“Living Well is the Best Revenge” - Part 2

Money and medicine are indeed essential. Yet, happiness can neither be bought by wealth nor sealed by health at any age. Meaning is also essential to happiness. We need purpose-a reason to get up in the morning-in order to enjoy our good fortune. Many people classified as "old" within our culture at large, in fact, feel quite young. The media images that often devalue the older person in Western culture can be contrasted with many traditional cultures in which the eldest are viewed as the wisest and essential to healthy community life.

New elders today, are creating lives that are full of meaning, joy and vitality. Front porches are becoming obsolete and so are "old folks" in rocking chairs. With advances in wealth, health and meaning, have come major shifts in life patterns. Myriad opportunities have opened in all directions, and the new breed of elders is actively exploring them. And one major avenue of exploration is "contribution to community."

In times of change and uncertainty, notions of solidarity and togetherness often become the highest priorities-more meaningful than individual success and pleasure. In fact, society grants its highest awards to those who share their lives for the greater communal good. Among those

who value contribution to community, there is less emphasis on having a big bank account. With community connections and service, the rituals of togetherness become very simple and inexpensive. Differences in "gifts" (time, talent, treasure) lead to sharing varying gifts with one another. When one falls on hard times, others help stabilize the ones in difficulty.

More older people are engaged in community volunteer activities in the U.S. today than any other age group. For these people there is often a sense of self-efficiency, vitality and meaning that adds years to their lives. The meaning derived from contribution to community is available to all. It offers a pleasure that grows from a personal awareness of the preciousness of life, of time, and deep connections with other human beings. The new elders are not without their wealth and health challenges but they also illustrate a new meaning of the old saying, "living well is the best revenge."

Richard Leider

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