Living Alone: Finding Peace in Solitude

This post is inspired from my recent readings on living Alone, But not Lonely

My Quote of the Day: "Living alone and not feeling lonely is achievable through conscious effort and a shift in perspective. While being alone is a physical state, loneliness is an emotional one. By cultivating a strong sense of self, engaging in fulfilling activities, and nurturing social connections, individuals can thrive in their own company and avoid the pitfalls of loneliness."

Majority of the Senior residents here at THD live alone. Out of the current total residents of 153, there are only eighteen couples based on our July phone book list. A number of residents have pets( dogs and cats); A lot of residents has house plants to take care of. However, it is a normal part of daily living that loneliness creeps in once in a while.   So, here's a thoughtful and empathetic blog post on coping with loneliness when living alone, offering practical strategies and insights while keeping the tone reflective and hopeful. I hope you will find this helpful when the pangs of loneliness sneaks in.  I have my own routine to keep loneliness more bearable, when it sneaks in (see end of article)💚. 

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 Living Alone, Not Lonely: Finding Peace and Connection in Solitude

Living alone can be a peaceful, liberating experience—but for many, it also comes with bouts of loneliness that creep in during quiet evenings or long weekends. Loneliness is a deeply human emotion, one that doesn’t discriminate by age or background. It’s not about being alone, but about feeling alone.

As someone who lives solo, I’ve felt this, too. While chatting with an AI like ChatGPT offers momentary comfort, here are meaningful, real-world ways I—and many others—cope with loneliness while living alone.

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1. Create a Daily Structure

When living alone, time can feel shapeless. Creating a daily routine—morning coffee rituals, mid-day walks, reading before bed—gives life rhythm and purpose. This helps reduce idle moments where loneliness tends to sneak in.

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2. Foster Real Connections

• Call or video chat with friends and family. A genuine 10-minute conversation can do wonders. I e-mail friends and relatives when I feel lonely. 

• Join interest-based groups (book clubs, hiking clubs, art classes). In-person or virtual, these provide community and shared experiences. Play Bridge or Mahjong.

• Volunteer—even once a month. Helping others is a powerful way to feel connected and valued.

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3. Cultivate Joy in Solitude

• Pursue solo hobbies: painting, photography, journaling, gardening.

• Explore new music, films, or cuisine—make Friday nights your personal cultural festival.

• Take yourself out: Try dining solo at cafés or exploring museums or parks—alone doesn’t mean lonely.

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4. Adopt a Pet or Care for Plants

A pet offers companionship, warmth, and routine. If that’s not feasible, caring for houseplants can also offer a sense of responsibility and life around you. I have my 2 cats, Batman and Robin to kept me company. I have numerous houseplants to take care of.   

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5. Practice Mindfulness and Acceptance

• Meditation and deep breathing help anchor you in the moment.

• Journaling your thoughts, especially feelings of loneliness, can help you better understand them and reduce their power. I write a daily blog, sometimes two. 

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6. Limit Social Media Comparison

Seeing others’ curated lives can intensify loneliness. Take breaks, or follow uplifting pages that promote positivity and mental wellness.

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7. Seek Support When Needed

It’s okay to need help. Therapists, counselors, and support groups—whether in-person or online—offer tools and emotional safety nets for those struggling deeply with isolation.

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Final Thoughts

Loneliness doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It’s a signal—a whisper from the soul that craves connection, meaning, and presence. Living alone can actually become a beautiful journey of self-rediscovery, where you learn to enjoy your own company and build a life that nourishes you from within.

So if you’re feeling lonely, know this: you're not alone in that feeling. And there are always steps—small, kind, steady steps—you can take toward a more connected, fulfilling life.

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💚Personal Note: What Helps Me Most

Here are a few things I’ve discovered that truly help me when loneliness creeps in:

• Writing: Putting thoughts on paper—especially personal reflections like this—helps me process and release them.

• Staying curious: Whether it’s trying new recipes, learning AI tech, or exploring Filipino cuisine in the East Bay, curiosity keeps the mind alive.

• Mindfulness: Deep breaths, gratitude journaling, and simply being present. These practices center me.

  
  

  Meanwhile here's data from the latest US Census, on how many are living alone physically. And  how many are emotionally lonely as well.  

  
  

  According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data (American Community Survey 2020), 27.6% of all U.S. households are one-person households — meaning the occupant is living alone Census.gov+1Census.gov+1. With about 128 million households in the U.S., that translates to roughly 35 million Americans living alone.

