“Loneliness is . . . something that we can’t get out of alone.” (Kyra Alte)

In this hope-filled episode of “hello community®”, host Catherine Jura, and social worker and Director of the Albany NNORC Kira Alte, talk honestly and vulnerably about loneliness. Loneliness is something every human being experiences at some point. When we talk about it openly, we remove the shame and stigma that keep us isolated.

Kyra is deeply compassionate and very knowledgeable concerning loneliness. She discusses how loneliness can hide behind grief, anxiety, life changes, or the feeling that something is missing. Kira discusses the stigma surrounding loneliness and why it’s not a personal failure. Instead, loneliness is a natural human experience that reminds us how deeply we need connection.

In this episode:

Learn what loneliness is and how it can be different for each of us

Discover questions that can help us recognize loneliness

Come to understand the different types of loneliness people can experience

Explore common challenges to building connection and community

Learn how small acts of courage can lead us to the life of connection that we all need and desire

Understanding loneliness is the first step toward healing it. And as Kyra notes, “loneliness is . . . something that we can’t get out of alone.” Join us as we support you in your journey from loneliness to connection and community.

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Note from Catherine:

I am glad you are here! I hope you found some tips and inspiration to help you move towards the connection and community you desire!

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Reviews are really important for getting the word out about “hello community®”! We sure would appreciate your thoughts: thank you!

If you found this episode helpful please share it with others, so together, we can build a world where everyone has the connection and community they need and want!

Till next time!

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Chapters/Timestamp:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and its focus on hope and connection

00:29 - Reflection on previous deep dives into loneliness and personal stories

00:59 - The impact of loneliness on health and the importance of social connection

01:28 - Differentiating between the types of loneliness: interpersonal, societal, existential

02:28 - How loneliness can be normalized and stigma reduced

04:01 - Defining true loneliness as a perceived gap between desire and actual social connection

04:37 - The subjective nature of loneliness and individual experiences

06:14 - The different forms of loneliness and their personal impact

06:40 - Questions to identify loneliness, including support networks and feelings of purpose

07:36 - The importance of belonging and societal validation

08:21 - Self-assessment questions to recognize loneliness, like joy and support

09:02 - Challenges of recognizing loneliness in real-time and the importance of language

09:44 - The significance of community support, programs, and shared activities

10:47 - Questions about joy and meaningful activities as indicators of connection

13:01 - How hobbies, faith, and social groups can combat loneliness

14:58 - Using reflection and poetry as healing tools in group settings

16:11 - Normalizing loneliness as part of human experience, not a moral flaw

17:29 - Addressing stigma and mental health challenges linked to loneliness

18:26 - The importance of open conversations and reducing societal shame

20:25 - NORC programs designed to foster social connection and reflection

21:15 - Building a supportive environment to share vulnerability and emotions

22:22 - The commonality of fear in initiating connection regardless of age

23:17 - Resources for ongoing support and community building, including Project Unlonely and Facebook groups

25:05 - Encouragement to share the episode and foster conversations about loneliness and connectionResources & Links:

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Kyra’s Biography and Her Suggestions For Creating Connection and Community:

Biography:

Kyra is a geriatric social worker by trade, state licensed (LMSW), and has a background in care management. Kyra is the director of the Albany NNORC (Neighborhood, Naturally Occurring Retirement Community).

Suggestions For Creating Connection and Community:

1) NNORC (Neighborhood, Naturally Occurring Retirement Community). The “Albany NNORC” is a three square mile radius neighborhood in the city of Albany. All residents over the age of 60 and living within those boundaries are able to receive free services that include care management and a visiting nurse educator via home visits.

There are social, educational, and recreational programming: ways for folks to continue learning, to continue finding joy, and to continue connecting with each other.

There are NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities) across the country and are set up to meet the needs of the community where they are found: both in terms of where the community is (i.e. Albany’s (in a neighborhood), New York City (in apartment buildings)) and the programs that are offered.

To contact Kyra or the Albany NNORC, a program of Jewish Family Services please visit http://jfsneny.org (NNORC link under "programs" tab)

2) Albany Jewish Family Services (JFS): a human services agency that serves all folks of all backgrounds, all religions.

JFS has counseling programs and support programs for both older adults and adults of all ages.

3) Seniors: Contact your county or state Office for the Aging.

4) Start a club: If you don't see the group that you need or the support you need, consider starting a club yourself or collaborating with others.

5) Findhelp.org https://www.findhelp.org/

Findhelp.org has resources for all kinds of resources by zip code: health care, food pantries and meal programs, housing, financial assistance, and much more!

Other Resources:

1) Project Unlonely: An interactive website:

http://www.artandhealing.org/project-unlonely/

Project UnLonely has three goals: to raise awareness of loneliness and its physical and mental health effects, to destigmatize (normalize) loneliness, and to make programming available to address loneliness.

a) On the landing page scroll down past the introduction to find the section that “feels” like you and “Find Out More.”

b) Under the tab “For Everyone” find:

• “Embrace Your Signal”: an award winning three minute film about the power of creative expression to heal loneliness.
• “Watch Project Unlonely Films”: as of March 2026 there are nine seasons of other award-winning short films that explore loneliness, connection, and the healing power of human relationships. These films are designed to raise awareness about loneliness, reduce the stigma around it, and foster a greater sense of belonging
• Creativity Hub: this webpage encourages you to be “UnLonely” through curiosity, creative expression, and conversation. This webpage will provide creative activities that can be enjoyed alone or with others. These activities will help you know yourself better and connect with others in a deeper way.·
• Project Unlonely (the book): Written by Dr. Jeremy Nobel this book provides insight into our new world of loneliness that offers solace, hope, and solutions.

2) “hello community®” Link Tree: in one click you will have access to our Facebook Page (and all our episode platforms) http://lnk.bio/hellocommunity