Psalm 88:11-12, 17-18
A song. A psalm of the Sons of Korah. For the director of music. According to Mahalath Leannoth. A maskil of Heman the Ezrahite.
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11 Is your love declared in the grave,
your faithfulness in Destruction?
12 Are your wonders known in the place of darkness,
or your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion?
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17 All day long they surround me like a flood;
they have completely engulfed me.
18 You have taken from me friend and neighbor—
darkness is my closest friend.
There is the quiet cry of a desperate man—someone who feels forgotten, abandoned, and confined. He questions whether God can be praised by the dead, whether faith and hope still exist in the shadows of despair.
In many ways, this psalm reflects the growing sense of isolation humanity faces today. The modern world has replaced genuine connection with virtual engagement. Social media, while convenient, often traps people in a silent room filled with screens. We scroll endlessly, fulfilling our need for interaction with likes and emojis, but not with real touch, eye contact, or laughter.
When we step away from our screens, reality can hit hard. Some people boast thousands of “friends” online but have no one to call when they’re lonely. They retreat again to the virtual world where they feel seen, admired, and accepted—even if only for a digital persona. But this kind of escapism often exacts a heavy emotional price.
Of course, some people successfully bridge the gap between the virtual and real worlds. Justin Bieber, for example, began by sharing his music online before becoming an international star. The Huffington Post started as an online publication before evolving into a major media outlet. For many others, however, online success does not translate into real-world fulfillment. I count myself among them—I may reach many in virtual time, but in real time, my world remains small and quiet.
Still, one must remain realistic. Not everyone will go viral, and that’s perfectly fine. Sharing online can be meaningful in its own way. I post to stay in touch with family members who live 10,000 miles away. As I grow older and face health challenges, posting updates is an easy way to let them know I’m alright without calling each one individually.
That’s the extent of my online reach. I have no desire to collect thousands of strangers as followers. My circle—both virtual and real—includes old friends, neighbors, coworkers, cousins, siblings, nephews, and nieces. There’s comfort in that familiarity, even if it exists only through a screen. I also post publicly for those who once knew me, so they can see where life has taken me.
Some retirees, however, thrive on broad socialization. I’ve met people who seem energized by constant interaction—politicians, entertainers, business owners, online teachers, and fitness coaches. They draw life from connection, whether virtual or real. For them, visibility isn’t vanity—it’s livelihood. When your income or purpose depends on an audience, you must show up consistently, rain or shine.
But at the heart of it, you must love what you do. I once enjoyed sharing moments from my life through videos and photos, learning to edit and combine them with music. It was my way of staying creative and connected. Yet, as time passed, I grew to prefer peace and quiet. My dreams of traveling after retirement faded when my sister became ill and my own health declined.
My last adventure was three years ago in Manila. I wandered the city, retracing the steps of my youth—walking daily, riding public transport, visiting old neighborhoods. But my knees burned with pain. I limped up the steps of trains and collapsed exhausted each night in modest hotel rooms. I still remember standing at the foot of the stairs in Jollibee, unable to climb to the counter until a kind staff member helped me. I was embarrassed. Once, I could run those stairs with ease. Now, I faced the humbling truth of age and frailty.
I promised myself that next time, I would buy a car—any car—so I could move freely when I visit again. In my hometown in Pampanga, I stayed mostly indoors during my last trip, limited by lack of transportation. My nieces and nephews kindly offered rides, but I hesitated to burden them. Back in Florida, I can walk or drive anywhere at will, but in the Philippines, I felt confined once more. I had planned to adjust after retirement, but my sister’s illness and my own health issues changed everything. Add to that the floods, unreliable utilities, and the lack of Medicare coverage back home—it all makes the transition difficult.
Still, I dream. I imagine returning to the Philippines, driving through Pampanga, picking up old classmates and relatives, eating together in small restaurants, laughing about the old days. I dream of exploring nearby provinces, renting a simple cottage, tasting local food, chatting with strangers, and soaking in the rhythm of life back home.
