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Community Spirit |
| Posted on Jun 06 2009 |
"Without the human community, one single human being cannot survive"
Dalai Lama
As human beings, we are all social animals, and we have been throughout evolution. Interacting and engaging with others is part of our instinctual nature; we need to be a part of something that is larger than ourselves.
There is not a more crucial time in our life span for drawing on our community than as we approach later in life, when we are more vulnerable to social isolation, and the feelings of depression that often accompany it.
No matter how old you are, or at what stage in life, you can make a difference.
If you’re getting older and struggling to get the same pleasure out of life that you used to, there are some small steps that you can take to help yourself feel a lot better.
Firstly, and most importantly, know that you count. You are of tremendous value in society, with the wisdom and experiences that you have acquired over the years.
and has taken a lifetime to learn; don’t let it go to waste. Instead, why not pass it on the younger generations, through writing or speaking to groups, helping out in the community.
It’s never too late to learn a new skill yourself, and if it means new ways of keeping in touch, even better. I recently met an amazing woman at the Topsham Estuary League of Friends lunch club, who did a computer course aged 70+ and is now emailing her friends and ordering her shopping online!
The Estuary League of Friends, and similar groups, run a fantastic service, including lunch clubs, day trips and home visits, providing that much-needed support for those who may otherwise be feeling isolated and alone.
Perhaps more important than the food is the social aspect, getting together with friends, sharing experiences, a bit of gossip, and of course, laughter, the best medicine of all.
As the saying goes: "You don’t stop laughing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop laughing!"
Other activities like dancing, and getting out into nature, are fantastic for boosting your mood, as well as your health, giving you more energy and motivation to get out and socialise!
As for the rest of us, the younger generations, it’s easy to forget how important it is to look out for the elderly and more vulnerable, yet just a small token of our time can make an incredible difference, as well as being immensely rewarding.
By developing a respect and appreciation for the older members of our society, and letting them know they are valued, we can start to cultivate the kind of supportive community which cares for us all.
Your knowledge is precious
Last changed: Jun 06 2009 at 5:26 PM
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