It is a beautiful, cool summer morning. Our last day of vacation in Northern California. Sitting at the table, I see nature being active through the window. A pair of white-breasted nuthatches chase each other down and up the tree, while several butterflies flit and fly all around the enormous Agapanthus flowers drawn in by their lovely fragrance. Hummingbirds also enjoy the nectar. I’ve been enchanted by several sightings of these beautiful, tiny aerial fighters as they squabble over the blooms. Just beyond the lush green lawn, a deer wanders back and forth browsing and sampling tasty bits around the fig orchard.
It’s been over a year since we’ve visited and although my sister and her family – especially her grandchildren are our primary focus, we also loved spending time catching up with old friends. It wasn’t just seeing people that did our hearts well, it was much more than that. Having an opportunity to take in the beautiful mountains, fields, lakes and rivers of the north state, as well as the old familiar places where we lived and worked were a sight for sore eyes.
Travel can be frustrating at times with delayed flights and crowded planes, but the need to see family and reconnect with folks is a powerful motivator to enable us to endure such inconveniences.
As it turns out, staying socially active is good for us. Alzheimer’s Society tells us, “Social activities are also good for the brain, making them a great way to reduce your risk of getting dementia. This includes interacting with other people online as well as in person. This means it’s important to try to keep in touch with the people who matter to you, such as friends and family.”
Since we’ve moved from California to North Carolina we have lost family and friends to accidents, illnesses and age. Those who remain have become dearer to us and we make more of an effort to see as many people as possible during our visits.
Another compelling reason for making the extra effort to visit with folks is that according to the NIH, known risk factors for dementia increased during COVID. “As calls for social distancing and limiting social interactions have increased to help control the spread of COVID-19, social isolation and loneliness have surged among some segments of the population.”
Isolation can increase the risk of dementia. In a previous post, “One, the loneliest number raises dementia risk” we learned that “for those forced into seclusion, the environment of loneliness created by the virus has also raised the risk of developing dementia brought on by isolation requirements. One study, conducted for over a decade determined that people experiencing loneliness in the age range of 60-79 could have as much as three times the risk of developing dementia.”
Is there anyone in your world who would benefit from your friendship? Is it possible to carve out a bit of time here and there to stop by and enjoy their company for a short visit? You may never know what a difference your acts of kindness will make. They say you can never go home. That may be true, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t go back for a lovely visit.
Has your world been touched by dementia?
My book, “FinishingWell: Finding the Joy in Dementia”, is a collection of stories and tips about doing life with my Mama. May it encourage and inspire you to find joy on your own, unique journey.
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This is a good reminder to stay in touch, regardless of where my brain is today.