Generations January 2019

Overcoming Aches &Pains

Exercise and Arthritis

Exercise and arthritis

Across the country, more than 50 million people are living with doctordiagnosed arthritis. So says the Arthritis Foundation, which projects that figure will rise to 67 million by the year 2030.

Simply put, arthritis is asignificant problem, one that can not only affect aperson’squality of life, but also his or her pocketbook, as the Arthritis Foundation notes that working-age men and women (those between the agesof18and64)whocontendwitharthritisarelesslikelytobeemployed than people of the same age who do not have arthritis. Arthritis is not only bad for employees, but also for employers, as it accounts for $156 billion annually in lost wages and medical expenses.

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Did You Know?

Osteoporosis is adisease of the bones that occurs when aperson loses too much bone, produces too little bone or both. Though the disease is most often associated with women over 50, anyone can suffer from osteoporosis, which weakens bones and can make them more susceptible to breaks. Exercise is agreat way for men and women to build and maintain strong bones in an attempt to prevent the onset of osteoporosis. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, weight-bearing exercises can help build and maintain bone density. But the NOF notes that men and women who have suffered broken bones due to osteoporosis or those at risk of such breaks may need to avoid high-impact weight-bearing exercises, which includedancing, hiking, jogging, and jumping rope, among others. For those whose

physicians who suggest they avoid high-impact weight-bearing exercises, low-impact weight-bearing exercises can help them strengthen their bones. Such exercises may involve low-impactaerobicsandusingcardiovascular machines, such as elliptical trainers, stair-step machines and treadmills. Additional exercises that can benefit men and women looking to prevent or combat osteoporosis can be found at www.nof.org.

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youcare about

EXERCISE

Exercise may be the last thing on many arthritis sufferers’ minds, but exercise can play a vital role in reducing the often painful symptoms associated with arthritis. Among its other benefits, exercise can strengthen the muscles around arthritic joints and help men and women maintain bone strength. In addition, the Mayo Clinic notes that lack of exercise can make joints feel more painful and stiff, as a sedentary lifestyle will ultimately contribute to putting more stress on joints.

Upon being diagnosed with arthritis, patients should speak with their physicians about the best way to use exercise to combat and relieve their symptoms. Some patients may require physical therapy, while others might be able to work with their physicians to develop an exercise regimen that can help reduce the severity of their symptoms and any pain that accompaniesthosesymptoms. Thefollowing are some types of exercises that figure to play a strong role in managing arthritis and improving quality of life.

Aerobic exercises

Low-impact aerobic exercises, such as walking and swimming, can help arthritis sufferers alleviate their symptoms and improve their overall health. Arthritis sufferers who have not exercised in awhile because of their pain

mayhavegainedweightasaresult,and aerobic exercise is a great way to shed extra pounds. Losing excess weight is a great way to make physical activity less taxing on your joints as well.

Range-of-motion

Range-of-motion exercises are typically simple and don’t take much time, but when done correctly, such exercises can beveryeffectiveatrelievingthestiffness associated with arthritis. A physician or physical therapist might advise you to do range-of-motion exercises each day,andyoumayevenneedtodothem a few times each day. Adhere to this advice, continuing to perform the exercises as long as your doctor or physical therapists deems them necessary.

Strength training

As previously noted, arthritis sufferers may feel as though lifting weights will only exacerbate their existing symptoms. But strength training will strengthen the muscles around the joints, providing more support for those joints and ultimately reducing symptoms of pain. Speak with your physician or physical therapist about appropriate strength-training activities andtheimportanceofrest.Ifyouexperience any pain during strength-training sessions, stop immediately and report the pain to your physician.

More information about managing arthritis can be found at this website: www.arthritis.org.

From Front Cover

Aerobic exercise, including walking, can help alleviate the pain associated with arthritis.

Healthy habits to combat stress

Stress has an immediate and potentially longtermeffectonthehuman body. Though it’s anatural response to both good and bad experiences, stress, when chronic, canproduce ahost of negative consequences that greatly diminish one’s quality of life.

Combatting stress can sometimes be difficult, as the causes of stress are never too far away for many adults. In its 2015 “Stress in America: Paying With Our Health”survey,the American Psychological Association found that money is the top cause of stress for Americans. The survey was con-

ducted on behalf of the APA by Harris Poll, which asked more than 3,000 participants about their issues with stress. Sixty-four percent said money was asomewhat or very significant source of stress, and that number was even higher for parents (77 percent). Survey respondents also noted that work is asignificant source of stress.

