How to Get It, Why You Need It.

More love. It really is what we all want and need. But we may be overlooking all of the above.

Here’s news that may surprise you: it may be a common belief that “older” people are lonely. And yes, some of us are, for many reasons. If you, as a reader, are 50 +, your parents are elderly, or no longer with us. You may be single, in the sense that you’ve lost a life partner to divorce or death. If you had children, they’ve likely flown the nest. And so on.

But the fact is that young people, especially young women in their 20s, far more frequently than older populations report loneliness as a serious mental health issue. Experts suggest that the reliance of Millennials and subsequent generations on social media versus face-to-face interaction leads to a loss of intimacy, feelings of isolation, and anxiety about not measuring up to Instagram standards. The short version of this story: bond with your granddaughters (or someone else’s) and invite them over for tea. Tutor. Mentor. Or just make yourself available for listening (be sure to bring the Kleenex).

Another fact is that our society places an inordinate emphasis on erotic love. Romantic love. Falling-in-love-and-getting-frisky love. Moonlight and roses — or just great spicy sex! — are among life’s pleasures, to be sure. But these deeply human expressions are not the only form of love. As we age and hormone levels wane, for some women, not all by any means, the sexual aspects of love may become less urgent. In spite of constant media pressure to stay hot and bothered, the mellowing — or even exit — of genital desire and fire may be okay. And if it’s not okay with you, talk to your wellness team about hormone replacement and other options.

But what about other forms of love?

Love as we know it is intrinsically tied to hormones. Again, you may immediately think of estrogen and testosterone (yes, women’s bodies produce testosterone, too!). But those are the sex hormones, and aren’t really about “love.” Estrogen and testosterone make us wanna rock and roll all night long. But it’s a different hormone, called oxytocin, that makes human beings (and other mammals) capable of love.

The brain chemical oxytocin is released in the brain through non-threatening touches, like hugging, patting, gently holding and cradling, and even massage. It’s nicknamed “the moral molecule” because it evokes kindness, loyalty, and bonding. Simply put, abundant circulating oxytocin makes us nicer to each other, and nicer to ourselves.

Oxytocin is only produced by mammals (versus reptiles or birds), and female mammals produce more oxytocin than males. In female mammals, oxytocin production is closely linked with motherhood. The chemical is instrumental in lactation’s “let down” when breastfeeding. It’s also the key to what scientists call “pup recognition.” In human terms, this amounts to being able to spot your kid in a crowd. That’s my baby!

So, it’s not surprising that baby-cuddling is one way to create a feeling of love within yourself. Both cuddler and cuddlee benefit!

CUDDLE A BABY

Many hospitals across the US offer volunteer opportunities to hold and cuddle babies, skin-to-skin. Premature babies, as well as babies who are separated from their biological parents because of addiction or a parental health issue, are especially in need of this tender touch. These special babies may be fussy and irritable, and this means that they will benefit most from your unconditional love.

Baby cuddlers are given special training on how to talk to, read to, sing to, and touch precious newborns. You’ll even learn how to correctly “swaddle” and the soothing power of what’s called “facilitated tucking” (FT)! Start with a Google search for a hospital with a baby cuddler program, and contact your local hospitals to ask if they accept volunteers to offer this powerful service. Also check out the Hospital Hugging programs funded by Kimberly Clark, the manufacturer of Huggies diapers. Typically, a baby cuddler must meet certain criteria, including proof of current vaccinations, a clean criminal background check, a health assessment, and a minimum number of hours available.

If you become a baby cuddler, we want to see pictures!

Email us here: info@fiftyniftyandmore.com

DISCOVER THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE OF ANIMALS

 Petting a friendly animal releases oxytocin in the human brain. If you already have pets, you know this to be true. If you’re considering getting a pet, bear in mind that even a goldfish requires a commitment of time and energy, and sometimes cash. If you’re considering adopting a new pet, you might want to consider volunteering at a pet organization first, just to familiarize yourself with some of the challenges of pet parenting. And, the knowledge that you’re helping others (including others with four feet) is always feel-good, whether you’re using your brawn, your brain, or both.

Check out Pet Peace of Mind, for instance. This national organization helps seriously ill people in hospice care for their pets. This program includes re-homing pets when necessary, as the result of the original owner’s health issues. If you have a pet and want to share the love as a visiting volunteer, check out the non-profit 501[c]3,  Pets on Wheels, where you and your pet can bring joy to hospital patients, residents of assisted living facilities, nursing homes, homeless and domestic violence shelters, and others in need of cuddles, hugs, and cheer.

Every major city and lots of small towns, too continually seek volunteers to care for animals in shelters, as well as special facilities which care for larger animals like horses, sheep, cows, goats, pigs, and donkeys (even llamas and alpacas!). Volunteer duties range from walking dogs to cleaning kennels and stables. A word about volunteering in animal shelters: they need your help desperately, and volunteering in these settings will shatter even the toughest, most steely heart. Why? Because animal shelters in the US are overcrowded and underfunded. These are excellent reasons to volunteer but only do so with the knowledge that the lovely puppy you romp with on Monday may be euthanized on Tuesday, due to overcrowding. 

If you’re in North Texas (Alvin) and have a cowgirl streak, check out the 501[c]3 called Habitat for Horses, where rescued horses and elderly horses spend their days on Ragtime Ranch, a 70-acre equine refuge of wide-open spaces under a vet’s care. Floridians can check out Hart Hidden Acres in Cocoa, where volunteers–including those with skills in grant writing, graphic design, and other indoorsy skills– are always needed. Similar organizations exist in many places around the US– just Google “horse rehab volunteer” or “horse rescue volunteer.” One of the best-known and best-loved animal rescue organizations is the non-profit The Gentle Barn, where you can take a private tour and brush, cuddle, and feed rescued critters at locations in California, Tennessee, and Missouri.  A specific offering of The Gentle Barn is “Cow Hug Therapy,” which is exactly what it sounds like it’s a one-hour private session, just you, one other person (teen 14+, or another adult), and the calming cows. 

We need to add here that a pretty woman walking a cute dog is almost guaranteed to attract interest. It’s not the only reason to have a dog, but hey, just sayin’.