People Live Longer Across the Glob

Blog 2

United Nations predicts that the population, of 60 years old and over, will continue to grow faster than any other age group. This rapid increase of our aging masses has a strong impact on our societal structures and institutions. Politicians, policy-makers and medical professionals are scrambling to anticipate its effects and find solutions on all fronts.

The question that I ask myself is: Who will be caregivers for us when we outnumber the younger generations?

I do see a solution. In the same way, we can contribute to minimizing our environmental footprint, we can also intentionally minimize our dependency on an already overloaded medical system.

We have the capacity to initiate infinite ways to contribute in this direction for long-term solutions. We have the power to do this within each of our neighbourhoods.

For example, by taking responsibility for illness prevention regarding our physical, mental and emotional wellness, we help to lighten the burden. By actively participating in building and maintaining our health, we also increase our sense of dignity and confidence.

Looking out for each other within neighbourhoods strengthens our sense of community and belonging, therefore, dissolving feelings of isolation.

Initiating intentional friendships with people around us eliminates perceptions of separation and distance. Sharing weekly meals creates bonds and connections. By stepping outside our comfort zone and asking for favours, help or support, we give other permission to do the same in our hubs.

It’s a radical social act of change now to instigate interactions where we live with people we have never spoken to. We have the capacity to collaborate in changing our presently disconnected society for one of connected, engaged and interdependent communities.

Indeed, strengthening neighbourhood interdependency is radical thinking and acting.