WorkinWords Comments and occasional rants on agribusiness and other topics – mainly New Zealand

Looking back on aspects of a life spent reasonably well, there are some activities that seemed crazy at the time but had long-term effects. One of those activities I indulged in while attending Lincoln Agricultural College was a “capping stunt” in 1961 pushing a hospital bed (with original Bakelite casters) around Hagley Park in Christchurch to set a new record.

Massey University had claimed a record of 57 miles, and the newspaper report carried the challenge, “Let other universities try and beat that.”

A team of ten were hastily cobbled together and camped in Rolleston House to start the marathon at 1.00 pm on a Saturday; allowance had to be made for some who were involved in rugby games that afternoon. Teams of two, wearing calico smocks to improve visibility, took between 45 and 50 minutes to complete the measured circuit and finished with a total of 65 laps, or 203.5 miles (327.5 km). Cracked it.

Capping events in those days were part of a student fundraising scheme for a chosen charity and that year the charity was Cholmondeley Homes for Children. Unfortunately, there is no record of the funds collected.

That is the background to friendships that developed amongst a relatively diverse group of students from all parts of NZ plus a Scotsman and an Aussie, which has lasted over 60 years.

We basked in our glory for a few weeks and then got on with the more serious business of passing exams which was also accomplished by all members of the team. But after twenty years a call went out for a reunion to celebrate our achievements. It took a year to get it together, especially as the venue suggested was Hawaii, but seven of the team and partners made the grade. Hat set the scene for regular reunions over the years with the ninth one being held in Christchurch and Lincoln University this year.  

We have cycled down from the top of a volcano in Hawaii to have breakfast on the beach, played golf at numerous courses, gone fishing on Lake Taupo, been to a Menzshed in Bright (Victoria), visited farms, gardens (including a tea garden) and many restaurants, all the while chatting and recalling events that had almost faded from memory over the years. There has been a bit of eating and drinking and a hell of a lot of fun.

During the last two reunions, the emphasis has been on the value of the connections we made during our years at university and particularly the way in which that diverse group of students still manage to hang together and get along so well. While we meet as the “Bedpushers” we maintain contact each other and over the years have tapped into their different areas of expertise to assist with our own projects.

As might be expected our numbers have dwindled over the years but because the contacts are so strong the bereaved partners have always been included in the mix.

The value of the relationships has been extended in the last few years to include some non Bedpushers and their partners which means that the reminiscences extend well beyond the original capping stunt.

So while some reunions can be a bit of a trial of strength and endurance where you try to remember the names of those from the past, a reunion that focusses on a special activity or function has a lot more going for it, and builds those strong relationships that keep you going and going.

A poem/ditty I composed for one of the reunions captures the essence of fun and friendship that has stayed with us over the years.

Ravings of a senile mind

Things never turn out as expected,

Well, mostly that’s what I’ve found,

Mad schemes should not be rejected,

They might turn life’s course around.

Bed pushing for fun seemed crazy,

Or at least a complete waste of time

But it caused me not to be lazy,

And made a whole group of us chime.

I found that not all Scotsmen are skinheads,

And some bloody Aussies are great,

North Islanders aren’t always thick heads,

You’d be pleased to call some of them mate.

We broke the bed pushing record,

And collected some charity money.

We cemented a teammates’ accord,

Even though we all dressed quite funny.

But what were the long-term effects,

That improved my budding career.

There’s teamwork and management aspects,

And plans improved by a beer.

Don’t refuse wild plans at first sight,

Turn them over and look round behind.

Planning can make them come alright,

Using a creative and flexible mind.

The whole caper has been a good story,

To explain our marvellous deed,

And I can exaggerate the glory,

To any who will take heed.

As I review how my life’s spent,

There’s not been too many disasters.

With luck, I’ll become an old gent

As long as I have enough casters.

One of the issues facing older people these days is the tendency for families to be widely dispersed. Recently, a client of Age Concern noted that her two daughters lived overseas, and her son was disabled and could not go anywhere easily. Since her husband died, she had been living at home, on her own, for over 25 years — but she still managed to maintain her social connections.

In addition to her cleaner and gardener, and regular visits from the District Nurse, she had a companion who took her shopping, another for going to the movies and outings, and a weekly visit from an accredited visitor from Age Concern. It just took a bit of organising, but she knew that it was for the better.

It is well recognised that there are considerable benefits in the development and maintenance of social connections no matter what your age. This becomes more important as you grow older and people pass away or move away, or there are changes in personal health and ability, different living arrangements, and other factors, all of which increase social distancing to the detriment of mental health and well-being.

A study at Stanford University in 2014 found that “strong social connection:

• leads to a 50% increased chance of longevity
• strengthens your immune system
• helps you recover from disease faster, and
• may even lengthen your life!

“People who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression. Moreover, studies show they also have higher self-esteem, greater empathy for others, are more trusting and cooperative and, as a consequence, others are more open to trusting and cooperating with them. In other words, social connectedness generates a positive feedback loop of social, emotional, and physical well-being.”

Any move to help the elderly stay connected with their community and family can benefit their mental health and well-being and could help them maintain their independence and mobility. Group activities can keep your brain vitalised.

So, if you are in that older cohort, what can you do about improving your social connections? As indicated above, social connections usually don’t come to you – you must make a bit of an effort.

Here are some techniques or tips to create more social connections and build a whole new network of friends and colleagues.

• Join community activities: you may already belong to an interest group like a gardening club, but there is no harm in widening that network. Think about U3A, or your local Probus/Friendship/Rebus club – all have a wide range of activities for people in the older age group.
• Volunteer: not only will it help your community, it will also provide opportunities to meet new friends and develop new interests. Several organisations (including Age Concern) provide visitor services, matching volunteers with those who appreciate their company.
• Take a class: if you have the urge to learn there are numerous adult and community education courses available throughout the Wellington Region, so you could train your mind and meet new colleagues. If that seems too arduous you could always just join a craft group and learn to draw, or cook or just sit around knitting or crocheting together. Of course, if such a group does not exist in your area you could always start one of your own and spread the word either online or on your community noticeboard.
• Join an exercise group: Strength and balance groups for older people operate all over the Wellington region. Age Concern runs numerous Steady As You Go classes where you can improve your core strength and balance and find like-minded friends. See the schedule on the back page of this issue.
• Join a Walking Group: there are groups which allow for different levels of fitness, so you don’t need to worry about dragging the chain, and sometimes you need to stop and smell the roses. Check out some of the Wellington walking groups here https://www.livingstreets.org.nz/node/1950. Alternatively, you could take up walking with a group of friends. But if you need some assistance walking, Age Concern Wellington Region has trained volunteer walking companions are keen to support you.

This is just a short list of the possibilities for increasing your social connections that exist in and around Wellington. It is really a matter of taking the time and making a bit of an effort, but there are some amazing ways to meet other people and establish strong and interesting friendships. Socialising is good for you.