Joy from connection
Leaving behind the busy work cycle, many elderly people today no longer choose to rest passively. Instead, they actively step out of the family space to find joy with friends. This connection spirit is becoming the secret to helping the old age become more radiant.
Having retired for more than 10 years, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang (Hanoi) shared that staying at home sometimes makes her feel empty.
I often gather with my sisters to take a walk to get healthy. Every time I go out to socialize, I feel full of life and healthier. Not only taking photos and traveling together, we also share problems in life to give each other advice" - Ms. Hang confided.
Sharing the same view, Ms. Vu Lan Huong (Hanoi) said that her group often chooses to stroll around the Old Quarter, sit in coffee and chat instead of just relying on the care of their children.
She excitedly said: "We proactively find our own joys to maintain health and not bother our children and grandchildren. Every day, sisters meet each other to discuss all sorts of things from health, pensions to small issues in life. In particular, taking commemorative photos for each other and watching them together makes everyone very happy.
Precious medicine" for overall health
From a professional perspective, psychologists believe that social connection is a valuable "medicine".
Ms. Nguyen Hoang Anh - Psychological Consultant, Voice of Therapist Psychological Office - analyzed that when elderly people live reclusively, what they lose is not only communication, but a sense of connection and need. When these things are lacking, they easily fall into a state of loneliness, boredom and gradually withdrawal. This leads to less exercise, less going out and physical health also decreases accordingly.
According to the World Health Organization, prolonged loneliness can be related to problems such as depression, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline. Therefore, this is not just a matter of spirit, but a comprehensive health story," Ms. Hoang Anh emphasized.
Recognizing that the elderly today tend to participate in groups and live more proactively, expert Hoang Anh said that this is a very positive sign. The elderly are shifting from "waiting for care" to proactively creating joy for their lives.
When joining a group, they have a reason to go out to exercise and connect. This helps them to be healthier both physically and mentally. At the same time, it also helps reduce dependence on children and grandchildren, making family relationships lighter.
“A very famous study by Harvard Study of Adult Development lasting more than 80 years shows that what helps people live healthy and long lives is not money, but the quality of relationships. For the elderly, maintaining connection helps them be happier, more lucid and have motivation to live every day. Sometimes it's just a meeting or a conversation but it also has a very big impact,” expert Hoang Anh shared.
Participating in groups is not simply entertainment, but also a condition for the elderly to enrich their spiritual life. A radiant and happy old age begins with proactive connection and sharing in the community.
