Salena Zito wrote a nice feature piece yesterday about an Austrian immigrant, Frank Buckman, who is about to turn 100 years old. There was a particular quote from him that struck me as profoundly true:
He attributes his longevity to a life filled with a sense of community: “When you surround yourself with activities, people and events, you realize that being part of something bigger than yourself gives your life vigor and a deeper purpose.”
I think one of the problems we face today that previous generations did not is the isolationism and individualism that has permeated our culture. I'm not talking just about the crazy pandemic restrictions of the past couple of years, but how, in general, people have a much greater tendency toward solitary activities. Television, video gaming, and even, ironically, social media, are activities in which we engage primarily as individuals.
I have a lot of friends who are teenagers, and observe a lot more in my roles as a substitute teacher and a coach, not to mention our own youth group. It seems that the teens who tend to be happiest and most fulfilled are the ones who are very involved in the school or community - whether through sports, music, drama, or some other extra-curricular activity at school, or in a youth group or other community organization or service club. The ones most likely to struggle seem to be those with little involvement outside of school. Of course, this doesn't just apply to teens. It's just as true for adults.
My advice to parents would be to be sure your student in involved in something (but not everything - some parents go to the opposite extreme). Pick one or two activities that will allow them to engage with other people and encourage their involvement.
Same with adults. How are you engaged with the broader community? I'm not saying it will help you live to be 100 like Frank, but it can't hurt to try!
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