TV is no cure for loneliness.

October 17, 2006

Isolationism on TV (Courtesy : Daily Health News) So you're home alone and you have nothing to do. You turn on the TV. It passes the time. It keeps you company. And it's killing you. Loneliness is bad for your health. Television may not be the cause of loneliness, but it is often used to avoid facing and dealing with loneliness. "TV is a marker of how alone we are," says David A. Lipschitz, MD, PhD, author of Breaking the Rules of Aging (LifeLine Press). Dr. Lipschitz is affectionately known to the viewers of Arkansas Education Television Network (AETN) as Dr. David. He is also the chair of the Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatrics and of the Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. "When older people become isolated and lonely, they experience a dramatic increase in risk of heart attack and stroke." It turns out that the things that keep us healthy, vital and independent are the exact opposite of television. "Love, faith, purpose and self-esteem are the keys to a long and healthy life." And these are exactly what television is replacing. "It might be a different story if people were gathering in big groups to watch television together. But in most cases, people are watching television because they are not with friends and loved ones," Dr. David notes. "TV distracts them from their loneliness." He also warns that for older people, a fear of moving away from the ancestral home will contribute to excess TV watching. "Older people, usually women, who are afraid of losing their independence, will stay in a

home that is too big for them and that might have stairs that they cannot maneuver." While these people think they are being independent, they in fact have become trapped in their home. "They end up eating poorly and watching television since they have nothing else to do and no where else to go. Their health will decline in very little time." But Dr. David says that you are never too young to start building habits to prepare you for the future. Put some practices into place now that will contribute to a long and healthy life. What should you be doing instead of watching your television? Well, if you want to stay healthy, here are some strategies... Fall in love -- and stay that way. Married people live longer and experience a better quality of life than single, widowed or divorced people. They are less likely to be depressed or abuse substances, and are more likely to eat

breakfast, wear a seatbelt and go to the doctor. Married men live eight years longer than single men... and married women three years longer than single women. (Faithful married men and women live longer than those who are not faithful.) Exercise. Walking is good, but consider other fun and exciting ways to move and get going. Try swimming, biking or taking a dance class. "Obesity is one of the greatest health risks we face today, and TV is one activity that puts people at high risk for obesity, more so than other sedentary activities such as being on the computer or reading," says Dr. David. Spend time with loved ones -- every day, seven days a week. You need to be around people that you love and who love you. Spending time with your parents, children, friends and neighbors is good for you. In fact, love is one of the strongest contributors to health and well being. Older parents should not be

left alone all day long. If you are older and have a big loving community, reach out to the people you know who are lonely or far from their children and friends. "We would never leave a baby or a small child unattended, but we do so with our older members of society all the time. It is dangerous for both their safety and their health," says Dr. David. Participate with your spiritual community. Faith is a great way to stay young and healthy. Go to your place of worship and find out what kinds of social programs they offer. Take up a fun and exciting hobby -- not stamp collecting or knitting. Try running or kayaking. You're too old you say? Dr. David has a patient that started riding a Harley in her 80s, and one that started marathon training at 64. And there are many seniors at the ballroom dance class that I attend. Volunteer. Having a purpose is one of the

best ways to keep yourself vital, not to mention that it is a great way to remind yourself of the blessings you have. It will get you out of the house and into your community. And doing something for others will boost your self-esteem. What if you really are housebound? Then, perhaps creating a community on-line is right for you. There are many chat rooms on all sorts of subjects that consist of like-minded people. Or, you can play games such as chess against distant opponents. Television has its place. Unfortunately, its place is spreading in our homes like an out-of-control vine that needs pruning. Nip your excessive viewing in the bud. "Our ideal is not the spirituality that withdraws from life but the conquest of life by the power of the spirit." -

Aurobindo.

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