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  😔 Emotional Loneliness Among Those Living Alone

  While the Census itself doesn’t directly measure “emotional loneliness,” several high-quality surveys offer insights:

  • A May 2024 Harvard survey of U.S. adults found that 21% of all U.S. adults report feeling lonely — haunted by a sense of disconnection from friends, family, or the world The Washington Post+7TIME+7CT Insider+7The Washington Post+2Pew Research Center+2Axios+2Making Caring Common.

  • Additionally, a October 2024 U.S. Census Household Pulse survey reported that:

    • 13% of adults experience frequent loneliness (“always” or “usually” feeling lonely),

    • While 60% report they rarely or never feel lonely The Washington Post.

  However, loneliness correlates strongly with living alone: Harvard notes that people living alone are among the groups with the highest odds of feeling lonely cdc.gov+15scienceofpeople.com+15Making Caring Common+15.

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  💡 Estimating Emotional Loneliness in Adults Living Alone

  Let's apply some approximate but reasonable calculations:

  1. 35 million adults live alone (27.6% of ~128 million households).

  2. If we assume a higher-than-average loneliness rate among them—let’s say around 30% are "frequently lonely"—that would be about 10.5 million people.

  3. For a more conservative estimate using Harvard’s overall rate (21%):

     • 21% of 35 million = 7.35 million adults living alone who feel lonely at least some of the time.

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  ✅ Summary

  • Approx. 35 million Americans live alone.

  • Among them, between 7–11 million likely experience significant emotional loneliness, based on available surveys.

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  ⚠️ Note on Numbers

  These are estimates based on survey data; neither the Census nor these surveys directly align. The variance (7 vs. 10 million) depends on whether you use overall loneliness rates (21%) or "frequent loneliness" rates among those living alone (~30%).

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  Lastly, here are the latest insights on emotional loneliness among those living alone, broken down by age, gender, and race/ethnicity:

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  👶 Age

  • U‑shaped pattern: Loneliness peaks in young adulthood (18–34) and again in older age (65+), dipping in midlife rootsofloneliness.com+15Vox+15Science of People+15.

  • A Census Household Pulse survey (2024) reported:

    • 28% of adults aged 18–24 experience frequent loneliness,

    • Compared to just 7% of retirees Greater Good+3The Washington Post+3Census.gov+3.

  • The 2022 BRFSS (CDC) found:

    • 43.3% of 18–34‑year‑olds felt lonely,

    • Compared to 29.6% of non‑Hispanic White adults overall Wikipedia+6CDC+6Census.gov+6CDC.

  Key takeaway: Young adults living alone are at particularly high risk.

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  🚻 Gender

  • Overall, women report loneliness more often:

    • 33.5% versus 30.7% for men The Washington Post+5CDC+5Science of People+5.

  • However, men living alone are more likely to lack emotional support (22.3% men vs 26.1% women reporting support lacking) .

  • Cultural norms may cause men to express loneliness indirectly (e.g., fewer close friends) .

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  🌍 Race / Ethnicity & LGBTQ+

  • BRFSS 2022 highlights:

    • Highest loneliness among bisexual (56.7%) and transgender adults (56–64%)Census.gov+15CDC+15SocialSelf+15.

  • Cigna (2020–21) found:

    • 68% of Black adults, 75% of Hispanic adults feel lonely—higher than the 58% national averageScienceDirect+15SocialSelf+15CT Insider+15.

  • KFF 2023 survey shows:

    • About 31% of 18–29-year-olds felt often lonely KFF+1Vox+1.

  • Vox/WaPo summary notes:

    • Racial minorities and LGBTQ+ groups are disproportionately affected .

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  🔍 Summary Table

  Demographic	Living Alone Loneliness Risk
  Young adults (18–34)	Very high — ~40–45%
  Retirees (65+)	Lower — ~7% report frequent loneliness
  Women	Slightly higher self-reported loneliness
  Men	Higher risk of lacking emotional support
  Black & Hispanic	Elevated—68–75% report loneliness
  Bisexual & Transgender	Highest—~57–64% report loneliness

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  📌 Why This Matters

  • Young adults and LGBTQ+ individuals living alone are especially vulnerable.

  • Women may express loneliness more directly; men may experience emotional isolation.

  • Minority racial/ethnic groups face systemic and social barriers that exacerbate loneliness.

