Finding life after loss: How Myron rediscovered his health, art, and purpose

After the loss of his wife, Myron Loop spent years feeling lonely and isolated. Now, with the help of a UTHealth Houston physician who specializes in geriatric medicine, he is reconnecting with his passion for woodworking and prioritizing his health again.

Myron, a veteran and steel mill maintenance worker, met and married his wife, Violet, in 1980. Inspired by Violet’s desire for an antique-style coat rack, Myron taught himself how to build furniture from magazines, discovering a deep passion for the craft.

Their world changed in 1997 when Violet suffered a stroke and could no longer walk. Myron retired from his job to become her full-time caretaker, focusing on her health and completely neglecting his own.

“I look back at the time we spent after the stroke as a gift,” says Myron, now 78 years old. “I got to spend so much time with her.”

When Violet died in 2020, Myron fell into a deep depression, compounded by the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. He lost interest in his activities and struggled with chronic illnesses.

“She was my motivation,” he says. “Doing things just didn’t feel right anymore.”

Myron’s family noticed his decline and urged him to seek help. That was when he met Faith Atai, MD, Associate Professor in the Joan and Stanford Alexander Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

Atai identified that Myron was overwhelmed by his chronic health issues—taking multiple daily medications without knowing why—and suffered from severe gum disease. Those factors put him at risk for heart complications, poor nutrition, and further isolation.

“It is easy to underestimate the demands of being a caregiver. They can subconsciously put themselves on hold and immerse themselves in caring for their loved one,” says Atai, who uses a whole-health focus to treat patients. “Full-time caregiving has a profound impact on sleep, diet, rest, recreation, and mental health.”

Atai and her team devised a multidisciplinary, personalized plan for Myron. He saw a specialist for his chronic conditions, underwent physical therapy, had a dental reconstruction plan in place, and was able to open up about the loss of his wife. 

“Our plan focuses on his goals of staying healthy and independent,” Atai says. “Being active or picking a hobby opens up opportunities for socialization, which is very important as we age. It also helps people maintain social relevance and improves mental and physical health.”

Through this care, Myron realized the loss of his wife did not mean his life was over, and he found the motivation to return to his woodworking. While he could no longer make big pieces of furniture, he could craft custom pens and carve serving spoons from a single piece of wood, sharing them as gifts.

“Dr. Atai showed me that you have to do something—so it might as well be something meaningful to you,” Myron says.

Today, Myron is managing his health and engaging in his life, proving that it is never too late to reclaim purpose and thrive.

How you can help

Older adults represent one of the nation’s fastest-growing populations, facing unique and complex health challenges. The UTHealth Houston Institute on Aging is dedicated to helping them lead longer, healthier lives. By supporting this critical work, you can help make a difference for individuals like Myron. To contribute to innovative health care solutions, visit UTHealth Houston Institute on Aging.