As we prepare for the Fourth of July holiday and take a moment to reflect after a difficult 15 months, we can see the American Dream is evolving. For decades, the rhetoric and messages we have received have been about the importance self-reliance—that being self-made and independent is simply part of being American. But when the pandemic made the formal and informal social connections and communities in our lives instantly inaccessible to us, the repercussions were severe. We learned that perhaps being “independent” isn’t always in our best interest. 

We’ve all internalized the narrative that to be successful we need to do things on our own, but we know from experience that success is rarely if ever achieved in a vacuum or on an island. Even though we know we need each other, we insist on denying our interdependence. We judge and shame others and ourselves for needing help—even though all of us need help at some point(s) in our lives. How much better would our world be if we could embrace our interdependence and let it inspire us to create solutions that benefit us all? 

The Loneliness Epidemic was raging long before COVID-19, but the events of the past year have only highlighted the struggle that nearly 1 in 5 Americans over 65 face daily. The effects of a pandemic on top of existing isolation have disproportionately impacted older adults, and a variety of modern approaches will be required to address their needs.

Homesharing is not a new concept. People have long kept lodgers, tenants and roommates. What’s new for most people is the use of digital tools to make homesharing modern, scalable and practical for how we live today. Making those tools user-friendly and reassuring for older adults is more vitally important than ever. Our mission is to enable and operationalize homesharing as a part of population health initiatives designed to help combat loneliness and isolation among older adults.

In our latest report, we examined the intersection of healthcare and isolation, positioning homesharing as a holistic intervention for individual health. You can read and download the full report for free by clicking the link below.

Many of us have been touched by COVID-19 in deeply personal ways, whether we’ve fought the virus ourselves or suffered the loss of someone we love, a job we value and/or the lifestyle we once enjoyed. This is a cascade of change, for all of us, and it’s going to take time to adjust. 

One big change you may not have expected is actually pretty positive: the pandemic is shifting our values in ways that make life healthier and more meaningful, foster deeper connections, and can even help our pocketbooks and the planet. Let’s take a look at what this means. 

Empty nest syndrome is not a vague, theoretical issue—it’s a real problem impacting millions. According to the Mayo Clinic, grown-up kids’ transition out of the home can lead to their parents feeling sadness, loss and disconnection.

On the other hand, this major life transition also represents opportunity to rediscover old hobbies, find new interests and make new connections. An active lifestyle is important at all stages of life, but even more critical if you’re an empty nester. It creates a foundation of mental and physical health that allows you to stay independent and in your home for years to come.

For a multitude of reasons, our friend circles tend to shrink throughout our adult lives, particularly in the later years. At the same time, we know social and community connections are critical contributors to our health and happiness. Senior industry expert and author Joy Loverde joins us for a conversation about why—and how—to make and keep new friends as we age.

COVID-19 has given new meaning to the idea of empty nest syndrome. Millions of families have been in isolation together, and while proximity can cause us to drive each other crazy, the pit that opens up when it ends can be even more painful.

For the parents and grandparents who have relished having kids and grandkids at home again during the isolation period, going back to "normal" may come with feelings of loneliness or sadness. If you are struggling with empty nest feelings as a result of your quarantine household disbanding, know you are not alone.

We hear in the news and during conversations with friends about companionship and how important it is in our older years. Sure, it's great to have conversations with your new housemate or friend over morning breakfast, but what else does companionship do?    

With all the stressors life has to offer, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious. Unfortunately, it’s a more common problem than not.  However, with a little focus and patience, lasting change is achievable. How? By learning a few practical skills, you can manage your emotions and ease your thoughts.  Recognizing the present and seizing the moment, is just one of the many tools that help you find inner peace.    

Cookie Johnson's stormy courtship with Earvin "Magic" Johnson was a prelude for the very public life they have led since his announcement, two months after their wedding, that he is HIV positive. Cookie Johnson is a woman of substance. And she’s finally telling her story of their 14-year courtship and 25 years of married life in her new book, Believing in Magic.