To Your Health: Genuine interest in others is infectious
By GILLIAN SLADE on October 7, 2019.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com
We have just celebrated the Day of Older Persons and a comment in a press release from Premier Jason Kenney, struck a chord.
“We have a responsibility to ensure their security, support their inclusion and show them our respect. I hope all Albertans will take time to celebrate the seniors in their lives.”
You’ve probably heard the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and now there is increasing evidence that the same applies when it comes to older people. I don’t mean to imply that they need “raising” but their quality of life is enhanced by a community that is supportive, caring and expresses appreciation.
A house-bound senior with little or not contact with the outside world will face a rapid decline cognitively and physically.
Italy’s island of Sardinia features again and again as a place where some of the oldest people in the world live. They have often lived in a small town or village their whole life. Researchers have mentioned these seniors being surrounded by friends, family and a community that cherishes them.
That Sardinians also have a diet that is primarily natural, wholesome and nutritious should not be discounted either.
However, the value of living in a community where everyone knows you and engages you in conversation cannot be overemphasized. There are huge health benefits derived from that type of living environment.
There are some challenges for those of us living in a busy city. If you are not out and about it is easy for people to forget that you even exist.
I think that’s where “the village” comes in. We each have to make an effort to “take the village”to a senior who can’t get out. It’s about taking the outside world to someone who is shut-in. You share a bit of local gossip, a joke that can make them laugh, play a game of cards or add a few pieces to a jigsaw puzzle they’re working on. Perhaps we can drop off the crossword puzzle of the day or tell them of the road work they’re missing. You basically give them a glimpse of the outside world.
Our climate is so different from that experienced in Sardinia. Aging seniors there may only have to walk a block to the local meeting place for a cup of coffee and a chat. We just have to made some adjustments for those of us living in Medicine Hat.
No man is an island.
Our genuine interest in others is infectious and can be the difference between simply existing or relishing each day and staying healthy. You know what? It is not only the senior who is shut-in that benefits – we do too – on a number of levels.
Here’s to caring about one another, enough to spend time with them, and here’s To Your Health.
To Your Health is a weekly column by Gillian Slade, health reporter for the News, bringing you news on health issues and research from around the world. You can reach her at
gslade@medicinehatnews.com or 403-528-8635.
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