Fewadultscanimaginea

life that does not include financial- or work-related stress. But there are ways to combat stress that can benefit people’s long-term health and improve their present-day quality of life.

Develop a support network

Speaking about problems with trusted friends and family members can be an effective way to combat stress. The APA study found that participants who reported havinganemotionalsupport network reported lower stress levels than those who had no such networks to rely on. Try to overcome any reticence you might have about

speaking about your stress to aclose friend or trusted relative on those days when stress seems overwhelming.

Get more exercise

Routine exercise is anotherhealthywaytocombat stress. According to the Anxiety and Depression AssociationofAmerica, studies have shown that exercise can reduce fatigue, improve alertness and concentration and enhance overall cognitive function. Those are considerable benefits to people dealingwith elevated levels of stress, which can contribute to both physical and mental fatigue and negatively impactone’s abilityto concentrate. Studies also have shown that regu-

lar exercise can decrease tension, which tends to increase as stress levels rise,andelevateandhelp to stabilize mood, which often decreases as stress levels increase.

Don’t lean on alcohol after stressful days

Many people respond to stressful days by consuming alcohol. While alcohol helps some people forget astressful day, it also produces psychological and physiological sideeffectsthatcancompound the effects of the very stress drinkers are looking to relieve. Peoplewhodrinktoalleviate stress may only be doing more harm witheach drink, so find away to cope with stress that has

amore positive impact on both your body and mindthanthatproduced by alcohol.

Breathe deeply

The AmericanInstitute of Stress notes that focused breathing is a relaxation response that stimulates the nervous system and promotes asense of calmness. Deep breathing can combat stress, lower blood pressure and draw your attention away from those things that are causingyour stress. Visit www.stress. org to learn about deep breathing exercises.

Stress is afact of life for many people. But while stress may be inevitable, it can be overcome.

Daily exercise is an effective way to combat stress.

Shopping for an assisted living facility

The decision to move yourself or a family member to an assisted living facility can be difficult. When men and women begin to experience difficulty with everyday activities, such as bathing, dressing or getting around, families may need to explore assisted living facilities.

Millions

of people in North America

reside in assisted living facilities. The majority of residents in senior living are those who may need assistance with one or two daily activities, but who are otherwise mobile and self-sufficient. Families faced with moving relatives into assisted living facilities can consider the following pointers to find facilities their loved ones will enjoy.

Consider the arrangements and services offered

Some facilities offer single rooms, while others provide apartment-style living. Most assisted living facilities provide a variety of services, such as housekeeping, laundry, exercise and wellness classes, and social activities, for their

residents. Investigate the offerings at eachhomeyouvisit,lookingforafacilitythatbestsuitsyourlovedone’sneeds.

Inquire about staff and their schedules

It is important to know how many staff members a facility has and how many people are working at any given time. Do staffing schedules differ at night? If a resident has a particular rapport with one staff member, can he or she be requested? Look for a facility that is well-staffed and adept at dealing with elderly men and women.

Learn about individual service plans

Many assisted living facilities create individual service plans, or ISPs, for their residents to ensure individualized care is given. These plans are important for the safety and comfort of residents and also can help maximize a person’s independence. Some communities offer memory care programs for thosewithAlzheimer’sdiseaseorother cognitive disorders.

Consider the security in place

A good assisted living facility has a 24-hour support system in place and immediate access to care. Rooms may be equipped with emergency phones that can be accessed day or night. Many homes have check-in desks so that residents are accounted for when going on outings and for announcing guests.

Check on licensing

In the United States, each state has its own licensing requirements for assisted living facilities. Confirm a facility is licensed and that it meets the expectations of the local regulatory agency. In addition, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the home.

Assisted living facilities can meet the needs of people who cannot live independentlybutdonotrequirethearoundthe-clockcareofanursinghome.

We pride ourselves in working with residents and families to develop customized living options. From independent living to assisted living to memory care, we provide a sense of comfort, security and independence where seniors can age in place.

Interesting ways to enjoy travel

Research indicates that traveling is at the top of the list of interests motivating today’s men and women over the age of 50.

Seniors are perhaps the most likely demographic to indulge their love of traveling. Retirement leaves lots of time for recreation, and many choose to spend that time on the road. Travel also can be improve adult longevity, says geriatricians at the University of Arkansas.

Those in the travel industry understand that men and women over 50 comprise alarge percentage of their customers and have catered many travel packages toward this influential demographic. The following is alook at some of the more popular travel opportunities for men and women over 50.

Genealogical tourism

This is one of the fastest-growing markets in vacation travel. Genealogical tourism involves individuals traveling to areas of historical significance for their families, such as churches where past relatives may have married and villages where grandparents or cousins once resided or were employed. This can createatangiblelinktoone’spastandopen up more opportunities to learn the variedgenealogicalhistorythathasshapeda family,andevenone’spersonalidentity.

Extended vacations

Seniorsmayhavethecapacitytodevote moretimetotravelandnotbecagedin by strict time constraints. That makes them eligible for extended vacations. These can include long-term rentals in tropical locales, several-week sightseeing cruises or guided tours overseas that touch on several different coun-

tries or cities during the trip.

Off the beaten path

Adventuroustravelers may not be content to stick to the resort lifestyle or standard vacation options. Active men and women over 50 are charting their own vacation courses with bucket list-style vacations that may be off the beaten path. Travelers who have always aspired to climb amountain or see arain forest may be inclined to realize these goals as they get older. Nontraditional tours can include living like indigenous peoples or following the footsteps of early explorers.

All-inclusive tours

All-inclusivepackagesremainapopular option for travelers of all ages. These vacation packages charge one price for accommodations, entertainment, sightseeing,food,andmanyotheramenities.

All-inclusive vacations remove some of the headaches associated with organizingvariouscomponentsoftravelsothat apersoncan focus on relaxation and having fun.

Singles meets

Single vacationers over 50 may want to meet other men or women in their age bracket in the hopes of finding romance. These vacations double as relationship mixers and give men and women the opportunity to mingle with others in similar situations without the pressure of traditional dating.

Travel is away to see the world, meet newpeopleand experience various cultures. Seniors increasingly embrace travel because they have both the time and the means to take vacations.

Senior dating trends and tips

The first Baby Boomers turned 70 in 2016,andthisgenerationremainsoneof the most influential in the country and aroundtheworld.Scoresofproductsand services are now marketed to seniors, many of whom remain as active and sociallyawareastheywereintheiryouth.

One aspect of senior marketing that is booming is dating and relationshipproducts. Singles age 50 and older are increasingly relying on online dating sites and other methods to find love and companionship.Datingisnolongerkids’play,and thosewhohavebeenawayfromdatingfor some time may have to get reacquainted withtheprocessinthemodernage.

Consider online dating

Data from Pew Research found one in two divorced or widowed seniors had remarried in 2013, and that trend figures to continue. Many seniors are using online dating sites to find their new matches. While websites geared to dating make it easier to get in touch with fellow singles, the relative anonymity of the process can make it challenging to separate the truth from some self-promoting hype on dating profiles.

Begin by relying on dating sites that have been tested and recommended. One to try is the AARP dating site partnered with How About We. In addition to its simplicity and small financial commitment,thesitecaterstotheover50 crowd and is backed by the AARP name. It’s good for those looking for an activity partner as well as casual dating.

Popular sites Match.com and eHarmony.com also boast high percentages of users age 50 and up.

Even after thorough consideration and conversation, online daters should exercise caution when meeting someone onlineandtheninperson.Profilesaren’t always what they seem, and it’s easier to fudge the facts when initiating contact overtheInternet.

Keep an open mind

It’s easy to be preoccupied with the rigors of being an older adult and the responsibilities that still may rest on yourshoulders.Partofthefunofdating when you were young likely had to do with throwing caution to the wind. But some of those same carefree aspects remain true whether you’re dating at 17 orat57.Laughter,fun,spontaneity,and the chance for some adventure are still the keys to making memorable dates.

Sometimes it’s who you know

The old adage of it’s “who you know” andnot“whatyouknow”isapplicableto dating. If you are ready to jump into the datingworldagain,askyourclosefriends or family members if they know anyone whomightbeinasimilarsituation.

Takinganother stab

at datinglater

in life can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but no matter how long it’s been since your last first date, some aspects of dating are the same as ever. Just remember to have fun and don’t be afraid to try new things.

Finding love again is possible for seniors who get back into the dating scene.

