NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Give them a ring! Famed sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer urged lonely New Yorkers to call each other if they're feeling forlorn this Valentine’s Day.
Westheimer was named the state’s first-ever “ambassador to loneliness” in November. Since then, she's been releasing PSAs to combat social isolation.
On the first Valentine’s Day since her appointment, the 95-year-old Manhattanite urged people to take simple measures like reaching out to friends or volunteering in their community to help them address loneliness and social isolation.
“If you are alone on Valentine’s Day, do what I am going to do–call a friend who is also alone and do something enjoyable together,” she said in a video message. “Agree that you are going out and maybe you’ll even meet somebody new.”
The famed "sexpert" took on the honorary role after the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory last spring warning of an “epidemic of loneliness” in the country.
A recent study found more than a third of adults 45 years or older experience loneliness and that nearly a quarter of adults 65 or older are considered socially isolated.
Westheimer says some of the measures people can take include:
• Reconnecting with Friends and Loved Ones: Valentine’s Day can present the perfect opportunity for New Yorkers to reconnect with someone outside of their normal social network. Call up a friend or loved one or stop by a neighbor’s house – making these connections can rebuild or rekindle positive relationships that have faded over time.
• Volunteering in the Community: Volunteering has been demonstrated to improve physical and mental health, provide a sense of purpose, and nurture social relationships. New York State’s Commission on National and Community Service can connect individuals with volunteering opportunities in communities statewide. Individuals interested in volunteering can also reach out to Let’s Green NYC, an initiative that will connect them with volunteer groups dedicated to improving parks and public spaces New York City, or the State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to connect with organized friends groups supporting parks and historic sites.
• Getting Out and Exercising: Although winter is in full swing, something as simple as taking a walk around the neighborhood or getting the body moving will strengthen muscles, increase oxygen to the brain, and ultimately improve mood and mental acuity.
• Visiting Local Museums or the Public Library: These institutions provide a variety of programs and resources – including classes, book clubs, and other social activities – that can help individuals establish positive connections within their community. Museums and libraries are also areas where individuals can make new connections with others exploring what these institutions have to offer.
• Reaching Out to Peers Online: For New Yorkers who cannot connect with others in physical settings, online resources are available to help them connect with other adults. For older adults, the New York State Office for the Aging has partnered with GetSetUp to provide thousands of live online classes, free of charge, to keep older adults mentally, physically and socially active.