Guests in a breakout group. || Brendan Cassidy
The Swampscott For All Ages Committee has a motto that Swampscott is a great place to not only grow up but to grow old in.
The committee, along with other groups in town such as the Recreation Department, Health Department and the Senior Center, held a day of learning and discussion centered around mental health topics at Swampscott High School on Saturday.
Attendees, mostly senior citizens and parents, listened to speakers, shared experiences and feelings, and met with sponsors of the event.
The fair kicked off with a presentation from keynote speaker Lisa Tieszen, an independent social worker who focuses on the field of mental health. Tieszen’s presentation was based on building personal resilience through self awareness, purpose, hope and connection.
Lisa Tieszen presents to the crowd. || Brendan Cassidy
According to Tieszen, for seniors, loneliness can be as harmful as smoking multiple packs of cigarettes per day. She provided the crowd of attendees with online resources and ways to think throughout the day that can be beneficial, such as taking a moment to reflect on current feelings
“Ask for help,” said Tieszen. “It’s my message to you. We pride ourselves in being independent but we can’t do it all alone.”
She urged everyone to keep in mind the values that are most important to them.
After Tieszen’s presentation, attendees were separated into breakout groups. One was for veterans in attendance. Another was titled “Aging with Optimism,” where participants shared the things and people they are most thankful for in their lives.
Everyone joined back together for a panel discussion moderated by Tieszen. The day’s events concluded with a lunch and a chance to visit booths of sponsors and other local organizations.
Swampscott For All Ages Co-Chair Robert Powell said it was great to see many groups and committees in town join forces to put on the event.
“It really became, from a planning perspective, this organic tornado that grew into a massive collaboration,” said Powell. “I think it’s great. People are sharing their experiences. It’s not a monologue, it’s a dialogue.
Powell said that hearing what other people are going through can show others that they are not alone.
“To know they are not alone and see they are surrounded by likeminded company is crucial so they don’t have to think they are experiencing it by themselves,” said Powell. “And more importantly that there is a path out.”
The event, Powell said exemplifies another motto Swampscott For All Ages lives by, that the town is a great place to grow old because of the way people care about each other.