Join or Die?

This is the name of a Netflix movie I watched today. It has a powerful message for us. One of the studies cited in this piece was that if you join a group this year, you add years to your life! Agers are urged to get involved...with anything!

After viewing this well-put-together documentary I am once again inspired by an 84 year old man who began his journey of exploration about human connectiveness in the 1970's and the unexpected discoveries he found in his research, that groups were on the decline, and that non participation in groups by our citizens can bring about the decline in our country as we know it. He surmized that being a part of a group is to our individual well being as well as the collective social health of our country. Researcher Robert Putnam who gained notoriety with his book bowling alone, received the National Humanities Award from President Obama, and continues his study of how we can solve the problem of isolationism in our country, by building up our community spirits with more of us joining in, joining together and advocating for what we believe in.

Thankfully, we are seeing more of the younger generation following the group collective idea. They get and idea and ask others to get behind it, whether it is anti-racism, women's rights, or better roads and highways.

Our groups on this site will have the opportunity to grass root gatherins for the white haired generation. We have been relegated to the back wall and now will be welcomed to come forward and make our statements, pro and con. We can post our meetings here, whether online or in person, giving others the opportunity to help others. As JFK said at his inaguaration, "Ask not what our country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. If you don't want to join yet, or haven't seen the subject of your passion, stay and read our blogs. We all need each other.

Here's the link to the piece on netflix.