Age Esteem = Regular Interaction with People of All Ages

An important quality of Age Esteem is to have regular interaction with people of all ages. – To relate to the full span of ages.

This used to be a natural aspect of living. Three, even four generations within a family often lived under the same roof, and still do in many countries today. It provided a natural relationship among different generations with each understanding his or her role within the family.

Of course it was not always easy, but neither is it necessarily easy to live within a mono-generational community. In both cases we need to know how to accept and respect each other.

We also learn from each other. The older ones give us a reference to be able to put the ups and downs of life into perspective as we make our own life decisions. They provide examples as role models.

Younger generations keep us current. What matters to youth today? How do they view the world? What is the meaning of their favorite music and games?

When we esteem ourselves at the age we are, this age esteem comes in part from recognizing the value of our age, in relation to ourselves and in relation to others.

Working and interacting intergenerationally helps us to gain the necessary perspective to recognize our own value at the age we are.

Bonnie Fatio

Reach Out: When we reach outwards, thinking of and doing for others, we have less time to dwell on our self. Being involved in a project to help others gives us better perspective and a meaningful purpose. We grow and learn.

• Ask yourself what talents and interests you have that you are not using. How would you like to use these?
• Look for opportunities to contribute at least one hour every two weeks to a school, charity, social service or club. Ask friends, search the Internet, read announcements.
• Make a commitment to contribute your time and talents as the next step to building this dimension of your happiness. It will also enhance your confidence and age-esteem.

If you want to be happy, just be happy!