Old Age and Loneliness

In his work "On Old Age," Cicero says the following:

"Neither gray hair nor wrinkles automatically bestow dignity; only a life lived honestly can achieve that."

This saying allows us to view old age not merely as a biological process, but as an accumulation, a story, a testimony. Looking around us today, we see that many people carrying the burden of years also carry the burden of invisibility. Yet, behind each of them are lives that have left indelible marks on the collective memory of society.

In our first issue, we explored the intersections of volunteering, particularly with old age and loneliness.

We are looking closely. Because the maturity of a society is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable members. Knocking on a door, pulling up a chair, patiently listening to a story can sometimes change a person's world. And sometimes ours.

Volunteering is one of our strongest human bonds in the fight against loneliness. We prepared this file to remind ourselves that our elders are not a "burden" but an "asset"; to listen once again to their life experiences, their voices, and their presence.

We felt an indescribable excitement while preparing this first issue of Mitenand. We envisioned a magazine that reminds us that it's possible to be together, to connect with one another, and to soften hearts even with a small act of kindness.

The main reason we prepared this magazine was our desire to contribute to the community we live in. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, we all sometimes forget to listen to each other's stories, to see their needs, and to remember the healing power of even a simple greeting.

Yet volunteering is precisely the most humane way to re-establish these forgotten bonds. This magazine was born to strengthen that bond; to remind us that solidarity, sharing, and being well together are possible.

In this first issue, we invite you to experience the spirit of Mitenand;

To be together… To be united… To smile together… To heal together…

We invite you.

We hope that as you read this issue, you will not only gain knowledge but also feel the excitement, warmth, and sincerity we felt when we embarked on this journey. Perhaps, as you browse through the pages, you will notice the spark of goodness within yourself shining a little brighter.

We're so glad you're accompanying us on this first step; your presence makes this journey so much more meaningful.

Happy reading!