/2023
Men's Times Gatherings
02/03/2023
January 2023
Pasadena's Senior Commission
01/30/2023
BEYOND THE VILLAGE - JIM HENDRICK
01/27/2023
GRATITUDE - IT'S GOOD FOR YOU!
01/27/2023
JEFF GUTSTADT - FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST
01/27/2023
Bernard Garrett, Incredible Black Entrepreneur
01/17/2023
What is the "Spirit Talk" Group About?
01/16/2023
Same Ol’ New Year, Brand New Me
01/12/2023
Review of 2022, Consideration of 2023
01/06/2023
BEYOND THE VILLAGE - PATTI LA MARR
01/03/2023
FROM THE CHAIR
01/03/2023
WALK WITH EASE
01/03/2023
I KNOW LONELINESS
By Karen L. WhitmorePosted: 11/29/2022
I know loneliness
Loneliness is a common problem in our society. It often plagues those in isolation, but it can also strike in the middle of a crowd. It can descend upon people of any age, but perhaps it is the elderly that feel it most.
Karen, a new member of Pasadena Village, has had more than her share of loneliness. Here is her story.
I know what loneliness is! I knew when I moved from my lifelong home that I would miss my friends. My close family members have been gone for some time. But I had no idea what would be the effect of changing everything in my life that was familiar: routines, church, grocery stores, hardware store, the library, the nursery, coffee shops, roads and neighborhoods. Also, I had difficulty recognizing landmarks or understanding directions.
Then the pandemic hit! It added another dividing point in all our lives. The world I was getting to know closed again. I was isolated from family, because they are involved in hockey, and they were protecting me from exposure. Masking increased the sense of isolation even more.
Yes, I do know what loneliness is!
It’s a feeling that no one cares.
It’s sometimes irrational.
It’s worse in a new location, city or residence.
It’s worse when you hold it inside and don’t share it with someone.
And it’s even worse at holiday time.
Even when remaining in the same city, loneliness can crop up when people change residences or neighborhoods. Or if they move from their family home to a residential setting with new neighbors. Or if they are restricted from their accustomed activities. Or if their marital status changes and they are widowed, causing people to relate to them in a different way.
Research indicates that loneliness is linked to high blood pressure, depression, heart disease, and lack of social connection. It can be more deadly than heavy smoking or obesity.
I began to feel at home in my world when I met a few people who shared my interests. Zoom was a lifesaver for me. I participated in a writing class on Zoom from the beginning of the pandemic. I was able to stay connected to a small circle of friends in my former town through Zoom. I discovered that writing my memories also helped ease the pain of loneliness.
Then I became acquainted with Pasadena Village. Meeting its members, sharing a ride to an event, and receiving a few meals when I had cataract surgery gave me validation and helped me to feel that I was not alone. Science Monday offered me new perspectives. TGIF Friday introduced me to more Villagers. The Critical Issues group addressed current concerns in our world today as we shared thoughts with each other.
If Zoom is not for you, the Village can set up a regular date to meet for a meal at least once a week. The Village can also provide regular phone contact with someone who cares.
I find that I feel less lonely when I reach out to others to talk or provide assistance. A pet who likes to be near me also helps.
Someone asked me how long it took me to feel at home here. I told them it was not until this year, the beginning of my 7th year in South Pasadena.
Pasadena Village has provided many routes of connection to help combat loneliness. I am grateful for the help the Village has provided me. (And I am now healthy!)