One of the most dangerous conditions for older adults is also one of the most surprising: Loneliness. Sometimes when we’re in the younger, busier time of our lives, it’s easy to forget, or not even realize, that our elderly friends and neighbors might be lonely. But very often, people who have long been retired, who may have already said goodbye to many of their friends or who have physical limitations that make it difficult to get out to visit people, can find themselves alone most of the time.

Feelings of loneliness can lead to depression and other health risks, and even shorten one’s lifespan. Being actively engaged in everyday life and interactions with friends, family, and community is critical to living a long and fulfilling life.

A viral social media post offers a good reminder of this fact, but in the most heartwarming way.

A letter that made the internet cry

A poster named u/SnooCupcakes8607 shared a photo of a typed letter with the caption: “I went on a vacation 2 weeks ago, and let my neighbor babysit my pets. Shortly after I got back home, I received this letter from him in the mail that made me smile and cry. I’d like to share it here.”

“Good afternoon,” the letter begins. “This letter is regarding your vacation two weeks ago and how you let me babysit Smokey, Oreo, and Jennifer. I’d just like to give you a letter of thanks.” (The letter doesn’t specify what kind of pets Smokey, Oreo and Jennifer are, but the original poster later shared that they are a German shepherd, “the crankiest little beagle you’ve seen in your life,” and a cat named Oreo.)

Then the........

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