Three Generations ServingYOU

TheJ.S. Realty team understands your special real estate needsand knows exactlywhat it takes to get thejob done quickly and easily. Let us handle the sale or purchase of yourproperty. Take advantage of the 87 yearsofcombined local experience we can offer.

How to determine if downsizing is for you

Asmenandwomenretireorapproach retirement age, many opt to downsize their homes. Such adecision can save older adults substantial amounts of money while also liberating them from the hassle of maintaining large homes they no longer need.

Downsizing to smaller homes or apartmentsisasignificantstep,onethathomeowners should give ample consideration before making their final decisions. The following are ahandful of tips to help homeowners determine if downsizing to smallerhomesistherightmove.

Get agrip on the real estate market

Downsizing is not solely about money, but it’s important that homeowners consider the real estate market before putting their homes up for sale. Speak with alocal realtor or your financial advisor about the current state of your real estate market. Downsizingcan help homeowners save money on utilities, taxes and mortgage payments, but thosesavingsmaybenegatedifyousell your house in abuyer’s market instead of aseller’smarket. If you think the current market won’t get you the price you are hoping for, delay your downsize until the market rebounds.

Take inventory of what’s in your house

Empty nesters often find that their

homes are still filled with their children’spossessions,evenlongafterthose children have entered adulthood and left home. If the storage in your home is dominated by items that belong to your children and not you, then downsizing might be right for you. Tell your childrenyouarethinkingofdownsizing and invite them over to pick through any items still in your home. Once they havedonesoandtakenwhattheywant, you can host ayard sale, ultimately donatingordiscardingwhatyoucannot sell. Once all of the items are gone, you may realize that moving into asmaller placeisthefinanciallyprudentdecision.

Examine your own items as well

Your children’s items are likely not the only itemstakingupspace in your home.Take inventoryofyourownpossessions as well, making note of items youcanlivewithoutandthoseyouwant to keep. If the list of items you can live without is extensive, then you probably won’t have aproblem moving into a smaller home. If you aren’t quite ready to say goodbye to many of your possessions, then you might benefit from staying put for alittle while longer.

Consider your retirement lifestyle

If you have already retired or on the verge of retirement and plan to spend lots of time traveling, then downsizing to asmaller home may free up money youcanspendontrips.Andifyoureally do see yourself as asilver-haired jetsetter,thenyoulikelywon’tmissyourcurrent home because you won’t be home frequentlyenoughtoenjoyit.Iftravelis not high on your retirement to-do list but you have ahobby, such as crafting, restoring classic cars or woodworking, that you hope to turn into asecond profession,thenyoumightbenefitfrom stayingputandconvertingyourexisting space into aworkshop.

Many retirees downsize their homes, but this decision requires careful consideration of avariety of factors.

Today’syoung professionals hear aboutthe importanceofsaving for retirement seemingly fromthe momenttheyare hired. In addition to discussions withhumanresources personnel about employer-sponsoredretirement plans, young professionals are learning about the importance of saving forretirementthanks to the abundanceoffinancial-planning advertisements on television, the radio and the Internet.

Olderworkersmaynothavebeensolucky,andmanymay findthemselves tryingtoplay catch up as retirement age draws closer. While it’s important to begin saving forretirement as earlyaspossible, late bloomers whose retirement datesare nearing can stilltakestepstosecure theirfinancialfutures

Retirement saving for late bloomers

Effort achieves our wishes. burgershoes.com

Pay down debts

Eliminating debt is good formen andwomenofallages,butespecially soforthosenearingretirement.Substantial debt may delay your retirement andcan greatly reduce your quality of life during retirement. If you stillhavesubstantial debt,eliminate that debtbeforeyou start saving additional money for retirement. Once your debt slate hasbeenwiped clean, you canthen increase your retirementcontributions.

Eliminate unnecessary expenses

If your retirementsavings are low (manyfinancial advisors now advise menand women that they will needatleast 60 percent of

their pre-retirement income each year theyare retired), start cutting backonunnecessaryexpenses andreallocate thatmoney towardretirement saving. Cutting out luxury items,such as vacations to exoticlocalesorcountry club memberships,isone way to save money. Butdon’t overlook the simpler ways to save, such as canceling your cable subscription or dining at homemoreoften.