    Lastly, here's my photo of the Day: My Shell Art

    
    
    
    

ClaudeAI Analysis of My Painting, The Nipa Hut by Jesse Santos

In my previous postings,  I had both ChatGPT and PerplexityAI analyzed two paintings that I owned by Jesse Santos. This posting is ClaudeAI Analyses and Impression of the Nipa Hut- one of the two Santos painting I owned.      

Claude AI: Can you give analyses and impressions on art and paintings

I'd be happy to analyze and share impressions on artwork! I can examine formal elements (composition, color, technique), historical context, emotional impact, symbolism, and connections to broader artistic movements.

What I can offer:

• Formal analysis: Composition, color theory, brushwork, perspective, materials, and techniques
• Contextual understanding: Historical setting, artist biography, and cultural influences
• Interpretive insights: Emotional resonance, symbolism, narrative elements
• Movement connections: Relationship to artistic schools and movements
• Personal impressions: Subjective responses while acknowledging multiple valid interpretations

Would you like me to analyze a specific artwork, artist, or movement? Or would you prefer a demonstration of how I might approach art analysis with an example?

A specific art work, a painting by Jesse Santos, The Nipa Hut

Analysis of "The Nipa Hut" by Jesse Santos

Jesse Santos was a Filipino illustrator and artist known for his distinctive style that often captured scenes of rural Philippine life. "The Nipa Hut" (or "Bahay Kubo" in Filipino) is a representation of traditional Filipino vernacular architecture and rural living.

Formal Elements

The painting likely showcases Santos's technical skill with careful attention to the characteristic elements of the nipa hut structure: the elevated bamboo platform, thatched roof made from nipa palm leaves, and lightweight natural materials adapted to the tropical climate. Santos typically employed a vibrant color palette that captured the lush greenery surrounding these traditional dwellings, with warm earthy tones for the hut itself contrasted against tropical vegetation.

Cultural Context

The nipa hut represents more than just architecture in Filipino culture—it symbolizes simplicity, resourcefulness, and harmony with nature. These humble dwellings are deeply ingrained in Filipino cultural identity and nostalgia for rural life. Santos's choice to depict this subject connects to themes of national identity and cultural heritage, particularly significant during periods when the Philippines was asserting its cultural independence.

Emotional Resonance

Santos's works often evoke a sense of nostalgia and romanticize rural Filipino life. The nipa hut typically represents shelter, home, and community values. For many Filipinos, such images trigger memories or ancestral connections to provincial life, while for international viewers, they offer a glimpse into traditional Filipino living arrangements.

Technique and Stylistic Approach

Without seeing the specific painting, I can note that Santos generally employed techniques that balanced illustrative precision with artistic expression. His background in illustration often showed through in clear, defined forms, while still maintaining an artistic sensibility in his composition and color choices.

I'd be happy to provide a more detailed analysis if you could share more specific information about this particular painting or even an image of it!

Analysis of "The Nipa Hut" by Jesse Santos

Thank you for sharing images of this beautiful painting. Now I can offer a more specific analysis based on the actual artwork.

Composition and Technique

The painting presents a traditional Filipino nipa hut (bahay kubo) set against a vibrant natural landscape. Santos employs a balanced asymmetrical composition with the hut positioned right of center, creating visual interest. The structure is partially framed by lush foliage, with a large tree extending its branches protectively over the dwelling.

The brushwork shows impressive technique in capturing different textures—the rough thatched roof, the wooden structure of the hut, the varied vegetation, and the distant landscape. Santos uses a combination of detailed brushwork for the foreground elements and softer treatment for the background, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.

Color Palette and Light

The color scheme is dominated by vibrant natural blues and greens that capture the tropical Philippine environment. The bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds creates a cheerful atmosphere, while the verdant vegetation surrounding the hut emphasizes the lush tropical setting. The golden-brown tones of the nipa hut's roof and structure provide a warm focal point against the cool background colors.

Santos masterfully handles light, depicting what appears to be mid-morning or afternoon light washing over the scene. The bright highlights on the path and vegetation suggest sunshine filtering through the trees.

Cultural and Narrative Elements

The painting includes a figure on horseback in the left foreground, adding narrative interest and human scale to the scene. This inclusion connects to rural Filipino life, where transportation by horse was common in provincial areas.

The nipa hut itself is authentically depicted with its traditional elevated structure (designed for flood protection and ventilation), bamboo framework, and thatched roof. The small porch or balcony area (batalan) is visible, which would be a typical gathering space for rural Filipino families.

