If you would like to contact Irwin, find him on: Instagram @mrharbourbreeze  Facebook @IrwinHarder  email at irwin.harder@mytwu.ca    The Loneliness Project Podcast - Episode 4 Show Notes Episode Title: Never Forsaken: God’s Answer to Loneliness Welcome Back!Welcome back to The Loneliness Project, a podcast dedicated to overcoming loneliness as we enter our later years. This is part 4 of the series, titled Never Forsaken: God’s Answer to Loneliness. Before we dive in, I want to express my deep gratitude to you, the listener. Many of you have journeyed with me through all four episodes, and I truly appreciate it. A special thanks to those who have engaged with the reflection questions or reached out with messages. Your responses have been insightful, encouraging, and even humorous at times! Recap of Previous Episodes Part 1: Defined loneliness vs. solitude. Part 2: Examined loneliness in end-of-life issues, including dementia. Part 3: Explored practical ways to combat loneliness. I hope you’ve found ways to bring more joy into your days—laughter is a powerful antidote to loneliness! Key Assumptions Throughout This Series Intended Audience: This series is for those contemplating the aging process, whether they are experiencing it now or preparing for it. It is also for those looking to support lonely older adults. Personal Choice in Loneliness: While loneliness can be complex, there are often choices we can make to mitigate it. A listener shared, “I needed to reach out to the church and find a Bible study we could join. You can't sit at home and expect anything to change.” The Value of Solitude: History shows that chosen solitude can be transformative. Biblical figures like David, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, and Jesus spent significant time alone with God. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wisely noted, “None of us can afford solitude if we do not live in community, nor can we have real community without solitude.” God’s Interest in Our Lives: God deeply cares for the lonely, the fatherless, and the widowed. Psalm 68:5-6 reminds us, “God is a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows… He sets the lonely in families.” God’s Presence in LonelinessA friend recently reminded me of a profound truth: “The beauty of the Christian faith is that we are never really alone. God is with us, and abiding in Him is the first and most powerful antidote to loneliness.” From the beginning, God declared that it is not good for us to be alone. Throughout scripture, His messages are often addressed to communities, emphasizing the importance of relationships. God also champions the underdog—foreigners, widows, and orphans. Isaiah 46:4 provides reassurance: “Even when you are old, I will take care of you; even when you have gray hair, I will carry you.” For those of us who claim to follow God, this means we are called to love and care for the lonely among us. Personal Story: Trusting in God’s PresenceIn my own life, I’ve experienced profound isolation and loneliness. During one particularly difficult season, I cried out to God in frustration. As I looked out at a mountain, I felt His response in three simple words: “I’ve got this.” Years later, I see how God was indeed in control. Even in the storm, He was present. This truth extends to all of us—whether facing personal loneliness or the uncertainty of our times, we can trust that God “has got this.” The Loneliness of Jesus & The Hope of the CrossJesus understands loneliness. He was abandoned by His closest friends at His most critical moment, crying out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” Yet, His story did not end on the cross. The resurrection brings hope—a powerful antidote to loneliness. As my chaplaincy professor, Dr. Gloria Woodland, put it:“The contradiction of the cross and resurrection is hope. The cross represents aloneness… The Resurrection means that the future will not be alone and that no one will be forsaken. Christ is our hope.” Closing ThoughtsI recently heard