Downsize your home

Many empty nesters downsize their homes as retirement nears, and doing so can help you save asubstantial amount ofmoney.Ifthekidsnolongerliveathomeorifyousimply have more space than you will need after retirement, downsizetoasmaller,lessexpensivehome.Monitortherealestate market before you decide to downsize so you can be sure to getthebestdealonyourcurrenthome.Downsizingsaveson monthly utility bills, property taxes and ahostofadditional expenses. Downsizing also means less maintenance, which gives you more time to pursue your hobbies upon retiring.

Take on some additional work

Whileyoumayhavelongfeltyouwouldslowlywinddown in the years immediately preceding retirement, taking on someadditionalworkoutside of your current jobisa great waytosavemorefor retirementand perhaps even laythe foundation for apost-retirement career. Workers over theage of 50 can be invaluable resources to startups or otherbusinesses lookingfor executives whohave been there, donethat.Lookfor part-time jobsthatseeksuch experience. Even if theinitial jobs don’t bowl you over financially, part-time consultant work in retirementcan makeup for lostretirementsavings and mayevenmake your retirementyears more fulfilling.

Menand women on the verge of retirement can take many steps to grow their retirement savings and make their golden years that much more enjoyable.

Senior Living Directory

AUDIOLOGY

Hearing Wellness Center

LET US HELP YOU HEARWELLTM

Hearing Tests • Precision Hearing Aid Fitting

Choice of Top Manufacturers • Customer Hearing Protection

Tinnitus Treatment • Leasing Available

1420 London Road, Suite 105, Duluth

218-623-1045 • www.HearWellDuluth.com

DERMATOLOGY CLINIC/MED SPA

Twin Ports Dermatology

We make a difference in our community one patient at a time by providing the highest quality treatments through the practice of innovative, evidence-based, comprehensive care.

Medical • Surgical • Cosmetic

1414 Woodland Ave., Duluth

218-302-1000 • www.twinportsderm.com

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Strategic Wealth Partners

For over 20 years, we’ve been helping clients take a proactive approach to their wealth and personal finances. We believe it’s important to educate our clients to ensure they can reach their goals, dreams and desires.

Let’s discuss your financial needs!

615 Sunnyside Drive, Cloquet

218-879-1131 • www.SWPCloquet.com

Email: julie.rothmeier@lpl.com

FOOTWEAR SALES & SERVICE

Burger’s Shoes

Serving the Northland with sales and repair service for nearly 60 years! It’s not just about the shoes … it’s about connecting with the people in our community

1609 Carlton Ave., Cloquet

218-879-3015 • www.BurgerShoes.com

GARAGE DOORS & MAINTENANCE

Overhead Door Company of Duluth

Overhead Door Company of Duluth™ is the only authorized distributor of Overhead Door™ products in the area of Duluth, Minnesota.

Residential Garage Doors • Garage Door Openers Commercial

Door Systems • Maintenance • Repair • Replacement

4214 Airpark Blvd., Duluth

218-722-2884 • www.overheaddoor.com

HEARING

AIDS

Hearing Wellness Center

LET US HELP YOU HEARWELLTM

Hearing Tests • Precision Hearing Aid Fitting

Choice of Top Manufacturers • Customer Hearing Protection

Tinnitus Treatment • Leasing Available

1420 London Road, Suite 105, Duluth 218-623-1045 • www.HearWellDuluth.com

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Essentia Health Medical Equipment & Supplies

Proudly serving northern Minnesota and Wisconsin with quality, durable medical equipment, medical supplies, orthotics and prosthetics for over 25 years.

4418 Haines Road, Duluth • 1001 N 9th Ave., Virginia

1-800-777-8390 • www.EssentiaMedicalSupply.org

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

JS Realty, LLC

Contact the J.S. Realty team -- Jackie, Jamie, Julie and Braxton -- for help buying or selling your home!

5112 Midway Road, Duluth

218-729-9784 • www.js-realty.com

Email: info@js-realty.com

SENIOR LIVING

Benedictine Living Community

Witnessing God’s love by providing compassionate, quality care with special concern for the underserved and those in need.

935 Kenwood Ave., Duluth

218-723-6408 • www.blcduluth.org

Ecumen Scenic Shores Assisted Living

Providing the care you need to live life to its fullest: Assisted living, skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services.