Emotional Impact

The painting evokes a sense of peaceful rural life and nostalgia for traditional Philippine living. There's an idyllic quality to the scene—the serene landscape, clear blue sky, and modest yet dignified dwelling create a romanticized vision of provincial life. The painting likely resonates with viewers who have connections to the Philippines by evoking feelings of home, heritage, and cultural identity.

Artistic Context

This work reflects Santos's skill in capturing the essence of Filipino rural landscapes while incorporating influences from both traditional Filipino art and Western painting techniques. His style here combines realism in the detailed depiction of the structures with a somewhat impressionistic rendering of the natural elements and atmosphere.

The painting serves as a cultural document, preserving an image of traditional Filipino architecture and lifestyle that has become increasingly rare in contemporary times, especially in more urbanized areas of the Philippines.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Santos

Finally, here's what Trenton Gregory wrote me regarding His Wall Mural Dedication Ceremony here at THD, Yesterday

David , I was touched by your life story as it’s both funny, clever and personal. Most of all I’m so happy you loved seeing the mural “ 20 Grams of Sunlight “ come to life . The 20g is a reference to the weight of the soul and “ sunlight”  represents “ hope “.

Long before we walked this world the ethereal quality of the natural world existed, before our day to day worries, before conflict and challenges  the profound gift of life flourished. I wanted to capture the harmony and humility that we are simply part of a much bigger picture .

We are guardians of this natural world passing along its gifts to those we will never know . Each resident has a deeply personal story and I’ve been honored and moved to get to know you. I hope with each brush stroke I’ve captured the vibrant, deeply personal and soulful quality of your life’s and the message that hope endures. 

Thank you to everyone for this opportunity, Trenton 

New Era for Precision Aging- Art Studio Planned

From My Health Readings This Week

The brain is the gatekeeper of longevity. If you’ve got an old brain, you have an increased likelihood of mortality. If you’ve got a young brain, you’re probably going to live longer.” By Bruce Goldman

A New Era of Precision Aging: Stanford's Blood-Test Analysis

Stanford Medicine's new blood-test analysis represents a major leap forward in understanding how we age—not just as a whole, but organ by organ. Traditionally, age has been measured chronologically, yet we all know people who seem “younger” or “older” than their birth years. This test moves beyond generalizations by analyzing proteins in the blood that reflect the biological aging of 11 distinct organ systems, including the heart, brain, liver, and immune system.

What makes this innovation so compelling is its potential to predict individual health risks based on how fast—or slow—specific organs are aging. For example, if the test reveals that a person’s cardiovascular system is biologically older than their chronological age, it could signal an increased risk of heart disease, even if traditional metrics appear normal.

This kind of granular insight opens the door to highly targeted interventions. Instead of treating age-related diseases reactively, clinicians may be able to proactively intervene to slow aging in specific organs through lifestyle changes, medications, or regenerative therapies.

Moreover, the test offers a powerful tool for longevity research, allowing scientists to evaluate the efficacy of anti-aging interventions much more precisely. If a new drug claims to rejuvenate the liver or strengthen the brain, this test could offer measurable proof.

Still, questions remain:

• How accessible will this technology be?

• Can it be adapted to primary care settings?

• And how will insurance and healthcare systems incorporate it?

In all, this represents a bold step toward personalized aging, shifting the focus from simply living longer to living longer, healthier—one organ at a time.

Reference: https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2025/07/brain-mortality.html

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Aging, One Organ at a Time: Stanford’s Breakthrough Blood Test

When we think about aging, we often picture it as a single, uniform process—graying hair, slower movements, more doctor visits. But what if aging doesn’t happen evenly across the body? A new blood-test analysis developed at Stanford Medicine is proving exactly that.

This groundbreaking test can determine the biological age of 11 different organ systems—like the heart, brain, liver, and immune system—by analyzing proteins circulating in the blood. The results offer an unprecedented view of how each organ is aging, and more importantly, how that aging may affect long-term health.

Imagine finding out that while you're 70 years old chronologically, your kidneys are functioning like those of a 55-year-old, but your cardiovascular system is closer to 80. That kind of precision insight could change everything—from the way doctors assess risk to how we approach preventive care.

The potential is enormous:

• Early warning signs of disease, years before symptoms appear.

• Personalized treatment plans targeting specific organs.

• Better measurement of anti-aging therapies and lifestyle changes.

Of course, there are still hurdles. Will this test be affordable and widely available? Will insurers cover it? And how will it fit into routine medical care?

