Do emotional connections improve our health?
Her 41-year career at United Airlines is now a memory, but Carolee Nishi has little time to waste on nostalgia.
As volunteer director of Hawaiian Studies at the YMCA of Honolulu, Nishi juggles a full schedule of hula rehearsals and shows. Talk story about what motivates her, and she gushes pride, laughter -- and a strong sense of purpose.
"My responsibility is to the community; it's simple," she says. "I don't like to call it volunteering because the focus isn't that I'm doing this for free. I took on a job: to gather kids, put them in a good spot, keep them busy and their minds focused on good things in life."
Nishi collects no paycheck from this job. Nevertheless, she says, she's far wealthier than people can ever imagine. For one thing, the keiki bring her joy. Watching her students grow up to become accomplished adults makes her feel good. "You need to be proud of things you've been involved with," she says.
For another, Nishi has "everything I need in life," she says. "If we want flowers for lei, my friend will show me the tree. When we make pa'u (hula) skirts for the girls, people will help."
Are people healthier and happier when they have strong emotional connections to others? Do they live longer? Yes, says Anthony Lenzer, Ph.D., professor emeritus of public health and former director of the Center on Aging at the University of Hawai'i.
"Three decades of research show that informal social relationships, such as with family and friends -- especially doing things that help others -- contribute to our physical and mental health and reduce mortality risk," he says.
Consider a recent study by the Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine and Public Health. Seniors volunteered to tutor third-grade children in Baltimore elementary schools. At the end of the school year, most seniors felt stronger and more active, burned more calories, spent less time watching TV, and enjoyed a significant increase in their social networks. Ninety-eight percent of the volunteers gave a thumbs up to the experience.
"Giving back to your community," concluded lead author Dr. Linda Fried, "may slow the aging process in ways that lead to a higher quality of life in older adults."
Exactly how does giving of oneself affect aging? In this study, the seniors did more than tutor, they were also positive role models, mentors for the next generation.
"Generativity" is the theoretical basis for this feeling, says Mae Mendelson, Ph.D., executive director of the Hawaii Intergenerational Network (HIN). "People need to feel they've left a legacy or given back to the community. It gives their life meaning," she says.
HIN's purpose is to bring seniors and young people together for mutual benefit. "Our school volunteers say they're happier. They feel healthy and useful, says Mendelson.
Healthy communities, Mendelson believes, must be deliberate in ensuring the generations come together. For more information on volunteering in schools or other HIN projects, visit www.hingeneration.org.
Page Loading Slow?
