From Linda Priestley, Editor-in-chief
To recover after the death of his beloved wife, Clément Gravel of Lévis, Que.—who, at the age of 91, began painting canvases to show her when she was in the hospital—kept on painting, inspired by love. Over the years, his devotion to his wife spread to other people.
Until his death at age 100, this man, whom people nicknamed “Papy, the romantic painter,” kept painting, using art therapy to inspire other older adults and encourage them not to give up in the face of grief or other difficulties that come with age. Near the end of his life, he painted a picture that represented for him the pain that Palestinians and Ukrainians were feeling in a time of war.
If there’s a lesson to be learned from this former forestry worker, it’s that you shouldn’t hesitate to connect with others; it can help keep loneliness at bay. Each passerby that we meet by chance carries a universe within them. This awareness that the people around us are the heroes of their own stories and, as the author John Koenig put it, are “living a life as complex and lively as [our] own” can prompt us to develop a curiosity about them.
Of course, we need to enter these vibrant worlds on tiptoe—not in heavy boots! Asking about the lives of the people we meet each day—recognizing the richness of their experiences, realizing that everyone has their challenges (and successes), and understanding that we are part of a vast network of human stories—helps create a positive connection and allows us to paint a portrait of people’s reality, a bit like Papy and his paintbrush. This openness helps us to show empathy—which is linked to personal well-being—and motivates us to persevere in our endeavours and to welcome life’s ups and downs with gratitude and resilience. It can also put a spring in our step, and, as we know, vitality is essential for aging well.
If the challenge sounds daunting, take the first steps at your own pace and according to your own abilities. It can be as simple as going to borrow a cup of flour from a neighbour. You’ll leave with the ingredient you need to make your cake, a smile, and their kind words; later, as you eat the cake, you’ll have the memory of their generosity.
Little by little, you can keep exploring by getting to know people beyond your usual circle. (Neighbourhood gatherings are great for that.) The main thing is to stay curious— without becoming the neighbourhood gossip! A healthy interest in other people is good for your brain and your morale.