Subscribe to Irwin’s Newsletter List Here:  http://subscribepage.io/f0kUy6 Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode: #GenerationWOW Laughter Yoga with Judith Laughing with Wisdom: Dr. Kataria’s Creative Blend of Quotes and Laughter Exercises! This is a link to one of the Articles on laughter in the Turkish care home: The effect of laughter yoga on loneliness, psychological resilience, and quality of life in older adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial - ScienceDirect The Loneliness Project - Episode 3: Building a Hope-Filled Life Welcome back to The Loneliness Project, a podcast dedicated to overcoming loneliness as we enter our later years. In this episode, Building a Hope-Filled Life: Practical Ways to Stay Connected, I’ll be sharing strategies for combating loneliness in everyday life. This is a lighter episode than the last, focusing on practical and encouraging ways to stay socially engaged. Thank You for Your Feedback I want to express my gratitude to those of you who have reached out via Instagram, email, and my reflection questions form. Your stories reinforce how deep and complex this topic is—there’s so much more to explore! If you’d like to receive my reflection questions and aren’t on my email list yet, reach out, and I’ll send them your way. Loneliness & Later Life In our last episode, we explored some of the more difficult aspects of loneliness in later life, including dementia, end-of-life distress, and medical assistance in dying. I was recently reminded of how dementia can affect socialization—one dear lady I visited told me her kids hadn’t come to see her in ages, only to mention moments later that her son had visited that very morning. It’s heartbreaking. But today, we focus on hope. Physical Activity & Socialization Loneliness isn’t just about physical isolation—it’s deeply tied to emotional and spiritual well-being. Addressing loneliness builds resilience. While today’s focus is on physical and emotional aspects, I’ll explore the spiritual and theological dimensions in Part 4. Physical activity benefits not only our bodies but also our mental health. And often, physical activity and socialization go hand in hand. Recently, while on a bike ride, I noticed that even though I was riding alone, I was still part of a larger community. A simple “Good morning!” or a smile from a stranger reinforced that connection. Physical activity doesn’t have to be strenuous—walking, stretching, or even moving around with a walker can make a difference. One older woman I spoke to, despite limited mobility, still made it a priority to attend church, go on cruises, and engage with others. Another woman found purpose in knitting and crocheting gifts for caregivers. These simple yet meaningful actions helped them stay connected. The Power of Gratitude & Connection Putting yourself out there socially matters. It’s not just about mobility—it’s about seeing beyond your own troubles and finding ways to connect. One listener shared how their outgoing father struggled with loneliness after losing his wife. When he entered a rehab facility, his spirits lifted—simply because of social interaction. His family later hired young people to help him at home, and their companionship helped him regain joy. Encouraging socialization before aging makes it easier to stay connected later. As one listener wisely noted, we must “risk becoming more socially interactive.” Yes, it can be uncomfortable, but the rewards are worth it. What Listeners Are Doing to Prevent Loneliness In response to my reflection questions, listeners shared these proactive strategies: Invest in relationships now—connect with people of all ages. Stay in touch intentionally—send notes, emails, or texts to let others know you’re thinking of them. Practice gratitude—one listener emails four friends daily with five things they’re grateful for. Be a good listener—engage in meaningful conversations and show curiosity about others. Stay involved—pa

Show notes: John Swinton, Dementia: Living in the Memories of God. (William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2012). The following are affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Find on Amazon.com here: https://amzn.to/42XouB7 Find on Amazon.ca here: https://amzn.to/431nHiz  Contact Irwin at: Irwin.Harder@mytwu.com Join Irwin’s Email list: http://subscribepage.io/f0kUy6 Reflection Questions from Part 1 https://forms.gle/fohRMokUQSCtujG58 Listen to Episode 1 "Life Lessons I Learned from Mom's Dementia": https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ip9m2-1401671 Transcript of this episode: Welcome back to The Loneliness Project, a podcast dedicated to overcoming loneliness as we enter our later years. This is Part 2, titled End of Life and Loneliness: Hard Truths and Real Hope. My name is Irwin, and as Rita mentioned, I am doing this project as part of my master's degree in Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care. Thank you so much to those who listened to the first episode! I truly appreciate your support. I also have a very short questionnaire that I sent to my mailing list. If you're not on that list, you can join via the show notes or send me a message on social media, and I'll send the questions your way. As a small thank-you, I’ll be sending a Starbucks card to a couple of randomly chosen responders. Your feedback means a lot to me, and I will respond to some of it in Part 4. Recap of Part 1 Before diving into today’s discussion, let’s briefly revisit the last episode. We talked about the definitions of social isolation, loneliness, and solitude, and why addressing loneliness among older adults is so crucial. I asked some key questions: Where do you see yourself on the continuum between loneliness and solitude? How do you perceive your alone time—do you enjoy it, or does it leave you longing for companionship? Do you feel lonelier when alone or when you’re with certain people? Can you move from loneliness to enjoying or enduring solitude? Can you build resilience? These are not easy questions, and there are no simple answers. I don’t claim to be an expert, but I do have insights and practical strategies that I will share in Part 3. In Part 4, we’ll explore theological hope, because I truly believe that hope exists through Jesus Christ. End of Life and Loneliness Today, I want to focus on loneliness near the end of life. This isn’t an easy topic—certainly not dinner table conversation—but it’s important to acknowledge the realities that we or our loved ones will face as we age. The choices we make in midlife significantly impact how we thrive in our later years. My insights come from my studies, research, and personal observations with older adults inside and outside of care homes. I’ll be covering three key areas: Loneliness and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) Loneliness and Dementia Loneliness and Spiritual Distress at End of Life Loneliness and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) Requests for MAiD have increased since its legalization in Canada. While reasons for seeking MAiD vary—from unbearable pain to not wanting to be a burden—loneliness plays a significant role, even if indirectly. Emotional loneliness can intensify the experience of suffering, making it feel unbearable and hopeless. As Christians, our response must be sensitive and compassionate, even when we hold strong convictions. Jesus is present even in suffering, offering meaning in what can seem hopeless. While we may not always change someone’s mind about MAiD, we can offer a loving presence and companionship. Loneliness and Dementia For this section, I am especially indebted to John Swinton’s book, Dementia: Living in the Memories of God. Swinton highlights that loneliness is a central experience for many with dementia. Studies show that lonely individuals are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, and loneliness in midlife increases mortality risk and health complications in later years. One study found that loneliness before age 70 correlates with a higher ris