I picture myself visiting the markets of Lubao and Guagua, buying fresh ingredients to cook family dishes again—something I haven’t done in years. I even dream of traveling with my nieces to places like Bangkok, Malaysia, or New Zealand, where some of them now live. There are so many possibilities still waiting, and thinking of them brings warmth to my heart.
As I reflect on all these, I realize that fulfillment in later life isn’t just about where we are, but how we live—how we continue to grow, contribute, and stay connected. Whether we remain at home or travel across the world, we can still lead meaningful lives through advocacy and community engagement.
Below are a few forms of advocacy that can enrich both physical and mental health while helping retirees maintain a strong social network:
🧍♂️ 1. Health and Wellness Advocacy
Examples:
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Volunteering with local hospitals, senior centers, or health nonprofits (e.g., promoting cancer screening, heart health, or exercise programs).
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Leading or joining community fitness or walking groups.
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Becoming a peer health educator or patient advocate for older adults navigating healthcare.
Benefits:
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Encourages regular physical activity.
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Builds confidence and knowledge about personal health.
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Expands social connections with like-minded advocates.
🌳 2. Environmental or Community Advocacy
Examples:
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Participating in local park cleanups, urban gardening, or climate awareness campaigns.
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Advocating for green spaces, bike paths, or safe walking environments for all ages.
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Joining “Age-Friendly City” or “Livable Communities” initiatives.
Benefits:
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Provides outdoor physical activity and fresh air.
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Fosters intergenerational connections through community work.
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Strengthens a sense of purpose and belonging.
🧒 3. Youth and Education Advocacy
Examples:
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Mentoring young people through schools, libraries, or youth programs.
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Supporting literacy, STEM, or vocational training initiatives.
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Joining intergenerational programs that bridge age gaps through shared learning.
Benefits:
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Keeps the mind active through learning and teaching.
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Builds emotional satisfaction from giving back.
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Expands a multigenerational social network.
🧑🤝🧑 4. Social Justice and Civic Engagement
Examples:
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Advocating for elder rights, affordable healthcare, or housing.
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Joining civic or neighborhood councils to improve community life.
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Volunteering for causes such as voter registration, disability access, or poverty reduction.
Benefits:
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Strengthens social purpose and self-efficacy.
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Stimulates cognitive engagement through discussion, policy, and strategy.
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Connects with diverse groups of people.
🎨 5. Arts and Cultural Advocacy
Examples:
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Supporting local museums, music, theater, or cultural festivals.
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Advocating for arts in schools or community access to cultural programs.
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Starting creative clubs or classes (painting, music, writing) with a social cause.
Benefits:
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Boosts creativity and emotional expression.
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Provides both social interaction and relaxation.
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Enhances mood and cognitive health.
🖥️ 6. Digital and Technology Advocacy
Examples:
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Promoting digital literacy among older adults.
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Helping others safely use technology for communication and access to services.
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Joining or leading online advocacy groups or campaigns.
Benefits:
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Keeps mental agility sharp by learning new skills.
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Enables long-distance social connections.
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Reduces isolation, especially for mobility-limited retirees.
❤️ 7. Peer Support and Mental Health Advocacy
Examples:
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Starting or joining peer-support groups for retirees or caregivers.
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Volunteering with mental health nonprofits to reduce stigma.
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Advocating for accessible counseling or wellness services for seniors.
Benefits:
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Strengthens empathy and emotional well-being.
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Creates deep, supportive social ties.
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Encourages personal growth and resilience.
✅ Practical Tips to Get Started
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Start local: Look for volunteer programs in your community center, library, or faith group.
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Pick something you care about: Advocacy is sustainable when it aligns with your values and interests.
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Mix physical and social elements: Choose activities that keep you both active and connected.
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Leverage existing skills: Use your professional experience to mentor or consult for nonprofits.
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Stay balanced: Combine advocacy with leisure, self-care, and family time.