My hope was to learn from the experience and connect with others that would translate into a positive refresh of our Extension work. I feel that this experience accomplished that and more.
First, the people we met; our hostess, tour guides, physician, pharmacist, dietician, store owners, and village residents were so giving and welcoming, it was impressive. We were embraced and invited into their homes with such ease. The thing I liked the most was visiting with locals about their home and lifestyle. “There’s a magic, if you listen”, one resident’s description of the island.
The attitude about life was inspirational. I learned that living a long healthy life wasn’t just about eating fresh and healthy foods and being physically active, I felt a crucial reason for their longevity and quality of life was the positive attitude towards life. Specifically, there is a positive attitude related to aging. I learned that the people of Ikaria are not waiting for retirement to enjoy life- as one islander figuratively said “there is no word for retirement”, instead they have purpose throughout life. It truly is the slow and peaceful life that allows the Ikarians to be in the moment and appreciate the little things.
Now that we have returned I am looking forward to putting this new found appreciation for living into our Extension programs. I think the doctor who we shared dinner with one evening sums it up well with these tips for a long healthy life: laugh often, dance often, fall in love, work enough, don’t stress, and don’t eat too much.
I am so grateful I was able to share in this journey with a great team of Extension Educators and friends in the School of Nursing.
Efharistó,
Kelsie Muller