disengagement

Social engagement has been linked to longevity for quite some time in the sociological and gerontological theory and research literature. Supposedly if one stays engaged in social activities as one ages, one lives longer. The implication is that living longer is a good thing.

As one who is aging, I tend to disagree with that. And not for reasons you might expect. Not because of pain and suffering and loss, etc. As I get older, I see that I have learned about all I can in human form and am engaged in transferring my educational account to other realms ("laying up my treasures in heaven" as the Christians say; "dying before I die" as the Sufi's say). This is as real to me as your getting a good deal at Discount Tire is to you. I see and know what I only suspected before.

I have little interest in social activities these days. As the saying goes: been there, done that. According to the aforementioned body of research, I am doomed and should be withering away to "a rag, a bone, a hank of hair." Yet I am immensely alive, healthy and well. Obviously there is more going on here than just social engagement or the lack thereof.

In more recent research, "leisure activities devoid of social or physical benefits" (reading! they are talking about reading here!) were associated with "improved aging and reduced mortality" but only among men. In another body of gerontological research, conclusions were that "solitary activities have a positive influence on the survival of very old individuals, especially men."

I don't know what is going on with the women. They are a different species. But according to the results for males, since I am an avid reader and am a solitary by nature ("the solitary bird flies highest"), I should live a long long time. Guess I've got more learning to do in human form.