More than 300,000 New Jersey residents will spend this holiday season alone, according to new research. Loneliness, especially during this time, is a growing mental health issue that impacts millions across the country, and can lead to higher mortality rates.
“If you are lonely, we know that volunteering … giving to others is very beneficial. There’s a tremendous bonus from volunteering,” said Karen Fingerman, professor of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin. Fingerman is also director at the Texas Aging and Longevity Consortium.
In an interview with NJ Spotlight News, she said, “Maybe you’re not the type of person who likes to start a conversation with the barista, but look and find a group that’s volunteering and all of a sudden you’re there and you’re with other people and you’re doing something collectively that feels good, that feels meaningful.”
