economicmultipliers_123

Economic Multipliers (123)

Do you know what these are?

They help CREATE wealth in systems.

Music is an economic multiplier if it helps keep people connected in positive ways.

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Do you have an unused (but still usable) MP3 player or iPod sitting around that you’d be willing to donate?

You could alter the ‘fate’ of some person struggling with memory, ‘connection,’ or learning problems.

It’s no secret that music has helped bind individuals, groups and nations together for generations.

Some people might not know though that music is currently being used in assisted living facilities, nursing homes and Alzheimer’s units across the nation to not only reach people but also keep them connected: Local organizations and organizations like Music and Memory are collecting gently used units to distribute for help with patients. Not only that, upcoming generations are starting to use audio devices to help relatives stay in their homes and schools are expanding on their use of audio devices to help better educate students.

When I started this piece, the original lead-in was: ‘Preparing for older age is an economic multiplier for every generation’ because I thought it would be worthy to note that there is value for any generation in learning how to use some of the techie ‘gizmos’ that grace our life. If and when any age or health related problem crops up, anything that has already been learned might need to be relearned … but it is much easier the second time around … for the patient and the caregiver.

Things that people are familiar with are easy to integrate into any kind of treatment or therapy. Lack of knowledge at the get-go can slow a lot of things down.

Simple storage devices that store and play back audio files can store instructions, music, audiobooks and other digital files. If you can’t figure out exactly how one works, ask someone who knows and don’t expect to remember everything the first time around.

The easiest way to convince yourself that you can’t learn something is to give up before your 16th try (see P.S.(2)).

And, as I write this, I want to pose a question: Do the older generations have a responsibility to take some steps to prepare for older age?

People can have health problems and/or deal with disasters at any age. In a nation that values personal freedom and individual choice, does anyone have the right to tell someone that if they don’t know how to do something, they should start learning? … especially if, as a result, along with everything being easier on everyone else, their life could be immeasurably better and more enjoyable as they age?

If you are the individual who has a donateable MP3 player or iPod, can you write down the instructions and/or teach someone the basics of some other techie device? Is it you who could alter someone’s ‘fate’ for the better?

Creating an economic multiplier in any community can be as simple as wanting to share a piece of music.

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P.S. As people age, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and/or connections to young people are probably the most common and best age protection. Who has time to get older when you’re connected to younger generations, are learning and relearning with them and need to keep pace with them?

P.S.(2) Sixteen has become my rather arbitrary number. If you really want to learn something, make a true effort and still haven’t learned it after 16 tries (It’s OK to use written step-by-step instructions.), don’t feel bad giving up and letting someone else do it.