OM:NI is a regular men’s social group facilitated at Outlook Community Centre by Outlook volunteer, Ken McMaster. Older Men: New Ideas (OM:NI) men’s discussion groups are a place for all men aged 50 and over to meet each other in an informal, social environment to share their knowledge and experiences. OM:NI men’s discussion groups have been running in Victoria since 2004, and are now found across Melbourne and in some regional areas. Ken is a talented and keen writer of poetry and observations and it is our pleasure to share some of Ken’s work with you below.
Motivation is a Choice
Some years ago, at an OM:NI meeting, one of the participants, a man close to 90 years of age, offered to speak to the group. The subject he chose was Apathy and Indifference. Two very descriptive words which can easily become an accepted part of some people’s lives, and all too often part of older people’s lives.
The elderly speaker, a retired Australian Army engineering officer, with a professional knowledge of rail design and infrastructure, had many stories and memories which kept us all totally entertained.
Thinking back, he highlighted the outcome that could be experienced if apathy and indifference were left unchecked and allowed to develop. Some of his stories were quite entertaining like the neighbour who invited “Mick” to a BBQ next door. Mick declined, citing a former commitment, then spent the rest of the day trying not to be noticed, moving around in his own house. And the chap who was invited to join some ‘could-be friends’ at a football game, to chat and have a beer. He thought, yes? or no? then he couldn’t be BOTHERED, then wondered why he received no further invitations.
This is all very personal, and only you can make a positive change, if that is in fact what you want. Apathetic indecision can lead to an inaction of choice. Ignored, the result could be – it’s easier to do nothing; and let life pass you by.
One of the main areas of focus that the speaker recommended was hobbies and interests, both existing and/or developing new ones. Sporting interests, either as participants or supporters. He used the saying, ‘Any plan is better than no plan‘, then adding – ‘make your action plan age-appropriate. If you aim for an unrealistic outcome and fail, an apathetic response seems justified. You haven’t failed because you TRIED – you had a go‘.
Too often we allow ourselves to become observers. We stand on the edge of the pool and are afraid to jump in. We know that we can swim, but the thought of failure is what holds us back. This hesitation is often associated with the young, but it is also very much a part of the ageing process.
The speaker illustrated the value of OM:NI in his own life. He had never been lacking regarding motivation and action, until he lost his wife of some fifty years. For some time, he was completely lost, however, his daughter saw an OM:NI flyer and brought it to his attention. After some hesitation he went to a group meeting and soon became a regular attendee.
His words were ‘OM:NI helped me to reinstate my motivation‘. He then added with a smile, ‘I will never allow apathy and indifference to play a part in my life.’
– Ken McMaster
OM:NI is held at Outlook Community Centre on the second Wednesday of each month. The next session is Wednesday 9 April – click here for details.