Join Irwin’s Newsletter List to be notified of upcoming episodes here: You can message Irwin with questions or feedback on his Instagram Channel @mrharbourbreeze here or email irwin.harder@mytwu.ca Below is a brief outline of this podcast episode with links mentioned: Introduction Loneliness is often referred to as an epidemic, particularly among older adults. But what does that really mean, and how does it affect those experiencing it? In this blog post, adapted from a podcast series, we’ll explore the complexities of loneliness, its impact on mental and physical health, and practical ways to foster connection. Whether you are facing aging yourself or caring for an older loved one, this discussion is for you. A Personal Journey into Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Ten years ago, I never imagined going back to school to pursue a Master of Arts in Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care. However, life has a way of leading us in unexpected directions. In 2017, my mother entered hospice care after a long battle with cancer. During that time, I was deeply moved by the dedication of the hospice staff, and I felt a calling to this type of work. That experience led me to volunteer at a local hospice, and soon after, I enrolled in a degree program to deepen my understanding and ability to serve others. Fast forward to today—while I continue to work as a facilities director at my church, my role has evolved to include ministry to older adults. My passion for providing spiritual care and companionship to those in later stages of life has only grown. What is the Loneliness Project? This podcast series, The Loneliness Project, is part of a larger research and practical initiative for my degree. Over the course of four episodes, I aim to: Define loneliness and distinguish it from other concepts like social isolation and solitude. Explore the intersection of loneliness and end-of-life issues, including dementia and medical assistance in dying. Provide practical ways to help older adults combat loneliness. Examine the theological and spiritual aspects of loneliness and how faith communities can respond. While this topic may not have the same “romantic appeal” as other popular discussions, I truly believe it can be life-changing for those who engage with it. Understanding Loneliness: Key Definitions To have a meaningful discussion about loneliness, we need to define three important terms: Social Isolation The objective state of being physically separated from others. Can be neutral or negative, depending on personal perception. Loneliness A distressing emotional state resulting from a gap between the relationships one desires and the ones they actually have. It is a subjective experience—someone can feel lonely even in a crowd. Solitude The experience of being alone by choice, often viewed positively. Many people, especially introverts, find solitude refreshing and fulfilling. Link mentioned: https://youtu.be/dpnz85Cj46E?si=glIKlcxUONQY4LnK   Understanding these distinctions is crucial because not all alone time is harmful, but persistent loneliness can have serious consequences. Why Address Loneliness in Older Adults? While loneliness affects people of all ages, it is particularly concerning for older adults due to its significant impact on health and well-being: Loneliness is associated with a 26% increase in mortality, rising to 45% in older adults. It is linked to increased risks of depression, cognitive decline, and cardiovascular disease. The negative health effects of loneliness are comparable to those of obesity and smoking. Many older adults turn to healthcare providers for companionship, with 75% of general practitioners in the UK reporting patients who visit primarily due to loneliness. The Cycle of Loneliness and Trust One of the more surprising findings in loneliness research is the connection between loneliness and trust. When people feel lonely, they tend to distrust others. Conversely, lonely individuals are often

