For many of us in retirement, we find there isn't enough time in the day to do all the things in life that once were confined to weekends. Many travel and head north to avoid Tasmanian winters. For many others time can with no ambition can lead to stressful relationships that can unsettle and lead to depression.Depression also can be linked to loneliness and those often forgotten in our society. In particular those living alone, the socially disadvantaged, or suffering a disabilities often experience this condition.
When I was a child I grew up in a neighbourhood where families watched over and cared for the elderly and those living alone. The nuclear family brought with it fragmentation from the family circle. The advent of television shifted our focus and gradually over time that sense of community gradually weakened.
I recall living with extended family where my parents cared for aged relatives who passed from us in our house and we mourned as a family at our loss. The paradox is we often hear of the aged and those living alone in our time, suffering and ending their days without anyone being with them at the end.
I believe we must take responsibility for those in these circumstances. It's no longer acceptable to look the other way and say "it's nothing to do with me". Even saying hello to that old lady or man down the road can convey a simple message, they aren?t invisible; someone has acknowledged them as a human being.
The skills of many retirees are more often than not left to languish. The retired handyman, plumber, electrician, carpenter, nurse, accountant, or solicitors, all have an opportunity to change lives and value add to the lifestyle of someone in need. Mowing someone's lawn or mending a fence, or simply dropping in for a chat can change lives, and dare I say allow people to remain independent in their homes as apposed to reliance on aged care.
Dare we imagine the potential energy of a recruited army of retirees all with like mind to volunteer their time in service to community? I once wrote to our local newspaper requesting assistance to publicise the plight of the elderly in an attempt to recruit help, unfortunately it didn't rate as a priority and went unpublished.
I urge, anyone with time talents or skills, and a desire to serve their community, to register on this blog spot. Let's see if we can build an army and make a difference.
Ian Norton.
