To combat isolation and loneliness, groups like the Aloha Caftan Society and Men’s Sheds provide space for a community to develop and connections to be made.
We all know by now that feeling lonely is detrimental to our health and yet many of us struggle with the feeling from time to time. Whether it’s because you’ve moved to a new city or because your past relationships have faded over time, it can hard to meet new people- especially people with whom you share interests!
That’s where a group like Men’s Sheds can have a big impact! Originally an Australian phenomenon, new chapters are sprouting up everywhere, thanks to the clear need for a space for people to connect- in this case, over woodworking. Generally geared towards older men, all people with an interest in working wood with their hands are welcome to join.
“It’s not really a woodworking shop. It’s a community enterprise where people with problems can come and discuss them with friends,” said Philip Jackson, founder of a UK chapter. The benefits are not lost on the members, nor are they lost on the medical community: the national Associations help teach new chapters how to file for grants from healthcare sources.
In some ways very different and in others, very similar, the Aloha Caftan Society brings together people from all over the US and abroad who share an appreciation for the caftan. They had a members-only weekend meet up earlier this year at the wonderful Madonna Inn that they dubbed “Pink Caftans on Parade”, and it looked to be a glorious affair. They organize smaller meetups fairly regularly and their community seems well bonded over the comfortable-yet-stylish garment and the overall mid-century vibe.
All of this to say that whatever your interests, there is a community of people out there who share it. If that potential community doesn’t seem to be organized or connected with each other, perhaps you can be the person to facilitate that!
Hat tip: Good News Network (Men’s Sheds) and Boing Boing (Aloha Caftan Society)
