“I am 67 years old and I live alone. I wanted to move in with my daughter, but they refused. How to live on, I don't know.”

0
(0)

Jan , 22. 12. 2025

Article content

There is nothing unusual about people in big cities often living alone. Thousands of people, but no one we could turn to at any time. For an older person this situation is somewhat worse, because at an advanced age there are few people capable of making new acquaintances.

Loneliness in old age — an expert’s opinion

If you also have someone who would benefit from getting rid of the feeling of loneliness, the following information will certainly help you.

“I am 67 years old and I live alone. My husband has been dead for a long time. I still work because it is the only job that can protect me from boredom. In recent years I live like an automaton — I find no joy in anything.

I have no hobbies, nor do I look for any; I’m already too old for that. I suggested to my son and his family (he has three children) that they move into my apartment, but my daughter-in-law is against it. It’s obvious that she doesn’t want to live under the same roof with a strange old woman.

I would like to move in with my daughter, but she also already has a family and they don’t want to take an old person in with them. Although I visit them often and they are always glad about it. They give me tea, food and listen to me. The more often I go to them, the less I want to go home. Well I must … ”

Tamara reflects on how she should behave in such a situation

After all, it’s not normal that life, even at a respectable age, would completely stop bringing us joy.

The only good news in this story is that the woman herself reflected on the abnormality of this situation and began looking for ways to solve it.

In such a case she has a chance

“At her age, a lack of enthusiasm and desire is a sign of depression. Therefore Tamara can’t go wrong if she decides to consult a neurologist, psychologist or psychotherapist,” revealed psychologist Arina LIPKIN.

The expert is convinced that in the modern world a 67-year-old person should not feel old. In this situation it is not a problem if the children do not wish to take an older person in. Adult children value personal space where they have their comfort, which they need.

“Tamara should rid herself of the idea that she will live better with her children. After all, her path is different — to fill her life through her own initiative. To attend events that take place nearby, to see places she has not yet managed to reach. She needs a new social experience,” says the psychologist.

It seems that our heroine should look at the situation from a different angle

After all, if the children are busy with their own concerns and do not want to live with her, then their opinions cannot be changed by force or blackmail. So why not fulfill the desires that would lead to the fulfillment of our own life?

There are many interesting activities nearby. And in old age, when a person still has enough strength and plenty of free time, they can finish things they started in their youth but didn’t have the time or opportunity to carry out.

A worse solution is if a person locks themselves into a circle of simple interests such as watching TV, going to the clinic or to the shop. A narrow range of daily activities that don’t change is fertile ground for a constant feeling of loneliness.

Nowadays a person’s abilities at any age are much greater and it would be foolish not to use them. Some are fortunate to already have adult grandchildren and others find a new hobby after retiring.

However, a great responsibility also lies on the shoulders of the younger generation. After all, it is within the power of children and grandchildren to do everything necessary so that their loved one does not lose interest in life, even in old age.

Cholesterol and sugar: what really raises LDL and how to protect the liver

Eggs, liver and bacon are often labeled as the main culprits of high cholesterol. The reality is more complex. For most people, dietary cholesterol has only a limited effect on blood cholesterol levels. Much more important is the overall diet, the proportion of saturated and trans fatty acids, intake of added sugars, body weight, genetics and lifestyle. Below you will find a balanced overview of what the facts say – without myths and shortcuts.

What cholesterol is and why the body needs it

Cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for building cell membranes, producing hormones and vitamin D. In the blood it is carried in the form of lipoproteins. LDL ("bad") carries cholesterol to tissues, HDL ("good") takes it back to the liver. The goal is to keep LDL low and HDL in an appropriate range.

Dietary cholesterol vs. saturated fats and trans fats

In most healthy people, dietary cholesterol (e.g., from eggs) has only a small effect on LDL. A much stronger factor is saturated fats (fatty processed meats, high-fat cheeses, large amounts of butter) and trans fats (industrially hydrogenated fats), which raise LDL and can lower HDL. Eggs are also a source of nutrients (e.g., choline), so for most people they can be part of a balanced diet.

How added sugars and refined carbohydrates worsen the blood lipid profile

High intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates (sweetened drinks, sweets, white bread) raises triglycerides and promotes the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The liver then more often releases VLDL/LDL particles and the overall lipid profile worsens. The liver is particularly harmed by excess fructose from sweetened drinks and syrups.

The role of choline and "healthy" fats

Choline (eggs, lean meat, legumes) helps form and export fat particles from the liver, thereby supporting its normal function. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds, fish) can lower LDL and some fractions of inflammatory lipids, if you also limit saturated fats and added sugars.

When eggs can be a problem

For a portion of the population with a genetic burden (e.g., familial hypercholesterolemia) or for people with very high LDL, even dietary cholesterol can play a larger role. In such cases, individual recommendations from a physician and a nutrition therapist are decisive.

Practical meal plan for healthy lipids and liver

  • Limit added sugars: sweetened drinks, confectionery, excess white-flour baked goods.
  • Prefer unsaturated fats: olive oil, rapeseed oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, fatty sea fish twice a week.
  • Reduce saturated fats and avoid trans fats: processed meats, fast food, toppings made from partially hydrogenated fats.
  • Eat enough protein: fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, fermented dairy products – they support satiety and muscle maintenance.
  • Fiber: vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes – soluble fiber helps lower LDL.
  • Alcohol in moderation: excess increases triglycerides and burdens the liver.
  • Hydration and exercise: 150–300 minutes of moderate activity per week (brisk walking, cycling), strength training twice weekly.
  • Body weight: even a 5–10% weight reduction can noticeably improve triglycerides and LDL.

Key takeaway: it's not "forbidden eggs", but the overall dietary pattern

For most people, eggs or liver alone do not "cause" high cholesterol. The key is the combination of fewer saturated fats, less added sugar and more unsaturated fats, fiber and exercise. If you have high LDL, a family history or liver disease, discuss a specific eating plan with your doctor – sometimes pharmacotherapy (e.g., statins) is also necessary.

18. 12. 2025 Jan
0
(0)