Loneliness & Shopping Local
Although we all love Amazon, the seclusion of shopping online has many searching for similar deals in retail stores. And now, brick and mortar stores (Dick’s Sporting Goods, Jo-Ann Fabrics, Lowe’s, Nordstrom, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Staples and most likely more to follow) have agreed to match the online behometh. Moreover, Home Depot will beat Amazon’s price by 10% as will JCPenney (5%). So, if you’re looking for some human interaction, get out and go shopping!
A study conducted by Cigna (2018), found that those 18-22 years old, 23-37 years old and then 38-50 years old were respectively the loneliest groups of people. Surprisingly, older adults (72 and older considered the Greatest Generation and typically the most lonely) were the least lonely in the survey. My guess – they don’t rely on their technology to engage in conversations – meaningful or simple, but actually talk to each other on the phone, in the stores and out and about. I can say that my 26 year old daughter just came home for a visit, and her nose was deep inside her Iphone the entire time. It’s hard to have a conversation with someone when they’re only half present.
Put down your phones, close your laptops and go shopping, have conversations and engage in life.
