SE5-EP217 Tango Alpha Lima: Veteran Socials to Combat Loneliness Epidemic with Dr. Jay Gorman

BRAVO ZULU
Georgia American Legion Post enlists local resources to help homeless veteran
THE INTERVIEW
Dr. Jay Gorman, VA clinical psychologist and Education Director of the VISN 1 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the VA Bedford Healthcare System, joins the podcast to discuss how VOICES Veteran Socials enhance communication and foster bonds among veterans and others in the community.
Veteran socials are veteran-led weekly community-based social events with a purpose - getting veterans of all ages and service branches in one place to support and build connection with each other. Dr. Gorman stresses the importance of social connection to combat loneliness and isolation and improve overall health.
SCUTTLEBUTT
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What’s to become of the keepsakes left at Arlington Cemetery?
SHOW NOTES
tangoalphalima.fireside.fm/217

[@VDash-Slesinski]

The number of female veterans have been increasing in my Post and we try to get together for lunch when we can. The last lunch we had two Army nurses, one Navy nurse, one Navy Geophysicist who went to Annapolis, and me the Army admin who identifies as a Radar O’Reilly. Veterans speak a unique language, but female veterans even more so. We also have Zoom calls and have a group text.

[@TheRainbowVeteran]

As a younger person I can say in person and online social gatherings we're beneficial. A lot of kids still do both. Even if y'all dont see it. The issue is as we become adults we loose a lot of that due to time constraints and responsibilities. Online socializing is still beneficial and still allows ppl to talk and interact all over the world. I think the biggest issue is as adults we lost our 3rd place to socialize outside home and work. Heck there's times I can't go to my legion post for weeks to a month because of everything I need to do and thats my 3rd place.

[@RETrujillo-bu9ud]

Echo your angst re: lack of in-person communication among younger generations. Retired vet here encourages in-person/social connections now as when you get to 6th/7th/8th decades in life you need active brain stimulation/conversations which force your brain to stay active/engaged. Social media stunts human interaction and we need each other to stay mentally engaged and healthy. Happy to hear your conversation is addressing in-person get-togethers and regular connection with peers, and peers as parents with their children. Keep up the good work!