🏁 Axios Finish Line: Rise of kinlessness

How you can help | Wednesday, December 07, 2022

Open in app View in browser   Presented By Walmart   Axios Finish Line By Mike Allen, Erica Pandey and Jim VandeHei ·Dec 07, 2022 Dec 07, 2022 Welcome back. Thank you to the hundreds of readers who have told us about their heroes. Keep your notes coming to finishline@axios.com. Smart Brevity™ count: 367 words ... 1½ mins.     1 big thing: A lonely generation Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios   There's a growing population of seniors who are aging alone — without any close family around them. The big picture: A number of demographic trends are coming together to give rise to "kinless seniors," the New York Times' Paula Span writes. There are nearly a million Americans over the age of 55 living without a spouse or a partner, any children or siblings. That's because boomers have lower marriage rates than their parents did, and more of them have remained childless. On top of that, the divorce rate among couples who have crossed 50 has risen. Rates of kinlessness are projected to grow as generations younger than boomers are even likelier to be aging alone. Why it matters: Kinless older folks are less likely to participate in community groups, sports or religious organizations — activities that stimulate the body and the brain. And they're less likely to receive the care and help around the home that they need. As a result, kinless older adults die sooner. There's reason to be hopeful. While friends and neighbors might not take the place of immediate family, these strong social ties can alleviate a great deal of loneliness. We can all help our older friends and neighbors with quick tasks — such as carrying heavy grocery bags or picking up a prescription at the local pharmacy. But don't underestimate the power of talking. One of the most effective antidotes to loneliness is a simple conversation, where we listen deeply to what the other person has to say and take care to respond thoughtfully, experts say. The bottom line: Look out for older adults in your life who might be in need of a phone call or an afternoon visit. Share this story.     A message from Walmart Walmart helps save families up to 75% on insulin     Since June 2021, families across America have saved more than $15 million on insulin. Thanks to Walmart's low-cost private brand, shoppers can save up to 75% off the cash price of branded insulin. Learn more about how Walmart helps families live better.     🐶 Pup du jour Photo courtesy of Bob S. Meet Toshi. She's Finish Line reader Bob S.'s pandemic puppy, and she's a Vizsla, a Hungarian breed. Fun fact: Vizslas are one of the fastest breeds and can get up to 40 miles per hour in a full-on sprint! Catch up on our story about the power of pets.   Are you a fan of this email format? Your essential communications — to staff, clients and other stakeholders — can have the same style. Axios HQ, a powerful platform, will help you do it.   Axios thanks our partners for supporting our newsletters. If you're interested in advertising, learn more here. Sponsorship has no influence on editorial content. Axios, 3100 Clarendon B‌lvd, Arlington VA 22201   You received this email because you signed up for newsletters from Axios. Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.   Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now to get Axios in your inbox.   Follow Axios on social media: