On February 18, Gene Hackman passed in Santa Fe, New Mexico at 95 years of age. A legend of the movie screen for over four decades, this accomplished actor played roles embodying tough, strong, steady and warm characters. Thus, the circumstances of his death with wife Betsy Arakawa shook the country’s conscience. What lessons can be learned with this loss?

The tragedy is a story of a couple who chose isolation. This tendency is prevalent in our own neighborhoods where many older citizens prefer independent living. It is also a tale of estrangement from family in a time where increased family separation is prevalent.

This tragedy reflects on current societal trends, yet with awareness, we can create change from this loss. Stardom did not protect this couple from their final unexpected circumstance. The experience that may have improved this situation rests in noticing, connecting, community and outreach.

As we now know, Arakawa passed from a rare syndrome called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Hackman then passed from heart disease and Alzheimer’s after his caretaking wife. Both were found days after their deaths by a maintenance worker who grew concerned when he did not hear from them. After going to the house, he noticed their bodies through the window.

Learning about this story invoked significant reflection in my own 91-year-old mother. A family discussion revealed a recent experience with a neighbor who noticed my mother had not picked up her newspaper one morning. The neighbor came to the door bringing the paper and concern for her welfare. This simple act was greatly appreciated.

Finding ways to offer extra attention as a neighbor or family member can make a difference. Asking an elderly person in your community what safety backup plan they have, or if you can help, is another act of compassion that can have a significant impact.

We live in a time of social isolation where the act of caring not only helps someone else, it can also help us. In a 1989 interview, Hackman shared that the pursuit of acting led him to become selfish due to stepping away from family for long periods. It was difficult to turn down opportunities, he said, in a quest to stay relevant. A nature that neglects family may potentially lead to estrangement.

Our society quietly encourages us to look after ourselves first (“put on your oxygen mask first, before helping others”). As we navigate a purpose-driven life, learning balance for our own well-being while making meaning for others is paramount. Our world needs us to step outside our comfort zones and share our attention with others: making a difficult call to a loved one from whom we’ve become distant, checking on a stranger, being a concerned neighbor. Challenging our selfish quotient is a wonderful start.

Poet William Wordsworth eloquently noted, “The best portion of a good man’s life are the little nameless, unremembered acts of kindness.”

Jennifer Di Francesco is a wellness explorer and desert adventurist and can be reached at www.coachellabellaboho.com.