“You cannot be lonely if you like the person, you are alone with” ~Wayne Dyer
Connection is woven into the fabric of human life – from childhood playdates to school friendships, family bonds to workplace relationships. Yet as we age, many find themselves facing longer periods of solitude.
Here’s something important to understand, social isolation and loneliness aren’t the same thing. Isolation is the physical absence of regular social contact, while loneliness is that deeper feeling of disconnection – one you can experience even in a crowded room.
The impact? It’s more serious than most realize. Research shows prolonged isolation can lead to depression, cognitive decline, and heart disease. The National Institute of Aging even suggests feeling isolated can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes daily.
But the truth is everyone experiences moments of feeling alone. Whether it’s moving to a new city, starting a fresh career, or traveling solo – these feelings are universal. While temporary loneliness passes, persistent feelings of isolation deserve attention.
Building a positive support system isn’t just helpful – it’s essential.
Here are practical steps to combat loneliness and isolation:
- Volunteer for local causes you care about
- Join exercise classes or walking groups
- Take up a new hobby in a group setting
- Reach out to old friends – they might be feeling lonely too
- Consider therapy or counseling for additional support
- Explore local community centers or religious organizations
- Use technology positively – video calls with family or online communities
- Start a book club or join one
- Share meals with others when possible
- Practice self-care while building connections
Start small. Call a friend. Wave to a neighbor. Join a new group. Your journey to connection doesn’t need to be perfect – it just needs to begin. Every small step toward connection matters, and it’s never too late to start building meaningful relationships.
Marilyn Suey
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®
Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor®
Accredited Investment Fiduciary®
Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor®
marilyn.suey@diamondgroupwealthadvisors.com
Marilyn Suey is a Registered Representative with, and securities and Retirement Plan Consulting Program advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. Other advisory services offered through Mariner Independent Advisor Network, LLC a Registered Investment Advisor. The Diamond Group Wealth Advisors and Mariner Independent Advisor Network, LLC are separate entities from LPL Financial.CA Insurance License #0E01981
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification mark CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification mark.
Marilyn is the Founder and CEO of The Diamond Group Wealth Advisors. She is a nationally recognized Financial Educator, Author, Speaker, and Wealth Manager, who you may have seen on NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX network affiliates and Yahoo News, Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch, Wall Street Select and others. Marilyn and her team at The Diamond Group Wealth Advisors have been showing business owners, healthcare professionals, and executives how to accumulate, preserve, and pass on their wealth for almost 20 years. Marilyn developed The Prosperity Blue Print , a five-step wealth planning process, that includes strategy for Wealth Accumulation, Wealth Preservation, and planning for your ideal retirement lifestyle. She founded the Savvy Women Community where she shares her wisdom and experience with like-minded women. She received an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a degree in Applied Math and Economics from UC Berkeley. To schedule your complimentary Lifestyle Upgrade Assessment, call: (925) 219-0080 or email; marilyn.suey@diamondgroupwealthadvisors.com
