Friend of The Cedars, Deb Bergeron, Life Coach and President of Ocean of Possibilities, has presented to The Cedars over the years and shares her thoughts on the importance of socializing as we age. Enjoy Deb’s 10 Tips to Building Strong Connections.
“No matter what age you are, or what your circumstances might be, you are special, and you still have something unique to offer. Your life, because of who you are, has meaning.”
~ Barbara de Angelis
1. Nourish your social relationships. Nourish relationships with siblings and cousins your own age; they’re most likely to stay with you through time and can remind you of your younger self. But don’t confine yourself to your own age group. Look for younger friends as well—yes, children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren count, too.
2. Learn for the love of it! Taking classes and attending lecture series can help improve your social connections and keep your mind stimulated. Join with more than 1400 like-minded Portland area adult learners who are members of the Osher Learning Institute at the University of Maine. Book clubs are another great way to expand your mind and your feelings of connectedness.
3. Exercise is the best anti-aging elixir there is, and it’s also a great way to make friends. Mall-walking groups are everywhere nowadays. Even the neighborhood gym is a social gathering place. Seniors often comprise the biggest group of exercisers at suburban workout facilities, especially in the late morning and early afternoon.
4. Share your common interests. Common interests are what bring us together in relationships and they make our relationships have strong ties that hold us together. Not only does it make you feel connected on a deeper level but it’s also fun to do things that you love with another person.
5. Volunteer. Find some local groups that need your help. Volunteering is a great way to contribute to your community and enrich your life and the lives of others. You can make a difference!
6. Demonstrate your caring. People know we care about them through our words and deeds. We need to demonstrate our appreciation and affection. Small gestures such as an unexpected phone call or a kind note or baking a cake can carry just as much weight as big ones. Tell the people you love and care about how you feel. We all like to hear that our efforts are noticed and valued.
7. Join some clubs and organizations. Join some clubs and organizations that involve younger people and not just seniors. Be friendly and approachable, and keep an open mind. It’s never too late to try new things and meet new people!
8. Make the first step. Don’t wait for other people to call you. Reach out to an old friend or acquaintance. See if there are opportunities to reconnect. Think of how you’d feel if an old friend reached out to you.
9. Share your stories. With old age comes a lifetime of experience. Pass along your favorite moments so future generations can remember you for who you are and what you’ve done. They may even learn a thing or two!
10. Embrace new technology. Email and computers have made staying connected easier. By learning the basics of technology you can keep in touch with your friends, sons, daughters, and grandchildren. The younger generations today post pictures online and communicate electronically everyday. It’s a great way to sty in touch.
“Ah, how it feels! The hands of an old friend.”
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow