"Community is Everything.
It's believed that we need three communities to thrive. I'm happy that you've made Silver Sirens one of yours"
Faith Agugu
Living thousands of miles away from family is never easy. It's made worse with an elderly parent.
Mum is my heart, my pride and joy, and my shero so when she's unwell, I find myself slightly off-kilter. She's so stoic and shrugs off our concerns saying, "It's old age Faith, this comes with the territory. I've got nothing to complain about, I'm still here!"
It was about 25 years ago that I first heard the quote at a spiritual retreat. The teacher stated that we all need the sense of belonging and connectedness that comes with being part of a community. She stressed that it became more vital as we age and for those with family overseas.
That was certainly the case for me. With my family overseas, I've been intentional with ensuring that I am part of several communities, four in fact.
Communities can be personal interests, sports or activity based, religious or spiritual, business-related or cultural to name a few.
There are many benefits for women to have a community, especially as we age. Here are some of them:
Emotional support
Having a community of women can provide emotional support, understanding, and empathy. As we age, many of us may face various challenges such as health issues, loss of loved ones, or changes in our roles within the family and identities. Having a community can help us navigate these challenges and provide a safe space for us to share our feelings and experiences.
Social connection
As we age, our social networks may shrink due to retirement, relocation, or loss of friends and family members. Having a community of women can help combat social isolation and provide opportunities for social interaction, companionship, and friendship.
Shared experiences
Women who age together can share common experiences and challenges related to ageing, such as menopause, caregiving, or adjusting to life transitions. Sharing these experiences can create a sense of camaraderie and understanding, as well as provide valuable advice and support.
Learning and growth
Being part of a community offers opportunities for learning and personal growth. We share knowledge, skills, and resources with each other, whether it's about health, hobbies, or life experiences. This continuous learning can contribute to personal development and a sense of fulfillment.
Advocacy and empowerment
Much like Silver Sirens, a community of women can provide a platform for advocacy and empowerment. By coming together, we support each other in addressing common issues, advocating for our rights, changing negative narratives, and challenging societal norms and stereotypes related to ageing. This collective strength can lead to positive change and improved quality of life for women as they age.
Health and well-being
Being part of a community can have positive effects on physical and mental health. Engaging in social activities, participating in group events, or simply having regular social interactions in person or online can promote overall well-being, reduce stress, and improve cognitive function.
Research supports the fact that loneliness is an issue in midlife and beyond, so having strong communities is a sure way to counter loneliness.
Overall, having a community or multiple communities as we age can provide emotional support, social connection, shared experiences, learning opportunities, advocacy, and improved health and well-being. It can enhance the overall quality of life and contribute to a sense of belonging and fulfillment.