Written By: Mary Lou Wylie
In his 1835 classic "Democracy in America," Alexis de Tocqueville wrote "Americans of all ages constantly unite. Not only do they have commercial and industrial associations, in which all take part, but they also have a thousand other kinds: religious, moral, grave, futile, very general and very particular, immense and very small.” Participating in groups has traditionally been very American and has helped create a sense of community, while strengthening the fabric of American society.
However, there have been changes in recent years, as participation in groups has decreased. In his 2000 work, 'Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community', Robert Putnam discusses how social connections and collective community engagement have diminished over time. According to Putnam, the rise of bowling alone, as opposed to bowling teams, represents social isolation and the decline of community involvement. He discussed how the decline in group participation is related to higher levels of loneliness and a weaker social fabric for our society, as we are less likely to know other people and to see these people as important in our lives.
Fortunately, this situation is probably less true for most academics, and it is certainly less true for members of the Faculty Emeriti Association. For 25 years, the FEA has worked in many ways to bring together all of the emeriti faculty of JMU.
The FEA offers wonderful opportunities for socializing at our regular meetings each year. In addition to the summer picnic and the holiday lunch, there is a spring lunch and a fall lunch that have speakers presenting developments at JMU or in the community. The FEA also organizes day trips that include a bus ride to an event, such as a museum exhibit, a play, or a garden. FEA members also participate in a rich variety of interest groups. The groups emphasize socializing through food and drink (Breakfast Group, Lunch Group, Dinner Group, Wine Group, Beer and Hard Cider Group, Whiskey Appreciation Group), discussing books, attending plays and movies, and learning a language.
Covid was a big challenge to the FEA, as it was to all of society. During Covid, the FEA sponsored several online events, such as musical performances and cooking demonstrations by members. Although we could not meet in person, we were able to maintain social relationships while we were careful to practice social/medical isolation. The Emeriti Book Group coped with Covid by meeting online and has continued the online format as it allows members who have moved out of the Shenandoah Valley the opportunity to continue to socialize with other members.
One specific example of the FEA demonstrating the development of a tight-knit community was the support the wine group gave to two members who temporarily moved to Richmond while their son was undergoing medical treatment. Since these two were unable to attend the regular wine socials, there was a collection at each wine social of snacks to enable them to enjoy their own “wine socials” while they were away.
Researchers are finding multiple benefits of social support. Connecting to other people improves physical and mental health, promotes recovery from illness, and is particularly crucial to people who are going through periods of high stress. People who socialize more develop greater resistance to cognitive decline. They have lower rates of anxiety and depression, and a greater sense of purpose and self-worth. There is also evidence that they have lower blood pressure and a stronger immune function.
Beyond having fun and engaging in entertaining activities, FEA members benefit in countless ways that promote physical health, personal well-being, and a strong sense of community.