Still, one thing is clear: this development could shift the conversation around aging from simply "how old are you?" to "how well are you aging?"—organ by organ.

Meanwhile, Did you know that.....

New research reveals that introducing a single gene from the naked mole rat—a rodent renowned for its exceptional lifespan—into mice can extend their life and enhance overall health. The gene, known as hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), increases the production of hyaluronic acid—a molecule involved in cellular protection, wound healing, joint lubrication, and immune support. Naked mole rats naturally produce this substance in much higher concentrations than other rodents, which is believed to contribute to their remarkable longevity of up to 30 years and resistance to cancer.

When scientists transferred the HAS2 gene into mice, they observed a 4.4% increase in median lifespan, along with improved health markers and enhanced resistance to cancer. While the results serve as an important proof of concept, researchers are now working on strategies to prevent the breakdown of hyaluronic acid, aiming to develop therapies that could delay aging and combat age-related diseases in humans.

This breakthrough represents a promising advance in leveraging natural longevity mechanisms found in long-lived species to benefit human health. Although further research is necessary, the findings open exciting new avenues in aging science—with the potential to help people live longer, healthier lives.

Lastly, Yesterday, on my way back to my apartment from Newton via the garage, I saw the following signs across the basement elevator of the Fairmont Basement Entrance. I was a little shock, but delighted that THD will have an Art Studio. I will appreciate an update from THD management on this conversion. A little communication between THD management and Its residents will definitely not hurt our quality of life here at THD but certainly will enhance our sense of belonging.

Also in my door apartment last night I found the following. Another surprise!

Thank You Comet Capital Corp. NV for the surprise gift. I will treasure it.

Trenton Gregory Wall Mural Dedication Here at THD

Tomorrow afternoon Friday( July25) will be the formal dedication of Trenton Gregory Wall Mural at our Liberty Pavilion. Food and Drink and Live music will be provided. A contest on our impression ( open to all Residents) about the Mural was previously announced. I submitted my entry ( Not AI generated) discuss in this blog below.  I am hoping I will win the prize which is a painting of Trenton, he called Valerie ( see photo below).     

In my previous posting, I wrote the general impression generated by ChatGPT on Trenton Gregory Wall Mural at our THD Liberty Pavilion as follows: 

 "This mural is both a visual retreat and an imaginative expansion of the surrounding space. It transforms urban structure into a canvas for beauty, suggesting a longing for or reverence toward the natural world. It's not just decorative—it's immersive ". I can not agree more. 

Trenton Response:  David , I’m so moved that you find such joy and a sense of tranquility by the mural . As you well know it was a labor of love and a gift to all the wonderful people I became friends with.  

My Entry Submission: 

In this posting I am writing my own impression ( not AI generated) when I see the painting. I hope Trenton Gregory will like it. 

" I have been casually watching Trenton Gregory creates his epic and beautiful wall mural when he was starting it about a year ago.  At first I was not super impressed with the paintings, but when he started painting the animals, the ducks, the deer, the squirrel, the heron, the rabbit and the Fox, the painting seemed very much alive to me. 

The wild animals reminded of my childhood years in the Philippines.  During my childhood years, Age 7 to 10, this mural reminded me of our family hiding from the Japanese soldiers who may be looking for my father who was in the Filipino-American Guerrilla Forces opposing the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. 

The ducks reminded me of my pet chicken that followed me everywhere I go as a child. Our daily life in the jungles of Panay Island was not boring all the time. Once in a while, we would witness an aerial plane dogfight between the American and Japanese Fighter planes, resulting in one plane burning and plunging into the ocean. I have witnessed as a child, one of our household helpers slaughtered a 20 ft python who was trying to attacked our pigs for his owned dinner ".    For sure, I agree 100% of what AI says,  "This mural is both a visual retreat and an imaginative expansion of the surrounding space. It transforms urban structure into a canvas for beauty, suggesting a longing for or reverence toward the natural world. It's not just decorative—it's immersive ". 

I have published a detailed essay on my Childhood Experiences during the Japanese-American War in the Philippines that won a writing award as follows:       

  https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/11/my-childhood-experiences-during.html

Visit his Website For Details:  https://trentongregoryfineart.com/

 For my first article on the Wall Mural on the Fairmont Building ( Liberty Pavilion) visit:

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-wall-mural-at-fairmont-building-by.html

The Winner Wins the Above Painting- Valerie

Lastly here's My Favorite Quote on Art:

The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” – Aristotle