The theme this week on the Retirement Quick Tips Podcast is: 5 Lessons from the book: From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks

Today, I’m talking about my final take away from the book - the loneliness epidemic. Arthur Brooks spends the final part of the book sharing insight and wisdom about the importance of non-work priorities in our lives, and how to focus less on work and more on relationships, our physical health, and our spiritual health. 

The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration has declared a “loneliness epidemic,” specifically citing the increasing phenomena of “no participation in social groups, fewer friends, and strained relationships” as the culprits.

We all know about the loneliness and dramatic increases in depression and anxiety caused by the social isolation during the pandemic. But even prior to Covid in 2018,  one survey found that 46 percent of Americans felt alone, and 43 percent of Americans felt that their relationships were not meaningful.

Author, Arthur Brooks states: “Numerous studies have shown that one of the great markers for happiness among people at midlife and beyond is people who can rattle off the names of a few authentic, close friends. It is not necessary that they be numerous to achieve happiness, and, in fact, people tend to get more selective about their friends as they age and reduce the number of true intimates.”

We all need strong human connections to help you get on the second curve [of life] and flourish. In other words, to go from strength to strength. 

That’s it for today. Thanks for listening! My name is Ashley Micciche and this is the Retirement Quick Tips podcast. 

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