GENEROUS PEOPLE LIVE LONGER

Image credit: *GURSIMRAT GANDA* on Unsplash.

By CHANDRAKANT SHAH, MD

Hindus celebrate Diwali; Muslims, Eid-Al-Fitr; Jews, Rosh Hashanah; and Christians celebrate Christmas. The common theme in all these celebrations is acts of giving and practising kindness towards your family, friends and fellow citizens.

It entails the journey from a “me-centric” mindset to one that is inclusive and caring for others and is a profound transformation. This shift impacts personal well-being but also has broader social implications. Understanding this evolution involves examining human behaviour, and the advantages and disadvantages of such a transformation.

Recent events in my own life led me to think more about inclusive mindsets.

In my previous articles in Desi News I have written about my journey with my wife who is suffering from dementia and is homebound. A couple of months ago, I knew that as senior citizens, we were required to be vaccinated for influenza and COVID. While I received those vaccinations from my family doctor and the local pharmacy, no services were accessible to her at home. I contacted the local public health department, pharmacy, homecare and community services and Ontario Health atHome, without success. I am resourceful and was able get the required vaccinations for my wife. But I wondered how my neighbours and others in similar situations, who number in hundreds if not thousands, and who are voiceless and lack resources, manage. The thought haunted me and compelled me to write to higher authorities. Excerpt below:

“I am unable to access influenza and COVID vaccination for my homebound spouse (88 years) from the local public health, pharmacies, home and community services, or Ontario Health atHome. Somehow this most vulnerable and high-risk group seems to have been forgotten. Would you be kind enough to guide me on how I can access such a service? Also, please make sure that all homebound Ontarians receive timely and equitable services.”

I received a response from someone asking for my address, enquiring if I had a family doctor, and indicating willingness to help rectify my situation.

In response, I wrote:

“Thank you for your prompt response... I also think you are still missing the major issue raised in my email which also said: Please make sure that all homebound Ontarians receive timely and equitable services. Our universal healthcare program caters to all Ontarians, particularly those most vulnerable and disfranchised groups and not the select few like me who make a noise. I strongly believe my wife should wait in line for her turn as others do to receive a publicly-funded service. I have personally experienced and noticed that while your department intends to provide seamless service, it is far from it. My plea to you is to please look after all Ontarians including Indigenous People and not me alone and tell me how to access this publicly-funded service for my wife. I am happy to stand in line for my turn. I await your answer with a plan of action”.

I am happy to report that, as of November 1, home vaccination is now available for all homebound individuals.

Humans have evolved from solitary beings to highly social creatures. Early human societies relied on cooperation for survival, which fostered a sense of community and mutual support. This evolutionary trait is still evident today, as humans naturally seek connections and thrive in social environments. Individuals and societies undergo several stages in transforming from a me-centric to an inclusive state.

These are:

Self-Awareness. The first step is recognizing self-centric behaviours. Mindfulness and reflection can help individuals understand their actions and motivations.

Empathy development. Cultivating empathy involves actively listening to others and trying to understand their perspectives. This can be enhanced through practices like volunteering and engaging in community activities.

Building relationships. Strong, supportive relationships are crucial. Investing time in family, friends, and community can shift focus from self to others.

Altruism. Engaging in acts of kindness and generosity can reinforce inclusive behaviours.

Generosity and kindness intersect when acts of giving are infused with genuine care and compassion. When we give generously with a kind heart, we create a positive cycle of goodwill. Whether it’s a small gesture or a grand philanthropic effort, both generosity and kindness contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious society. In countless studies, kindness and generosity have been linked to greater life satisfaction, stronger relationships, and better mental and physical health – generous people even live longer.

So let’s embrace both qualities, practising generosity with kindness and spreading positivity wherever we go.

Kindness goes beyond tangible actions. It’s about treating others with warmth, consideration, and empathy. Examples of kindness are smiling at a stranger, listening attentively when someone shares their feelings, holding the door open for someone and offering words of encouragement. Acts of kindness foster connection, reduce loneliness and promote well-being. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make the world a better place.

Cultivating generosity involves intentional practices that foster a giving mindset. Here are some ways to nurture generosity:

Practice gratitude. Recognize the abundance in your life. When you appreciate what you have, you’re more likely to share it with others.

Start small. Generosity doesn’t always require grand gestures. Begin by holding the door for someone or offering a genuine compliment.

Volunteer. Dedicate your time to a cause you care about. Volunteering allows you to give back directly to your community.

Share knowledge. Teach others what you know. Whether it’s a skill, hobby, or life lesson, sharing knowledge is a generous act.

Be empathetic. Put yourself in others’ shoes. Understand their struggles and needs and respond with compassion.

Set aside a giving budget. Allocate a portion of your income for charitable donations. Regularly contribute to causes you believe in.

Random acts of kindness. Surprise someone with an unexpected act of generosity – a coffee for a co-worker, a handwritten note, or paying for a stranger’s meal.

Encourage generosity in others. Lead by example. When people see your kindness, they’re inspired to pay it forward. Remember, generosity isn’t about the size of the gift; it’s about the intention behind it. By practising these habits, you’ll cultivate a generous spirit that positively impacts you and those around you.

The many advantages of an inclusive mindset include improved mental health, stronger social bonds, deeper connections and a sense of belonging. Finally, it also enhances cooperation in professional and personal settings and can lead to better teamwork and collaboration.

However, keep in mind that an inclusive mindset can lead to emotional burnout.

Constantly prioritizing others can lead to emotional exhaustion if self-care is neglected. Being overly altruistic can sometimes result in being taken advantage of by others. Thus it is also a balancing act between self-care and caring for others.

Transforming from a “me-centric” to an inclusive and caring mindset benefits both individuals and society. While it comes with challenges, the multiple advantages make it a worthwhile endeavour. By looking at both human evolution and animal behaviours, we can gain insights into the importance of community and the power of inclusivity.

SENIOR MOMENT

GENEROUS PEOPLE LIVE LONGER