Whether you're hosting a cozy family dinner or a festive Christmas feast, setting the table can be such a fun thing! In this post, I share simple and easy tablescape ideas to add a special touch to your holiday meals. Find all the links to today's show here: https://www.harbourbreezehome.com/tablescapes/  

Decorating your tree & home for Christmas doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive! I’ll share budget-friendly and creative ways to make your Christmas tree sparkle—whether it’s your first Christmas or your 34th! Find all the links mentioned in this podcast here: https://www.harbourbreezehome.com/christmas-tree-decorating/

Skip the overwhelm and find a Christmas color scheme that captures the cozy holiday feeling you want. Get inspired by examples you can find now, so you can deck the halls with ease! Find the blog post with all the items described in this podcast here: https://www.harbourbreezehome.com/christmas-color-scheme/

Whether you're team real tree or artificial, this guide is packed with practical tips for choosing the best Christmas tree for your home, no matter the season of life you're in. Learn the pros and cons of each- with some hilarious real life stories thrown in. Find the blog post with all the links mentioned at Harbour Breeze Home here: https://www.harbourbreezehome.com/choose-christmas-tree/ Rita Joy is the author of the home and recipe blog Harbour Breeze Home. You can find family favorite recipes (like these amazing rolled sugar cookies!), home decorating ideas on a budget, and time saving tips - like how to freeze avocados! You can find her writing on the blog or over on her Instagram telling stories most days...

Whether you’re celebrating your first Christmas as a new family or navigating the holidays as empty nesters, this series is packed with festive ideas! I’ll share my best Christmas tips—as a Christmas loving "Christmas minimalist" - from decorating and baking to gift-giving—tailored for every season of life. Find all the information mentioned in this podcast here: https://www.harbourbreezehome.com/christmas-secrets/   Rita Joy is an empty nest Grandma who is the author of the homemaking blog www.harbourbreezehome.com. She shares recipes, decorating tips, & home organization she's learned over 30 years of homemaking to help make daily life more beautiful - and simple, too!

In this podcast episode, I'm introducing you to my sweet little granddaughter who teaches us all a valuable lesson in the value of learning hard things and celebrating the wins! Alongside her story, I'm sharing a piece of my own personal journey of facing fear and anxiety, and the truth of finding rest in where our true identity is found. Through our experiences, we are reminded of the unwavering support of our heavenly father, who cheers us on through every step of life's journey, ready to catch us when we stumble. You can find the all the recipes I've written on my blog here,  and this week's new recipe is the BEST sloppy joes recipe. (It was my mom's, of course!) You can become a VIP newsletter subscriber member and get exclusive access to a whole library of free printables for your home - including printable wall art and a 30 Day Decluttering calendar here: https://harbourbreezehome.ck.page/vip-printables Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she shares practical tips for everyday life like the best way to clean a glass shower door and yummy ideas like her mom's recipe for rhubarb crisp. You can also see her smiling face over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.  

As the years tick by and I get older, I’ve observed in myself and others how emotions can be all over the place when Christmas rolls around. The truth is, Christmas time brings with it moments filled with anticipation, excitement, laughter, and maybe even a yummy platter of perfect Christmas cookies - but other times we can feel a tug at our heartstrings that feels disappointment or sadness - and the Christmas cookies seem dry and tasteless!. No matter what age or stage of life we’re in, Christmas is usually a dance between Christmas joy and the occasional note of disappointment.  Let's have some fun this Christmas present while strolling down the lane of some Christmases past... Notes from this podcast transcript here. Read the Twinkle Lights article written and read by Rita's husband here.  Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she shares practical tips for everyday life like the easiest houseplants to keep alive and yummy ideas like this baked brie that's perfect for parties. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.  

