Activities for Aging in Place

written by Sarah Jennings, guest blogger

The most difficult part of post-employment life is the loneliness. Even if you don’t live alone, you probably crave the company of more than just one person. Even if you were not particularly buddy-buddy with anyone at your workplace, work offered a variety of people to interact with. Meeting people can be difficult if you don’t have anywhere to start. Luckily, no one at this age has to start with a blank slate. There are a few different places you can draw from to find people to associate with.

Old Friends

Maybe you haven’t talked to the boys from the office, or the girls from your old book club for years, but people you were close to in your younger life are great to catch up with. You can compare lives, brag on grandchildren, and talk about the other people you used to know. This will also give you some perspective about where you are in life and what you want to do while you still can.

Church

The best way to find people to spend time with is to draw on your resources. If you attend church or any other weekly function, reach out and talk to new people. There are probably plenty of people you’ve known for years but never really gotten to know. Invite some of them to lunch or to try a yoga class with you or something.

Finding people isn’t the only difficult part though.  What are things you can actually do with limited funds and possibly mobility? Well, there’s actually a lot.

Community classes

Life is a never-ending parade of lessons. We never stop learning. So look into the offerings of your community to see what learning opportunities there are. The local recreation center probably offers a yoga class or another stretch-based exercise option. This is a great way for you to stay fit, learn something new, and meet people.

A local university or art studio might offer pottery or sculpture as a community class. These can be either low-cost or free depending on your location. Learning a new art style not only broadens your mind, but keeps you sharp. Adding skills to your repertoire as you get older keeps your mind strong and reminds you that you are still fully functional even though some days you may not feel like it.

Senior Centers

Senior Centers in your area probably offer a plethora of activities for both residents and non-residents. Senior centers are all about community so there is probably an easy way for you to get involved. By doing this, you can be a part of game tournaments, physical activities, and events such as shows, dances, and movie showings. These activities will also all be people-centered, so you are sure to make some new acquaintances.

It is important to get out in nature, as tempting as it might be to stay cooped up at home all day. Whether it’s just feeding the birds and reading a book in the park or going for a hike, find ways to get outside and enjoy the world. Have you always had a passion for photography? Utilize it now. Getting outside can be as simple as eating lunch on your porch or as involved as maintaining a garden.

Life after retirement can be full of time, and there are plenty of ways to fill the hours. Whether you are as active as ever or need to slow down a bit, you can find ways to fulfill lifelong dreams and satisfy curiosities. By utilizing your resources and accessing your goals from younger days, you can be sure to have a fulfilling retirement.

Sarah Jennings has been taking care of others her whole life. In 2005, she moved her mother into her family home. She uses her personal experience to share with others about caring for the elderly. She currently writes for Brookedale Senior Living.