Vancouver Lonely town?

Paul Singh came to day to tell us about the medical study that says we will live longer if we have less stress.  At least less heart attacks and especially if we are more social with intent to help others.

He was reporting on a medical study that was done with the people of Roseto in Pennsylvania.

This small town had many immigrants from Roseto in Italy and they carried on the way of Italian life with much social activity.

90% of the town’s populations were a member of one community group or another.  They lived life on the street with front porches giving much community connection.

They met for Sunday night dinners and made sure no one was left out.

Over a 20 year study period there was no deaths in the under the age of 50 due to heat disease.

There seemed to be no other distinction than the social interaction leading to the conclusion we need social interaction.

There were smokers, drinkers and overweight members of the community like any other.

Kitchens were often filled with neighbors.  People stopped to chat in the street.  There were 22 social clubs leading to the conclusion that when you help others you help yourself. You inoculate yourself against heart disease.

The evening stroll was popular.

Today in Vancouver only one in four know their neighbors.

People rate time and finances as the main stumbling blocks.

Yet studies show that today we watch 4 hours of T.V. a day.

Do high rises make a difference?  There are often community rooms there but do people use them?

Is the Internet to blame?

A few thoughts.

Increase the supply of interactivity and also the desire to connect.

The government can’t do this.

Community fairs help.  Do we live and work in the same community?

Ask yourself what prevents you from mixing?  We seldom see our neighbors.

Indifference seems to be the main culprit, yet our health and happiness depend on it.

Your health and happiness is determined by your social relationships.