Lunching With My Sister-Friends
by Freddie Hamilton
SAGEADVICE4U.com
Aging Gracefully -
Living Healthy
Last week I had lunch with several – about twelve – of my ‘new’ friends from my senior’s center. These are friends that I’ve met in the last two or three years, since I relocated from Brooklyn, to upstate New York. The center is closed for July but the coordinator planned a few get togethers during the month so that we could keep in touch. What a great time we had. The gathering gave rise to thoughts about the importance of family and friends as we age.
For many of us, as we age our circumstances change.
We may find that we have to relocate to be closer to family who will help care for us. Or, we may need to down-size our living arrangements or lifestyle. During these types of transitions we often have to leave good friends behind. When these things happen, whether planned or unexpected, we should try to maintain a positive attitude. Adopt an ‘attitude of gratitude’ and be flexible enough to adjust to the new circumstances. It’s helpful to family members when we continue to make a life for ourselves. Don’t get stuck. Move forward. Make new friends by learning about the social, civic, and even political activities that are available in your new environment. Consider becoming a volunteer in a cause that interests you.
Research has shown that isolation can, literally, be deadly for seniors. Social contacts during our later years become more and more important. Being with others, particularly those around our same age, and those who share the same cultural experiences, helps to keep our minds active as we exchange information, ideas, and new experiences. We can listen to good music, some from our own generation, dance and exercise, take in a movie or play, have lunch or dinner dates, learn or teach crafting, discuss our aches and pains, or simply share remembrances.
I’m surprised how much my ‘new’ friends exhibit some of the same characteristics of my other friends. As a matter of fact I have been able to remember a lot of the names of my new friends based on how closely their names or characteristics remind me of friends that I left behind. Of course I’m careful to keep in touch with those dear friends that I left behind, and with whom I shared so much of my life.
Let’s move forward gracefully. Photo courtesy of: clutchmagonline.com
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This entry was posted in Aging, Aging With Beauty And Grace, Emotional Health, Mental Health on July 29, 2017
by Freddie Hamilton.
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