When studying the healthiest and longest-living people, it is found they have connections with people that extend beyond themselves. This certainly can be the case for access to healthcare, education or social services, and with these benefits, a person can maintain better health, get a good job and also find support from the community. We tend to think of life-extending efforts as those pertaining to eating better and exercising more, and it is true doing so will indeed help the physical being and benefit everyone.

How often do we imagine the benefits garnered when our spiritual beings are nourished and exercised to the ultimate? HCI invites this week’s readers to examine the social support aspects of the 40 Developmental Assets and the personal power aspects as they relate to living longer.

The External Assets # 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 address how all individuals can be socially engaged for the betterment of the community:

• Parents providing high levels of love and support to their children
• Young person seeking counsel from parents or caregivers
• Neighbor becoming a friend and caring adult for children
• Schools work to be caring and encouraging places for students
  and adults
• Parents getting involved in ensuring success for their children in school

The Internal Assets # 37, 38, 39, and 40 truly focus on the personal side of being healthy in mind and spirit and therefore a way to live longer:

• Personal empowerment to feel there is control over ‘things that happen’
• Healthy self esteem that enables a person to say ‘I can do that’
• Purpose in life and knowing there is a reason to live
• Optimistic view of the future for both the individual and the community

To build these assets requires intentional planning and action, as well as commitment. This is why people join churches, synagogues, clubs, sports teams, political parties, and service organizations. There is a solid format for engagement and a ready network to join. Imagine if added to the great work being done in these areas, were the 40 Developmental Assets, as a focus for guiding the activities of the members. This is totally possible and HCI can guide any group to being ‘Asset Rich’. There is no ‘Fountain of Youth’ or ‘Magic Pill’ or even a ‘Miracle Cure’ to live longer. But there are activities and opportunities to enrich your mind, spirit and soul, which in turn lowers blood pressure, increases endorphins, decreases stress, and more.

HCI offers many venues for nourishment of the mind, spirit and soul and invites you to consider some of the following:

• Volunteer to be a Mentor in the P.I.E. Program, call 610-566-8272
  
  
• Join in Parenting Discussion Groups -
  sign up now online www.hci-rtm.org
  
  
• Attend the HCI Club’s Music Festival-
  April 26th at Penncrest High School
  
  
• Participate in HCI’s Relay for Life Team -
  May 9th at Penncrest High School
  
  
• Support the HCI Power of ONE Breakfast -
  Set for May 28th / Details Later!
  

Visit HCI at www.hci-rtm.org to learn more about these opportunities and the 40 Developmental Assets or call Dana Riker, Executive Director at 610-566-2872 with your ideas and comments. Thank you!