Ourselves, Our Posterity
In this issue: Discover the connection between your thumb and loneliness, reminders for the largest voting block (Us!), check out the BadAss Grandmas, & a Pocket Power travel tip.
Ourselves, Our Posterity's vision is to create a community that values a strong connection between everyday actions and long-term aspirations.
Darn Your Thumb: Turning Connection into Isolation with a Swipe
The opposable thumb is one of God’s remarkable designs for humanity. It has empowered us to shape the world around us. We can grasp tools, write, and create art. But in the digital age, this gift is often misused.
Today, instead of using our thumbs for productive tasks, we often use them to scroll through social media mindlessly. What was once a symbol that set us apart has become a tool of isolation, driving us to disconnect from meaningful human relationships.
Thumbs Down: The Loneliness Epidemic
Dr. Marisa G. Franco, psychologist, author, and professor at the University of Maryland, highlighted this issue on the October 12, 2024, episode of The NewsWorthy podcast. She shared that studies have found those who "are just scrolling on their phones tend to be the most lonely of everybody." Her insight supports the growing evidence of a loneliness epidemic, a crisis so prevalent that the U.S. Surgeon General has issued warnings about its impact on mental health.
“If you are a passive user, scrolling, scrolling, scrolling, your mental health is going to get poorer,” Dr. Franco explains. “You’re going to experience a greater likelihood of loneliness.” This habit of passively scrolling, which seems so innocuous, fuels a deeper sense of isolation.
Loneliness can lead to more disruptive sleep, which impacts our well-being. It is also related to Alzheimer's progressing much more rapidly. All of this highlights how vital human connection is.
Who’s at Risk? Gen-Z, Grandma and Grandpa
Both the younger and older generations are particularly vulnerable. Generation Z, those 12 to 29, often seen as hyper-connected through technology, can still feel profoundly isolated when they engage passively on social media. On the other hand, older adults, often facing social isolation, are also susceptible to this loneliness, especially if they rely heavily on digital connections that lack depth.
From Tool to Trap: How the Thumb Betrays Us
The same thumb that once held a pen to write meaningful letters is now used to swipe through endless streams of content. While social media can be a tool for positive connection, the passive scrolling we so often engage in contributes to a sense of loneliness and disconnection. The more time we spend passively using social media, the less time we spend engaging with people in a meaningful way.
Dr. Franco emphasizes that active social media users, those who take the time to comment, message, and interact in meaningful ways, actually experience better mental health outcomes than passive users.
Thumbs Up for Connection: Tips for Reducing Loneliness
How can we break free from this cycle of loneliness and use our opposable thumbs for connection rather than isolation? Here are some steps to help you reclaim your mental health and engage meaningfully with others:
Instead of passively scrolling, take the time to comment and message. A positive, thoughtful comment goes so much further than mindlessly hitting like. It benefits you and the recipient.
Set boundaries around your use of technology, especially when you could be spending quality time with others or enjoying activities that bring fulfillment.
Find an in-person group that shares your interests. Engaging with a community can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Remember, using a phone goes both ways. Don’t wait for loved ones to call you. As the old AT&T slogan used to go, “Reach out and touch someone.”.
Intentionally schedule time to disconnect from screens daily and be present in the world around you. Use the time to have a face-to-face conversation.
Develop the habit of practicing gratitude. Writing down what you are thankful for helps shift your mindset, reduce loneliness, and improve your overall outlook.
The above steps can help combat loneliness, but if it affects your well-being, reaching out to a mental health professional is a positive step. Speaking with a counselor can provide personalized support.
We can combat loneliness by using our thumbs wisely. Let’s turn it back into a tool of meaningful connection rather than one for mindless distraction.
Informed Voting: A Civic Duty at Every Age
While purging electronic files, I found posters I used during my teaching years to motivate my students to think critically about their voting decisions when the time came for them to vote. With only two weeks left until election day, I wanted to share these reminders with you.
According to Pew Research, 60% of voters in 2022 were 50 years or older, highlighting the significant role we play in shaping the future.
To do that responsibly, it’s essential to be informed and thoughtful. The posters share the key points.
Now, more than ever, it’s important to avoid partisan politics and make thoughtful, informed choices. Let’s continue to make our voices count by voting wisely.
BadAss Grandmas: This Is What I’m Talking About
The BadAss Grandmas for Democracy was created by four women in North Dakota who initially came together to advocate for integrity in government. I love people with audacious goals!
Their efforts led to the successful creation of the North Dakota Ethics Commission in 2018, promoting transparency and accountability in state government. Since then, they’ve expanded their mission to
foster civic involvement
encourage ethical leadership
work across political divides.
This movement aligns with the goals of Ourselves, Our Posterity by encouraging older adults to embrace their potential and leave a positive impact on future generations. Through civic involvement and promoting ethical leadership, these Badass Grandmas and Grandpas are not only shaping their own legacy but also ensuring a better world for the next generation.
Sources: Achterling, Michael, BadAss Grandmas want you to get involved for democracy • North Dakota Monitor, September 15, 2024 and BadAss Grandmas for Democracy website.
Your Live-It List: Senior Passes for Adventure Seekers
For those of us 62 and older, the National Parks Service offers a Senior Lifetime Pass for just $80 or a Senior Annual Pass for $20.
Whether you love hiking, taking scenic drives, or simply enjoying peaceful moments outdoors, these passes provide access to countless experiences in nature.
Visit Entrance Passes (U.S. National Park Service) to learn more about saving money while experiencing adventures on your Live-It List (I don’t like the phrase Bucket List).
Photos of Pete and me: 1/2 Denali National Park, 3 Katmai National Park (Brooks Falls), 4/5 Kenai Fjords National Park (Exit Glacier). Planning on going to Alaska? I’ll be glad to share what we did.
