Page 122 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2022

GOLDEN YEARS
Social Activities
story by Cherie Ward
There’s more out there than just bingo! Whatever your age, interests, or abilities, seniors can still enjoy pastimes and socializing that can make them lose track of time while feeling like a goofy little kid all
over again. Most of these activities cost little or no money.
foSr eniors
SHARE YOUR LIFE
Record one or two memories each day in an exquisite journal or with an app and create a life story for you and your family to enjoy. There may be no activity for elders that’s more meaningful than capturing their own unique life stories, gathering photos, and other mementos. By preserving a piece of history, your family members might be surprised by areas of your life they knew nothing about.
BOOKWORMS UNITE
Join a book club or start your own with some friends. Social media is a great place to find like-minded people or check your local library for a club near you. You can even add puzzles and board games to the itinerary for an exciting activity while discussing your latest reads.
FRY IT UP IN A PAN
Dig out an old recipe book, or watch a cooking show and choose a meal that’s new to you. The more unusual the meal, the more fun you'll have cooking and sharing it with your family, friends, or neighbors.
SHOWOFF YOUR SKILLS
Reading with grandchildren or other young relatives is a great way of spending time with them while helping them learn. With apps and social media, you can see each other face-to- face and show those youngsters you are fun, tech-savvy, and smart. You can even help with homework which mom and dad are sure to appreciate.
BONJOUR, HOLA, GUTEN TAG, SALVE
Learn a new and exciting language with your friends
and dazzle your relatives. Check out numerous online classes, and apps or visit a local community college. Several community colleges even offer Sign Language classes.
And while you’re there check out other classes such as photography, painting, and pottery.
A LITTLE BIRDY TOLD ME
Somewhere around 350 species of birds are known
to inhabit or move through the Mississippi Gulf Coast
each year and you can keep track of them all through a birdwatching club. Think of the excitement you’ll have each time you find a rare species.
BE A BEFRIENDER
Befriend someone lonely or isolated. You can make a new friend while supporting someone who feels forgotten. Some of the best types of diversions for older adults and elderly people include daily activities and socializing. Human beings, by nature, are social creatures, and that doesn’t change as we age. We often need more social engagement as we get older to help us live a rich and fulfilling life in our twilight years so visit an old acquaintance or make a new friend or two, and start socializing.
122 | November 2022
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