Resources

Who are they referring to when they mention those words elders, oldster, Senior Citizen, old timer, elderly…

Is it you they’re talking about, ME??? Or are they referring to themselves….

You know I’m not sure anymore because I’m also hearing boomers, GEN X, retirees, and then “Active Ager”

Now I’m liking that term – Active Ager. You know it really does kinda fit doesn’t it…

When you think about your parents, grandparents and perhaps a great grandparent and then yourself – you can see that at certain points each generation is very different at say 40, 60 and now 80.

For example, it is becoming quite popular to be a new parent at 40 while 2 generations ago the majority become grandparents at 40.

So, you see each generation is indeed younger than the generations before them.

Social Security picked age 65 for retirement because for most people that is about when life ended. If they were to pick an age now it most likely would be in the neighborhood of 75 or 80.

And if we are living well into our 80’s, 90’s and even into 100 we need to live that life actively!!

Thus “Active Ager” Look around. Set goals. Start a whole new life to be lived fully. Start a new career! Pick one that’s fun. Something you couldn’t do all those years ago.

It’s never too late!    It’s never too late to live!

We look around in today’s world and often notice we are looking down at a devise rather than at each other. It wasn’t long ago if you were waiting for your appointment, your turn to check out or for the movie to start that people were actually talking to each other.

The chatting might have been about the wait, the weather or other insignificant things but we were engaging with each other.

We humans are social animals. We fail to thrive as babies if we are not held, talked to and loved by others. The same holds true throughout our lives. We don’t want to be by ourselves 100% of the time. Oh, we like our alone time but soon find we want to be out and with others.

Often the problem arises in today’s world of how do we make new friends? How do we gather?

We have our routines where we go to family for the holidays. Off to this friend for Fourth of July. We belong to this club and volunteer over there.

Then time passes. We have moved. They have moved. There was a spat. The club or volunteer work is no longer rewarding. Friends and family have died.

We are more alone than we want to be… And it’s hard.

It has become harder to make new friends. Where do you find them? How do you start?

You could start by making a list of your friends and add to that list people you know who you would like to get to know better.

Now think about the things you like to do or want to do. Try to pair up those things and those people on your list.

When you think it might work, invite them to join you on that yard sale adventure or to go to the museum or how about the Farmer’s Market.

You won’t get a yes, every time but keep trying. Don’t give up. Try, try again.

And just try saying Hi to everyone you encounter during your week. Be the person you are looking for. Yes, I know it’s hard, but they are looking for friends too.

And remember SeniorCenterCt.org is there to help you find those activities, events and trips to ask others to join you in.

Set a goal. Make two new friends this year and do three things you have never done before. And that can lead to a fuller and more engaging life!

When we think about our own independence, we often equate that independence with our day to day living. Can we get to the store, to work, to school? Is the weather a problem? Will there be a traffic issue? Am I running late?

And with our day to day living we sometimes forget that Independence equals freedom, and, in this country, we have an abundance of freedoms. We can speak out. We vote.  We are free to worship as we choose. We can assemble when and where we want. We can move about as we choose.

We are very fortunate to live in the United States and have these privileges.

But back to our personal independence.

I found the definition of independence to be – the ability to live your life without being helped or influenced by other people (Cambridge Dictionary)

Now how silly is that – of course we are influenced by others – the news is just one example. And we are helped by other people on a regular basis. And who might they be – the doctor, your lawyer, your neighbor, a friend. Someone holds the door for you. They are helping you.

But there are the times when that independence is compromised.

Our personal independence can become very limited if say the car breaks down. We have a sick child at home. Our eyesight fails. We don’t react as quickly as we once did. A car, the insurance, gas, etc. becomes unaffordable.

Our mobility. Our ability to get around can really define our life style. Our world can get very small if we no longer have the freedom to get about as we choose.

What do we do then? How do we get places? What are the resources available to us?

Who can I ask for a ride? Do I have too much self-pride to ask? What about shopping and all those appointments I have?

Enable yourself to ask and to find out what resources are out there. Visit or call your Senior Center. Call 211. Use SeniorCenterCt.org. Ask at your Church. If you are a veteran or member of an organization, see if they give rides. And don’t overlook asking your family and friends. They probably would love to send more time with you.

But remember you need to be flexible and fit what you want and need into someone else’s schedule. You don’t have to go shopping on Tuesday and running errands on Wednesday. Look at this all as a change in your life style – not that you lost your freedom. Embarrass your new methods of mobility as an adventure!

Live demonstrations

Health screenings

Give-a-ways

Door prizes

Free presentations

These are just a few of the things available at Expos, Home Shows and Trade Shows. Most are free or very low cost to attend. They are great ways to learn about services and providers you might need. You can also compare agencies.

Discover what’s available in your area. Search out the booths with recreation, travel, insurance, fitness, Senior Centers and more. You can make a list at home and then go to an expo and talk with providers about what you need and how they can help you and your family. You can get the answers. And if the person you are talking with doesn’t have the information or service you are looking for, they can probably point out a booth that can help you.

Start watching for and listening for the upcoming Expos, Home Shows and Trade Shows. Generally, they are start in the spring and end in the fall. Check Area Agencies on Aging, Senior Centers and area housing units. Some might be hosted by major companies for their retirees. Plan on attending yearly for a few years. You can never learn everything at just one. Plus, you’re adapt to meet up with folks you know and have a few friendly chats as well.

AND if you are a business then you want to be a vendor! Your company needs to always be growing and teaching. Expos, Home Shows and Trade Shows are great ways to meet lots of people. If you want to be a part of the health screening let the organizer know. The same with presentations and demonstrations. Your company could be a great addition! It is an excellent way to grow those new costumers. Plus, it puts a face to your business.

Get out there and be seen. Stand up at your booth. It makes you more approachable. Give meaningful items. Engage with the folks passing by. You never know where any connection or contact might lead. Let other vendors know what you do and who your company is. Grow connections. Build relationships. And whatever you do stay off your phone!

And hey make sure you stop by the SeniorCenterCt.org table and say Hi! Be sure to tell us you read about us here!