Malcolm Goldsmith Lecture 17th
November 2015
The causes of wellness throughout
life – Professor Sir Harry Burns
This year’s lecture was given by Professor Sir Harry Burns,
Professor of Global Health at Strathclyde University. It was challenging and thought provoking and
made us consider all the factors which impact on our well-being.
He stressed that it is not just a case of
being ‘well or ill’ but what is really influencing our sense of well-being. He used the statement from the World Health
Organisation as a starting point:
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social
well-being and not merely the absence of disease”.
It would be impossible to do justice in a summary of the
lecture which was detailed, wide ranging and demonstrated the complexity of
achieving well-being all of which was delivered with empathy and humour. Therefore only some key themes will be
illustrated and any misinterpretation is mine.
The emphasis of the lecture was on the social aspects in
particular as being primary contributors to our sense of belonging and self
esteem. In coming to this point he gave
comparative figures in relation to the health of the Scots and pointed out the
myths which surround the commonly held view that it is amongst the worst in Europe. It is not all about smoking, diet and alcohol
but about what lies behind these factors in terms of social and environmental issues
and that the inequalities in mortality for men, for instance, is in relation to
drugs, violence and suicide whose origins are often in early childhood.
Sir Harry pointed out the changing social structures since
the 1950s; the kind of housing that was developed; the loss of communities; the
changing employment patterns which have all impacted on our sense of community
and worthiness.
For FiOP, his emphasis on ‘man’s sense of meaning’ as “Those
who have a ‘why’ to live can bear with almost any ‘how’” (Victor Frankl) has a
strong resonance and helps to further ground the importance of the spiritual
dimension based on this definition. Such
resonance is also carried through with the sense of community, consistency and
coherence being of vital importance to how we view the world from an early age.
Probably the starkest message was in relation to babies and
children in whom the impact of a lack of care, consistency and safety has a
profound physical, emotional and mental long term effect. This can become evident in higher risks of
violence, alcoholism being factors in a cycle of alienation. He emphasised the economic cost of child
maltreatment as well the social cost. He
said that it is possible to reverse the effects of a difficult life but this
requires support to encourage physical activity of at least 150 minutes per
week, to practise mindfulness and develop strong social connections.
Underlying the whole approach Sir Harry took was the
importance of compassion and considering the assets we have within us and our
communities.
He quoted Father Greg Boyle “ Here is what we seek: a compassion that stands in awe of the burdens
the poor have to carry rather than one that stands in judgement at how they
carry them”.
Archbishop Oscar Romero stated “let us not tire of preaching love: it is the force that will overcome
the world. If there were love of
neighbour there would be no terrorism, no repression, and no selfishness, none
of such cruel inequalities in society, no abductions, and no crimes”.
He emphasised that compassion is at the heart of all faiths.
“We need to be brave and don’t forget the hugs” (Professor
Sir Harry Burns)
A full set of Sir Harry's slides is also available from the FiOP
website - click HERE to view
Maureen O’Neill
Director, Faith in Older People
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