Breaking the Silence: A Call to Connect in the Sage Age

This blog is written by Carlton Coon, Sr.

“One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do,” are lyrics sang by song-writer Harry Nilsson in the late 60s. Other, more famous groups later recorded the song. Do you recall it? When my college room-mate, Stan Davidson and I were in the student union at Louisiana College, the song would occasionally be played on the juke box.

A man or woman alone, hidden within themself, is an element for despair. Mixed within the warp and woof of the UPCI Sages, or connected with some of you are incredibly lonely people.

Research indicates that the 2nd most lonely group of people in America are those in their 60s and above. Can we be challenged to help each other, or at least to try to help each other?

There are widows and widowers.

In some instances, both spouses live. Unfortunately, the relationship is little more than two people getting mail at the same address. “Two can be as bad as one . . . “ is another line in Nilsson’s song.

A number of those in the Sage Age never married.

Those a bit further along, have buried many or all their friends.

How can you help?

This week will you contact two people by something more meaningful than text or a personal Facebook message who may be lonely? A hand-written note, flowers, a candy-bar you know they like, a phone call, a let’s meet for coffee invitation, . . .

And, how about passing this idea on to some others who may not yet be on UPCI SAGES?