Maintaining support networks

I recently read in a publication about the importance of cultivating relationships with friends, acquaintances and family when we are older. Something completely logical since as we age there is a tendency to increase loneliness.

This loneliness begins to show when we reach retirement. This is when a break occurs that distances us from an important group of people with whom we have shared a good part of our lives. For many, this moment of retirement creates great uncertainty and can even lead to depressive states.

In addition, the changes in the body make us more passive. As it is not pleasant to exercise with joint or muscle pains, people become more and more immobile, which undoubtedly contributes to isolation. If we don't go outside, we have less opportunity to maintain contact with others.

I am one of those people who enjoy solitude a lot, sometimes more than I should. But I am very fortunate that my wife loves to organize get-togethers, she is always inviting friends over for a game of cards or a cup of coffee.

Yesterday, Wednesday, we had one of those get-togethers. As we are in Easter week it was easier for the younger ones to find a free moment.

Since last week my wife started to encourage people. The group was quite similar, there was one of my sisters-in-law, my wife's sister, retired and widowed, who lives alone at home. My other sister-in-law, also my wife's sister, also retired and widowed, but living with a daughter. Two friends came, widowed and retired, who also live alone, and my other sister-in-law, my brother's wife. For the new generation there were three nieces, two of whom have small children.

By four o'clock in the afternoon almost all the guests had arrived and each one brought something to share. My wife and I had set up the tables in the room where we do our writing for HIVE.

This time they decided to play cards. The most convenient way to play cards in a large group like that (eleven people), was to have a circular table so that everyone would be close to the deck and it would be easier to pick up the cards.

But in the absence of that table, they found a way to put the deck in a place that was more comfortable for everyone, even so it was inevitable that someone would have to stand up, or ask someone to remove the card. This detail made the game funnier because to remove each card it was necessary to make contortionist gestures and movements that made the others laugh.

The game went on until almost nine o'clock at night. Five hours in which we all laughed, we felt that time passed quickly and we totally disconnected our minds from everyday matters. In addition, we could feel the warmth and affection that people generate when they are close, sharing an activity that everyone enjoys.

It was a very pleasant meeting for all of us, where three generations were present. The younger ones have understood that in their schedules they must set aside time to share with the older ones, for them it has become something normal and they enjoy it to the fullest.

I always like to emphasize that days like yesterday, when I shared a good time with those dear people, I write them down in the list of memorable moments of my life. It is those moments that really give meaning to our lives.