2025-01 From the President: Providing opportunities for meaningful interactions with people

Alone and lonely—similar words, different concepts. That’s how psychologist Robyn Birkeland, a study interventionist and coach with the Families and Long-Term Care Projects team in the U of M School of Public Health, started her UMRA Living Well Workshop presentation in November. We may live alone due to choice, death of a partner, or end of a marriage, but not feel lonely. Or, we can feel lonely while surrounded by a crowd or even family.

It's problematic when we feel lonely and exist in social isolation, without meaningful interactions with people important to us and in activities that reflect our values. As noted in the summary of Birkeland’s workshop, social isolation increases the risk of physical as well as mental health problems, especially as we age.

I kept thinking of UMRA’s role as I listened to her presentation. Certainly UMRA provides opportunities to be around people. Forums and special events provide a time to gather with others. We try to add meaning to those interactions through hosts for new members and intriguing speakers that prompt thoughtful conversations. UMRA has multiple special interest groups that focus on activities that matter to participating members. Let us know if there is more we can do to help you engage meaningfully with UMRA.

One way to create meaning is to recognize those who volunteer and give their time and energy to make these things happen. You’ll see that we list names on slides and to recognize people who have made that special effort to help UMRA. 

During your work years, you probably heard about the President’s Award for Outstanding Service established in 1997 to recognize faculty and staff—current or retired—who have gone above and beyond their regular duties in service to the University community. If you know a retired staff or faculty member who deserves that award, the deadline for nominations is March 7, 2025. A description of nomination requirements is available on the President's Award for Outstanding Service webpage.

Finally, UMRA is offering a cross-generational social event on January 28. Our second “welcome back the light” mid-afternoon celebration will feature the University student a cappella group called Urban Sound. We won’t have our usual forum (which would have been the same day), so join us for this casual social and enjoy the music. Maybe you’ll meet someone new and find an interest in common.

—Julie Sweitzer, UMRA president 2024–25