Loneliness is indeed a significant issue, especially for older people. I live in Australia but am of Indian descent. When I visit India each year, I’m struck by how much connection and community exist there. Older people rarely feel neglected, as they often have family, neighbors, and even maids or houseworkers providing them with companionship.
In contrast, Western culture places a strong emphasis on individualism, which can sometimes lead to isolation. It’s a growing concern that deserves more attention. Thank you for bringing up this important topic in your post.
Thank you so much for sharing your observations and experiences. Indeed, culture can contribute in so many ways to our feelings of wellbeing and / or emotional distress. It can be emotionally risky at times to reach out and connect with others. But the alternative, staying isolated - takes a toll on people.
I live in Sydney, in a quieter part near the bay. I like walking and always make a point of greeting and making eye contact with people I pass. Takes so litttle to make someones day a little brighter with a smile.
Getting to know my neighbours is also something I like to do when I move into a new place.
Eye contact and greeting can be so powerful in making us all feel human. Any suggestions on getting to know neighbors? Where I am it seems like people want to keep to themselves. I do try to engage my neighbors in conversations when possible but it feels like I am the one always initiating.
I live in an apartment and try to grab the natural opportunities. To stop and say hello when you run into someone around the building and actually exchange a few more words than the usual hello.
Arrange a casual get together. Im lucky I live across from a nice park and a cafe. Easy to grab a coffee with neighbour.
Just a few ideas. Often it does take someone taking that first step.
Loneliness is indeed a significant issue, especially for older people. I live in Australia but am of Indian descent. When I visit India each year, I’m struck by how much connection and community exist there. Older people rarely feel neglected, as they often have family, neighbors, and even maids or houseworkers providing them with companionship.
In contrast, Western culture places a strong emphasis on individualism, which can sometimes lead to isolation. It’s a growing concern that deserves more attention. Thank you for bringing up this important topic in your post.
Thank you so much for sharing your observations and experiences. Indeed, culture can contribute in so many ways to our feelings of wellbeing and / or emotional distress. It can be emotionally risky at times to reach out and connect with others. But the alternative, staying isolated - takes a toll on people.
I live in Sydney, in a quieter part near the bay. I like walking and always make a point of greeting and making eye contact with people I pass. Takes so litttle to make someones day a little brighter with a smile.
Getting to know my neighbours is also something I like to do when I move into a new place.
Eye contact and greeting can be so powerful in making us all feel human. Any suggestions on getting to know neighbors? Where I am it seems like people want to keep to themselves. I do try to engage my neighbors in conversations when possible but it feels like I am the one always initiating.
It can be tricky and sometimes an uphill battle.
I live in an apartment and try to grab the natural opportunities. To stop and say hello when you run into someone around the building and actually exchange a few more words than the usual hello.
Arrange a casual get together. Im lucky I live across from a nice park and a cafe. Easy to grab a coffee with neighbour.
Just a few ideas. Often it does take someone taking that first step.