   It can be the subject of humour or perhaps a shake-of-the-head-moment as we wonder: did we really need to be told that? It's the instructions on products we use regularly that seem unnecessary, but ones companies feel the need to print to reduce the risk of liability.
   On a package of bread pudding with heating directions comes the warning: Product will be hot after heating. On a brand name sleep aid; Warning: May cause drowsiness. On a wire hanger; Caution: Do not swallow.
   It continues. On a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle: Some assembly required. On a toaster: Do not use underwater. On a bottle of hair dye: Do not use as ice cream topping.
   Some companies, perhaps in response to this need for extreme caution, have decided to have a bit of fun with their instructions. The label on a line of clothes says: Washing Instructions: machine wash cold, do not bleach, no softeners; Life Instructions: lawyer up, delete Facebook, hit the gym.
   Another clothing line keeps it really simple: Wash this when dirty.
   We can enjoy and appreciate advice that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's entertaining. But what if the instructions are intended to be helpful but miss the mark so completely it could make us laugh--were it not so sad.
   It was information targeted for a senior audience, advising of the physical and emotional toll of loneliness as someone ages. It first listed all the benefits to health and well-being of having regular and meaningful interactions with others, followed by the problems that develop when those interactions are lacking. It warned against isolation, spending too much time watchingTV or on computers, and spoke of the importance of surrounding yourself with people. It then went on to provide a list of websites for more information. Seriously? In discussing the importance of meaningful interactions with others, they were directed to a computer to spend time looking up websites.
   Nonetheless, I checked out the recommended sites. The first two were summaries of research done on the impact of loneliness, validating the aforementioned article. The third was a bibliography of books on the topic. It seemed the message was: "Are you feeling lonely? Here's some stuff to read about the damage to your health because you are feeling lonely." Not very helpful.
   I would have hoped that at the end of this important information would be the even more important advice on how to avert the impact. Perhaps the mention of community groups engaged in activities and recreation for particular age groups, churches providing seniors' ministries or visitation programs, or a listing of government services geared toward the needs of seniors.
   Instead it was instructions similar to a brochure describing emergency procedures at a summer camp: "In case of flood, proceed uphill. In case of flash flood, proceed uphill quickly." So, hey seniors, in case of loneliness try not to get lonely. If feeling really lonely, try harder not to be lonely.
   Then again, maybe that information should be targeted toward the rest of us.
   Those we look up to as more elderly than ourselves have carved the way for us and we are benefiting from their ambition and initiative. Their sacrifices helped establish the way of life we somehow now feel entitled to. So what could we do in return?
How about a visit? A bit of conversation. Giving some time to share and to listen.
   But we also need to remember that it is not just seniors that need our time. We are reminded that teenagers and young adults are the most lonely of any age group. Their predominant interests and activities have connected them to the virtual world and left them feeling totally isolated from authentic relationships. But there are things we can do. It doesn't take special training or talent--just a bit of time and interest in how someone else is doing.
   The directions that come with a DIY bookcase include a side step: "Make nachos (optional but recommended)." What a great way to remind people that you can have some fun while you're tackling a chore. And how much better it would be to divide the task…and share the nachos…with someone who would simply enjoy being alongside.
   Invite someone for a walk, or a cup of coffee, or just check in. Ask someone to give you a hand. We can change up the instructions and in the process help change someone's life. Don't just build a bookcase. Build a relationship. That's my outlook.
