Ms. Nguyen Thi Ri, a resident of Rach Gia ward, is doing charity work at the "zero-cost" kitchen. Photo: MINI
Young people often sing, "Sometimes I want to be alone, but I'm afraid of loneliness," but only the elderly truly understand the real pain of loneliness. Young people have many choices for fun and entertainment, numerous social relationships, or they use their busy work schedules to alleviate loneliness and anxiety. But for the elderly, as they quietly approach the end of their lives, there are fewer options due to limitations in health, social connections, and mental well-being.
Loneliness is a serious public health issue that can negatively impact the physical and mental health of older adults, leading to serious consequences. Loneliness may be linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression. To overcome loneliness, many older adults choose to connect with others, join clubs and recreational activities, travel , and find joy in life.
Every day, after dinner, around 6 PM, Ms. Le Thi Nhung (66 years old), residing in Chom Sao hamlet, Hon Dat commune, meets with other women in the neighborhood to listen to music and practice Tai Chi. Sometimes they dance, and recently she even renovated her yard into a pickleball court for everyone to practice. Ms. Nhung said that when she was young, she worked hard, taking care of her children, and didn't have time for fun or recreation. Now that she's older, she can't do strenuous work and just stays at home cooking, cleaning, and doing housework, which is a bit boring. “I joined the Elderly Association of Chom Sao hamlet and met many women my age, connecting them to form a Tai Chi club where we practice daily. When there are sports events, competitions, or any movements launched in the hamlet, we all participate to feel useful to society and not fall behind the times. Thanks to this, I have many stories to tell my children and grandchildren, and we regularly exchange ideas and understand each other,” Ms. Nhung shared.
Life in the city is often more hectic than in the countryside. In the mornings, children and grandchildren go to work or school, leaving little time to chat with the elderly in the family. If they stay at home waiting for their children and grandchildren to come home, time passes very slowly, and the elderly feel lonely and develop many negative thoughts. Ms. Pham Thi Thuyen (65 years old), residing in Rach Gia ward, did not want to become a burden or a worry for her children and grandchildren, so she found joy for herself. She and a group of elderly people in the area established a club for recreational volleyball, practicing Tai Chi, folk dancing, etc., to maintain their health and create a cheerful atmosphere. On weekends or during the summer, her group of friends organizes trips, parties, and cultural exchanges.
Ms. Thuyen shared: “We believe that because we worked hard and worried about our children and grandchildren when we were young, now we should live and explore our passions. I participate in arts, sports , and physical activities to maintain my physical health and keep my spirits high. Our children and grandchildren face a lot of pressure in life, so I think connecting with people who share similar interests and live happily and healthily is a way to help them focus on their work and studies with peace of mind.”
At 75 years old, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Ri, residing in Rach Gia ward, chooses to participate in charitable activities, both to benefit society and to find joy in life. Her husband passed away early, and Mrs. Ri lives with her daughter and grandson. Currently, her grandson works in Ho Chi Minh City, and her daughter and grandson also work all day, only seeing her briefly at lunchtime, in the evening, and on weekends. “My children and grandchildren are filial and take good care of me, but because of their work, I'm often home alone, feeling lonely at times! I'm old, my health is weak, and I have difficulty walking, so I can't travel far on my own. I mostly stay home and keep myself company with the TV. For over a year now, a charity kitchen near my house has been organizing meals, and I participate in whatever I can. This allows me to meet and talk to many people, making me feel more relaxed, happy, and giving life more meaning,” Mrs. Ri said.
Elderly people can find many ways to escape loneliness, but the most important thing is the companionship, understanding, and sharing of family members. Family care is a great source of encouragement, helping the elderly feel not forgotten, so that their twilight years can still be a beautiful and meaningful period of their lives.
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/tu-tao-niem-vui-tuoi-xe-chieu-a469334.html
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