409 13th Ave., Two Harbors

218-834-0849 • www.EcumenScenicShores.org

SENIOR RESOURCES

Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)

Providing information to the general public about services, resources, and programs for adults with disabilities, children with disabilities transitioning to adulthood, and the elderly in need of assistance

1316 N. 14th St., Superior

715-395-7532 • www.douglascountywi.org/ADRC

Email: adrc@douglascountywi.org

VISION LOSS

Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss

We provide training and other services to 1,500 individuals with vision loss each year. We serve youth, working-age adults, and seniors through services provided at the vision rehabilitation center, at home, or in the workplace. Training is available in daily living skills, orientation and mobility, technology, braille, and adaptive leisure. Other services include vision loss support groups, a low vision store and the Twin Ports News of the Air radio station.

4505 W Superior St, Duluth

218-624-4828 • www.lcfvl.org

TRANSPORTATION

Arrowhead Transit

Providing public transportation in Minnesota’s Arrowhead: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Hermantown, Koochiching, Lake, St. Louis and Pine Counties

702 3rd Ave., Virginia

218-735-6815 • www.ArrowheadTransit.com

VEHICLE SERVICE CENTER

Duluth Dodge - Service Center

Don't leave your car in the hands of just any service center when you have our team of expert technicians at your disposal. Our Jeep, RAM, Dodge and Chrysler technicians have years of experience, vast automotive knowledge and extensive training to keep your car in top shape for many years of joyful driving!

4755 Miller Trunk Hwy 53, Hermantown • 888-973-7151 www.DuluthDodgeMinnesota.com

Kolar Toyota

Kolar Toyota has a newly remodeled dealership and is ready to serve you with our state of the art Sales, Service and Parts Departments! Stop by and see why “You’re not just getting a car, you’re getting Kolar.”

4781 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth

218-733-0100 • www.kolartoyota.com

Choosing APlace To CallHome

SUDOKU PUZZLE

Find the words hidden vertically,horizontally, diagonally,and backwards.

ANTIPASTI

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CALZONE

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MINESTRONE

MOZZARELLA

The ADRC of DouglasCountycan offer infoand optionson differenttypes of housingtofityourneeds.

Contactusfor information on:

Long term care planning• Assistedliving• Nursinghomes •Seniorhousing

ADRCofDouglas County, 1316 North 14th Street, Suite 327, Superior,WI54880

715.395.1234or866.946.ADRC

www.douglascountywi.org/ADRC| adrc@douglascountywi.org

ORZO

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SUDOKU ANSWERS

Making new friends after a move or other life event

Downsizing and other life changes often find seniors leaving their comfort zones to move to new neighborhoods or regions of the country. It can be difficult to leave those comfort zones behind, especially when it means saying goodbye to closefriendsorfamilymembers.

Establishingnewsocialcirclesasasenior canbechallenging.Butwithalittleeffort and the right attitude, seniors can meet new people andenjoy the excitement thatcomeswithnewfriendships.

Join aclub

If you have aparticular hobby or interest, rekindle it in your new location. Find alocal gardening club, church-sponsored organization or fitness centerwhere you can meet like-minded men and women. Ask the realestate agentwho helped you relocate to make suggestions on where to find community information and read communitynoticesinthelocalnewspaper.

Get adog

Dogs make great companions inside of the house and also serve as an ice breaker whenyou are outdoors. Takeplenty of walksand take advantage of opportunities for conversation when people come up to you to inquire about your dog.Explainyoursituationandyoumay makesomenewfriendsalongtheway.

Volunteer your time

Many people make new friends through volunteering.Volunteerandyou’relikely

tomeetpeoplewhosharethesameinterestsasyou.Signupwithafavoritecharity orvolunteeratnonprofiteventsandlook for familiar faces. Start talking to those peopleyoumeetagainandagain.

Participate in churchevents

Places of religious worshipare often cornerstones of acommunity, and they frequently host different events to get parishionersormemberstogether.Read the bulletin and getinvolved in pot lucks, retreats,movie nights, and other church-sponsored events.

Work at aschool

Schools also serve as hubs of communityactivity.Volunteerorworkforalocal school and you will soon find yourself immersed in your community’s weekdayhustleandbustle.Thisisagreatway to meet people and learn more about your new neighborhood in the process.

Host your own party

Go out on alimb and plan a“new to the neighborhood” party. Put invitationsinneighbors’mailboxesandinvite everyone over for snacks and cocktails. Remember, neighbors may be just as nervousaboutnewfacesasyouare,and aparty is agreat way to break the ice.

Change can be hard for people seniors starting out in new communities. With some gumption and afew strategies to get started, anyone can expand their circle of friends.