In a recent survey, 43 percent of respondents 45 through 49 are chronically lonely, compared with 25 percent of those 70 and older. What is going on? This article from AARP Magazine is worth reading.

http://www.aarp.org/personal-growth/transitions/info-09-2010/all_the_lonely_people.1.html

Tips for overcoming loneliness...

http://www.aarp.org/relationships/family/info-09-2010/loneliness-or-depression.html

As someone who is trying to find ways to build bridges and connect people in wider social networks, this information is good to know but concerning as well. We must work hard to stay connected...eye to eye, face to face, hand to hand. Talk on the phone with older adults if that is their preferred form of communication (email or texting may be your preferred form of communication but it may not be their preferred form.)