Join me as we delve into the sparkly world of fine jewelry with special guest Kimberley - a third generation jeweler. We'll touch on topics such as selecting fine jewelry, cleaning & care of diamond rings, and asking the right questions when choosing the perfect engagement ring. Get ready to learn from the wisdom gained from many years of experience.  So, sit back, relax, and let the sparkle of this before-Christmas episode add an extra twinkle to your day. For Detailed Show Notes from the Transcription of this Podcast, click here Recommended Fine Jewelry Cleaning Products on Amazon Find Kimberley, Personal Jeweller here Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she shares practical tips for your everyday life and home. Right now, people are going bonkers for her old fashioned roll sugar cookie recipe , and this time saving tip for how to  to clean a glass shower door will help get your home shipshape for Christmas guests. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze  

The story behind why this year's Fall Home Decor tour photoshoot was so meaningful to me. See the Boho Casual Fall Home Decor Tour Post Here>> Harbour Breeze Home Blog Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she has even more ideas for Fall and your home - like this pumpkin printables art and yummy ideas like this caramel apple crisp. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.  

If you like to travel (like I do), you may enjoy these travel hacks that will help you save frustration, stress, & even money - so that you can have a wonderful time seeing new sights and making great memories. Here are some little tips and tricks - like packing tips for a carry on bag and other things I've learned over time to help each step go a little easier. Go to Show Notes Go to more travel posts Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she shares practical tips for everyday life like how to hang pictures and yummy ideas like this crock pot pulled pork recipe. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.

While the sky is blue and the sun is shining, I thought today we could talk about Summer camp and some of the life lessons learned there. I was after all, introduced to camping in the woods at the ripe old age of 22! Stick around to hear stories of how we found ourselves leading teenagers at a camp in the woods along with practical things I learned while watching masters in the art of camping. GET THE FAMOUS BUTTERSCOTCH BROWNIE RECIPE HERE GO TO SHOW NOTES SIGN UP FOR THE RECIPES NEWSLETTER Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she shares practical tips for everyday life like this how to hang a picture hack and yummy ideas like old fashioned blackberry jam and potato salad. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.

Today’s podcast topic is gonna take us all to the spa!! So, if you feel like you’re in need of a good relaxing experience with a dose of laughter, stick around for some funny stories and hear about the spa gift experience that was better than therapy for me.  GO TO SHOW NOTES Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog www.harbourbreezehome.com where she shares practical tips for everyday life like the best way to clean a glass shower door and yummy ideas like this family comfort food meal meatloaf recipe. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze

Are you are someone who dances with glee over the thought of dusting shelves and cleaning toilets, or someone who would rather hire someone else to do that? (I'm team housecleaner, personally. Although, I've never had one!;) Today we’re going to talk about some tips and tricks I learned from the pros when it comes to speed cleaning your house - and some tips and tricks to help us check it off our to do lists quick!  GO TO SHOW NOTES Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog www.harbourbreezehome.com where she shares practical tips for everyday life like the best way to clean a glass shower door and yummy ideas like this crowd pleasing classic broccoli salad. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.  

One of the less pleasant facts of life we all face is that at some point it’s inevitable that we’ll experience grief in one form or another. Today I’m sitting down at my podcast desk with my husband as we discuss this topic - not as experts, but as 2 people who’ve experienced some and are learning how to walk alongside others as they grieve. GO TO SHOW NOTES *** Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog www.harbourbreezehome.com where she shares practical tips for everyday life like the fun and pretty powder room ideas and yummy recipes like potato salad that tastes just like Grandma made it. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze

Although it's very helpful to get some practical decluttering tips to help turn chaos into calm, it's good to first address the real life issue of how each of us has a different clutter threshold, and when you put a houseful of people together, it can tend to be a real mess - pun totally intended! Today's podcast discusses some facts about clutter personalities that may help you be more self aware of what your clutter meter is- and also help you to understand the other members in your household a little better, too. GO TO SHOW NOTES *** Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog www.harbourbreezehome.com where she shares practical tips for everyday life like how to hang a picture on the wall and yummy recipes like crowd pleasing meatloaf and the best ever homemade hot fudge sauce. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze  

Come on over to today's podcast and meet Margaret - a lady full of great stories and inspiration! GO TO SHOW NOTES Find out more about Rita Joy at her blog Harbour Breeze Home where she shares practical tips for everyday life like how to covert bi-fold closet doors to french doors and yummy recipes like chicken florentine. You can also see her smiling face almost every day over on her Instagram stories @harbourbreeze.