By Dr. Nick Bianchi
Speaking for all younger people who have put you (the elderly) in a box of unpleasantness, avoidance, fear and even disgust… “We’re sorry.”
In a society that practically worships youth, we have done you an unfair amount of spiritual, psychological and even physical injustice. Please forgive us, and quickly because we need you now!
It hasn’t always been this way. In humanity’s past, older people were more integrated into the everyday family and cultural life. As people aged, they simply moved in with their children and were cared for until their passing, a kind of “I-scratched-your-back-now-you-scratch-mine” mentality. These seniors (grandparents) were highly valued and respected.
I imagine it was similar to how much I currently value my parents and in-laws when they shovel the snow, clean the house, care for the kids and give us advice. In fact, if I could change one thing about how I personally live, it would be to have grandparents (one or both sets) living much closer to us. It only makes sense that our society at large would benefit from more involvement of seniors.
Yes, you are already quite active in our community – you volunteer for countless programs ranging from reading to children at a library, to walking dogs for shelters, to food banks; at hospitals, for hospice and countless service clubs and organizations. You attend the fitness classes and the numerous programs at recreational facilities, staying healthy and strong.
Statistics Canada reports that the two main reasons you volunteer is because your friends already do and have invited you, and because you wish to meet new people. Numerous studies have demonstrated that seniors who volunteer are much healthier physically, socially, mentally and emotionally. There is also speculation that volunteering can help stave off Alzheimer’s! All of this is good, but we would like to see even more of you!
You see, we have a problem. Our world is a mess and we could use some perspective and guidance. With all of your years of experience…and aren’t you supposed to be wise? A mistake that our culture has made is to separate ourselves into age groups where we have less interaction between groups. We need you to stay involved with business and politics. We need you to tell us how to raise our children (even though we don’t want to hear it). We need you to go into the schools, talk to youth and give them a mirror to their future. There are many cultures around the world who still celebrate the elderly and our Western culture needs to grow up and include those of you who have already grown up!
Please continue on with all of your activities – stay fit, eat well and socialize. However, don’t be shy and get more involved. Put your nose in places where they currently are not and ask to be included. Look around for opportunities. Listen for those who need your wisdom and guidance. Just because you are old, doesn’t mean you are dead! We cannot promise that we will listen, but our future asks you to at least try.
Muskoka Seniors Magazine, Mar/Apr 2016
