"A Hole In My heart" www.inspire.fm

By Dominic Joseph of www.inspire.fm March 5 2013

Since Loneliness generated lots of interest among our listeners, I took the opportunity to interview Dr. Peter Abas to generate an in-dept understanding of Loneliness with his case study titled, ‘Hole In The Heart.’ Van Manen’s hermeneutic approach(1990) was used to describe and interpret within an existential theoretical framework the meaning of Loneliness in the lived experience of elderly individuals. Loneliness is a pervasive human experience. It is a subjective experience that is influenced by one’s personality and situational variable. Loneliness has been recognized as a public health problem that requires the attention of clinicians and researchers both as a condition in itself and its relationship to other conditions.

‘Hole In The Heart’ is an actual lived experience of a participant in Dr. Peter’s research that describes the existence of a painful void in his life.

In this interview Dr. Peter defines what Loneliness is all about. He went on to clarify the difference between an introvert and a lonely person, Loneliness and self-pity and idleness leading to Loneliness. Dr. Peter also provides practical tips on how the elderly and young could avoid falling into the trap of Loneliness.



CREATIVE ARTS produced by 12 elderly individuals (ages 70-95)
Own by: Rev.Dr. Peter Abas

 

"DR. PETER ABAS ON GROWING UP!"

Interviewed was done by Dominic Joseph of www.inspire.fm , click this link in order to listen to the audio- program. December 25, 2012.

One hot issue that seems to be lingering around for sometime and happens to be of a great concern for politicians, lawmakers, academicians, parents, educationalist and community leaders is the decline of civic consciousness among youth. Apart from the decline in civic consciousness, the youth are also exposed to different social problems which includes substance abuse, discipline problems, gangsterism, vandalism, alcoholism and young relationships among youths. It has been recommended that the community and policy makers need to view social problems holistically.

Dominic had the unique opportunity to talk to Dr. Peter Abas who as they say, went through the grind while growing up and has gained the right to share his experiences and wisdom with the listeners. He suggests that,”a lot of things can be achieved through sports and games.” Dr. Peter did just that when he was a young lad, with lots of encouragement and support from his father. His fathers positive influence over him did make a big difference in developing his personality and character.

As a social worker, counsellor and community leader Dr. Peter has this question to ask all parents, “How much quality time are you actually investing with your kids?” Dr. Peter further elaborates that it is extremely critical during these challenging and complex times for parents to give their undivided attention to their kids, particularly during their growing-up years. “My fathers attention and inspiration has made a tremendous difference to my life.” I sincerely hope that this interview will inspire parents and the young ones, that it is possible for your kids to achieve success no matter what the circumstances are, through effective mentoring of parents and the willingness of the respective parent to take charge. As parents, we are ultimately responsible for the way our children turn out.

Dr. Peter Abas was born on 18 May 1960, Penampang, Sabah or popularly known as North Borneo. Dr. Peter completed his pre-university at St. Francis Xaviers Seminary in Singapore and spent another six years at St. Peters College, Kuching, Sarawak majoring in Theology & Philosophy. After which Peter went to St. Josephs, Kiulu, Sabah serving the poor community before being sent to San Anselmo Pontifical University, Rome, Italy to obtain the ‘ Licentiate In Sacred Liturgy.’ While in Italy he mastered the Italian language.

When Dr. Peter returned to this region he spent 1 year at SAIDI (Philipines) focusing on human formation and later went back to teach at St. Peters College, Kuching, Sarawak for 3 years. Obtained a scholarship to pursue a Masters In Counselling at Fordham University, New York, specialising in ‘Substance Abuse By the Young.’ Also completed a Post-Masters in Counselling & Human Services. Obtained a second scholarship to complete a Doctorate In Education at University Rochester, New York, specialising in Counselling & Human Development(Gerontology Counselling) and wrote a book on ‘Loneliness’ focusing on the elderly above 65 years of age.

In New York, Dr. Peter Abas founded the St. Raymonds Youth Group or better known as ‘Heart-Beats.’ Dr. Peter also had exposure with youth centres in Australia and Germany. While in Germany he mastered the German language. Dr. Peter Abas was invited to present a paper in France at the 19th World Congress for the International Association Of Gerontology And Geriatrics. Dr. Peter completed a research on ‘End Of Life’ related to Hospice and Palliative Care. Implemented innovative methods in counselling for the elderly such as ‘Rhythmic Tranquility.’ Dr. Peter was very active at the St. Josephs Neighbourhood Counselling Center, New York, Pastoral Counselling & Family Therapy, New York and University Counselling Center , New York.

DRUM YOUR LONELINESS AWAY

In order to listen to this audio interviewed click to www.inspire.fm  January 14, 2013

Often when one mentions a hot issue there is a tendency to relate it to politics, economics, sex scandals, etc. However are you aware that ‘ loneliness’ is actually a hot issue around the globe? Many countries including Malaysia are steadily progressing toward an aging population. While aging is a natural process, its impact can be painful individually as well as the nation. Many International NGO’s are championing the issue of loneliness with respective government’s around the world to give greater attention to their elderly.

The song ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’ which was first made popular by Elvis Presley followed by Barry Manilow and Norah Jones. Part of the lyrics goes like this, “…with emptiness all around…..is your heart filled with pain. “Loneliness is a ‘hidden killer’ of elderly. reported by Sean Coughlan, BBC News education and family correspondent. For instance in United Kingdom, it has been reported that one in ten elderly people suffers from “intense” loneliness. The campaign group wants loneliness to be recognized as a public health issue.

After speaking to Rev. Dr. Peter Abas, Dominic realized loneliness among the elderly above 65 years is a serious problem around the globe. Dr Peter introduces this subject of loneliness in a way that puts listeners at ease, especially if you have aging parents and as a dutiful son/daughter how do you assist your parents deal with loneliness. His passion, knowledge and experience on the subject of loneliness is indisputable. Dr. Peter has done a lots of research and written a book on ‘Loneliness.’ He has also introduced innovative methods in dealing with loneliness. This interview deals with the topic of loneliness among the elderly who are 65 years old and above.

Here’s a link to Rev. Dr. Peter Abas doctoral dissertation “Loneliness and Lived Experiences of Elderly Individuals Living Independently: Hermeuneutic Phenomenological Approach.

For more of Rev Dr Peter Abas sharing do head on to his website yokuiti-areyoulonely.blogspot.com

Article written and interviewed by DOMINIC JOSEPH of  www.inspire.fm