The question may seem odd, but I do want to address this issue as it relates to our seniors and elders who may be living in isolation and loneliness.
Although isolation and loneliness are not defined the same, often the environment has the same outcome.
How often have we passed by people in our hallways without looking at them or conversing with them? When you are in your apartment or condo elevator, do you make eye contact and say hello?
If you live in a house, do you notice or speak to the neighbours next door or notice who may live across the street from you?
I believe we have lost that community spirit, caring or enthusiasm for being part of a society that does embrace the social responsibility of taking care of our most weak and vulnerable citizens.
Many articles have been written about seniors and isolation, but very few are able to give us an idea of how to locate and engage these people or even if they want to be engaged.
Perhaps we need to start with some common courtesies and acknowledge the people who live beside us and across the street or in the next complex?
Once a person engages another in conversation or eye contact, you have now opened the possibility of a relationship – getting to know someone’s name now makes it personal.
Has there been fear or anxiety because the other person is a little scary or may not speak our language? Well, fear has certainly determined many relationships, and I am not suggesting that you attempt to make friends with someone who you might find threatening or violent. Older adults usually are not these people.
As for language barriers, have any of you travelled to another country not knowing the language?
Most of us made out quite well. Body language is universal and needs no interpretation.
Take a risk, engage a person you may not have talked to before.
Isolation and loneliness are hidden from us, but at the same time, we cannot ignore the horrible concept of being in those places.
Please take some time to extend a voice, a hand, a kind word to a person who may need some personal contact.
Get to know your community and its resources as well.
You can make a difference. A warm welcoming smile could make someone’s day.
– Lorraine Logan is a New Westminster resident and president of the Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations of B.C. Info: www.coscobc.ca.
