Whether you’re widowed, divorced, or just tired of being alone, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy life with other like-minded people. There will always be those fleeting moments when you’ll experience loneliness. Maybe you recall busier times when the children were still home or you remember the Sunday get-togethers with family. Whatever the reasons, they happen. However, staying lonely for long periods of time isn’t necessary, nor is it healthy. Too many of us are lonely and just don’t need to be.
Humans are designed as social creatures and need interaction with others. You need to laugh, be encouraged, share quiet and thought-provoking discussions, and know that your friendship is appreciated by others just as you appreciate theirs.
The truth is, as we age, many of us just don’t have the energy we once did. Maybe you’re one of those who have developed a health condition which has taken a toll on the body. Or maybe you’re just content to stay home and not bother leaving. Loneliness begins innocently enough, but if you stop socializing with people, you’ll find that the loneliness increases. Then before you even realize what’s happened you’ll find yourself caught in a vicious circle and living a daily routine without purpose or interest. You’re not dead! You’re just over 50 and at the beginning of a new phase in your life.It’s time to make a change. It’s time to put a little pizzazz back in your schedule and rejuvenate yourself. So here are some good places to begin meeting the people you’ll have a common bond with.
First of all, if you’re a spiritual person, include yourself in activities at your church. There are almost always new people to meet and things to do there. Do you enjoy singing or playing an instrument? Join the choir or play the piano.
If you are exhilarated by taking part in physical activity, become part of a bowling team, swimming group, or golf foursome. Meeting new people isn’t difficult when you attend outings with others that you already know have the same interests as you have.
Check your newspaper to learn where and when a class meets during the week. It might be woodworking, dancing, quilting, or cooking. Take your pooch to a dog obedience training class and meet other dog lovers. No one’s dog has reached perfection yet so both of you can learn together and make new friends.
Volunteering for election duty, helping with garage or yard sales, visiting hospitals or nursing homes, or delivering meals to those in need. There are so many things you can do it would be impossible to list them all here.
If you’re a little shy and still uncertain about where to search for a way to extend your hand in friendship, go to www.meetup.com. It’s filled with all sorts of people who are in the same boat you are. Groups from all backgrounds and interests meet for the pure joy of experiencing their favorite interest with other, like-minded individuals.
The diversity of the groups is amazing! There are those who go horse back riding, fishing, or hiking. They play cards, research family trees, sew, do puzzles, scrapbook, have Bible studies, and even sing karaoke. If you don’t find something there that appeals to you, they encourage you to begin a group of your own, right in your neighborhood if you’d like. They’ll even give you the step by step directions to get you off on the right foot.
So don’t give your mind the opportunity to begin feeling sorry for yourself. Start the morning with getting ready to meet and greet!
Join us at www.lifebydesingover50.com community site for over 50s and invite your friends too! It’s a great place to learn and share.
Debe Lange