Embracing Friendship: A Guide to Making Connections Later
in Life
When we were young, it was easy to make friends. No matter where we went, it was an opportunity to connect with others. But as we journey through life, the landscape of our social circles begins to undergo significant changes. Whether it's due to career moves, life transitions, or the natural ebb and flow of relationships, finding new friends can become a bit more challenging as we get older. But fear not! Making friends in your later years is not only possible but can be incredibly rewarding. Here are some tips to help you navigate the waters of adult friendship and build meaningful connections.
Embrace Your Hobbies
One of the best ways to meet like-minded individuals is by
engaging in activities you love. Whether it's joining a local book club, taking
up a new hobby like painting or photography, or participating in community
events, pursuing your passions can lead you to people who share your interests.
Conversations flow more naturally when you're discussing something you love,
providing a solid foundation for friendship.
Attend Social Events
Many communities host social events that cater to a wide
range of interests and ages. Attend local gatherings, festivals, or workshops
to meet new people. This creates an organic environment for striking up
conversations and finding common ground. Don't be shy to initiate discussions
or join group activities. Remember, everyone is there to connect and make
friends!
Leverage Technology
In our digitally connected world, technology can be a
powerful tool for forging new friendships. Join online communities and social
media groups, or use apps designed to connect people with similar interests.
Attend virtual events or participate in online forums related to your hobbies
or passions. You might be surprised by the genuine connections that can blossom
through these platforms.
Volunteer Your Time
Giving back to the community is not only a fulfilling
experience but also an excellent way to meet new people. Plus, it’s been proven
that it’s good for your health! Another little perk. Volunteer at local
charities, community centers, or events, and you'll likely encounter
individuals who share your commitment to making a positive impact. Shared
values can be a strong foundation for lasting friendships and relationships.
Be Open and Approachable
Friendships often begin with a simple smile or a friendly
greeting. Practice being open and approachable, even in everyday situations
like at the grocery store or in your neighborhood. Small talk can lead to
deeper conversations, and you never know when a chance encounter might turn
into a meaningful connection.
Reconnect with Old Acquaintances
Life gets busy, and people often lose touch with friends
from their past. Take the initiative to reach out to old acquaintances or
classmates. Rekindling old connections can be a delightful way to expand your
social circle, and you may find that you have more in common now than you did
before. Not to mention, it’s always fun to reminiscence on the past.
Join Classes or Workshops
Learning something new can be a fantastic way to meet
people. Enroll in classes or workshops that interest you, whether it's a
language course, dance class, or cooking workshop. The shared learning
experience can foster a sense of camaraderie, making it easier to strike up
conversations and build friendships.
Attend Meetup Groups
Platforms like Meetup.com offer a plethora of groups
centered around various interests and activities. Whether you're into hiking,
board games, or meditation, there's likely a meetup group in your area that
caters to your preferences. Attend events hosted by these groups to meet
individuals who share your hobbies.
Remember, making friends at any age is about being genuine, open-minded, and patient. Building meaningful connections takes time, but the journey is well worth the effort. So, embrace the opportunities around you, be true to yourself, and watch as your circle of friends blossoms with kindred spirits. After all, friendship knows no age limits, and the joy of companionship is a treasure that can be discovered at any stage of life.
This article was submitted by VIPCare Senior Primary Care.
Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions a senior can make for their health. Smoking poses severe risks, especially for older adults, but quitting can lead to significant improvements in eye health and overall well-being. If you have a senior loved one who smokes, be prepared to support them as they give up the habit. The Impact of Smoking on SeniorsSmoking affects everyone's health, but the impact is even more critical for seniors. It exacerbates conditions like heart disease, stroke, and respiratory issues. The risk of developing some types of cancer also increases significantly with prolonged smoking.Specific Effects on Eye HealthSmoking can damage the eyes. It raises the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness. Maintaining good eye health is essential for seniors to continue enjoying their independence and quality of life.Overall Benefits of Quitting Smoking at Any AgeIt's never too late to quit smoking. The health benefits begin almost immediately. After quitting, blood pressure drops, and lung function improves. Long-term benefits include a lowered risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and eye diseases. Quitting smoking adds valuable, healthy years to a senior's life.How Caregivers Can HelpQuitting smoking is tough for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for seniors who may have smoked for many years. Nicotine addiction, established habits, and the fear of change are barriers that caregivers must understand and address. Fortunately, there are several practical ways caregivers can assist.Creating a Smoke-Free EnvironmentCaregivers can start by making the home smoke-free. Remove ashtrays, lighters, and cigarettes. Encourage the senior to replace smoking habits with healthier activities.Encouraging Healthy Habits and RoutinesPromote healthy habits like walking, exercising, or engaging in hobbies. Physical activities can help reduce cravings and improve overall health.Providing Distractions and Alternative ActivitiesHelp seniors find alternative activities to occupy their time and mind. Puzzles, reading, gardening, or spending time with family and friends can serve as excellent distractions from the urge to smoke.Emotional Support and EncouragementEmotional support is crucial for seniors trying to quit smoking. Knowing that someone believes in their ability to quit can make a tremendous difference. Celebrate every small victory, whether it's one smoke-free day or a week. Small rewards can motivate seniors to keep going.Being Patient and UnderstandingUnderstand that quitting smoking is a process. Be patient and offer a listening ear without judgment.Resources for Smoking CessationNational resources like the National Cancer Institute's Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) provide free support and valuable information. Guide seniors in accessing these resources. Help them schedule appointments, join online communities, or download helpful apps.Encourage seniors to talk to their healthcare providers about quitting smoking. Doctors can offer medical advice, prescribe medications, and refer them to support programs.Let Us Help You Foster Senior HealthQuitting smoking brings immense benefits for seniors, enhancing their health and quality of life. Caregivers can help and encourage their loved ones through this challenging process. If you have a senior loved one who needs more help at home, including support as they stop smoking, contact Senior Helpers Fort Collins. We're here to support families in Fort Collins, Englewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, and Longmont through professional senior care services. Let's work together to help our seniors lead healthier, happier lives.
Gifts for Grandma, Grandpa, or Aging ParentsIts no secret that shopping for gifts for grandma, grandpa, or an older parent, can be difficult. A life well lived also means theyve probably acquired everything they need for their day-to-day tasks. Do they really need another stock pot, blanket, or screwdriver? Probably not. And those kinds of gifts are BORING with a capital B. Why not find something thats new AND solves a problem?How do you buy a gift for a senior who already has everything?The trick is to find a present that adds value and independence to their life. As we age, things that we took for granted in our youth become much harder as the years pass on.One such example that many seniors struggle with is the simple task of clipping fingernails. The standard fingernail clipper hasnt changed for over 70 years. Its small and requires a surprising amount of vision and dexterity.Now imagine youre a senior with advancing arthritis or decreasing vision and what used to be a simple task is now a lot more difficult. Maybe you have MS or Parkinsons and fine motor dexterity is an everyday challenge. Or perhaps youre fully capable of clipping your own nails, but want additional convenience. Or maybe youre a caregiver and clipping fingernails is low on your priority list. Any way you look at it, theres no right or wrong reason to want a bit of independence.In fact, there are over 50 million people in the US alone who have limited dexterity, strength, or vision. And tens of millions more who dislike the messy and annoying process of clipping fingernails. If your parent or grandparent needs help, theyre certainly not alone.Get them something that makes their life easier.Introducing the ClipDifferent Pro: the easiest-to-use nail clipper on the planet. Its easily one of the best gifts for grandma, grandpa, or an aging parent.The ClipDifferent Pro is a revolutionary, first-of-its-kind, automatic fingernail clipper that safely trims fingernails with the simple touch of a button. Its effortless, safe, leaves no mess, and is built to last.It includes FREE SHIPPING and a FULL GUARANTEE!It uses a bit of science, a bit of magic, and a few top-secret components that elevate the act of fingernail clipping from boring to holy cow!.Put simply, the ClipDifferent Pro utilizes a high-capacity, rechargeable NiMH battery to power a finely-tuned, patent-pending trimming mechanism manufactured with surgical grade stainless steel, to create the most seamless, clean, and nearly effortless fingernail clipping experience youve ever had. Dont Just Take Our Word For It Heres What Others Are Saying The ClipDifferent Pro is so simple and easy to use! Rollie Rodgers (Korean War Veteran and Living with Parkinsons) It gives me one more way to be independent. Rick Zeidler (Vision Loss) Ive won the war but its these day-to-day battles that we have to deal with. Rick Ebner (Living with MS) I think anyone will find the Pro fabulousespecially those who have challenges with fine motor skills. Geno Mucciacciaro (Disabled Veteran with Neurological and Central Nervous System Issues) Once you see the Pro work, its hard to go back to the old way of clipping your nails. Butch Donohue (Amputee/Limb Loss) Every home needs to have one of these! Tamara S. (Home Health Care Advisor) I need to buy one of these for my husband! Velma Hagar Ristaino (Author, Inspirational Speaker)
What does self-care mean to you? Self-care is defined by the National Institute of Mental Health as means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact. Self-care can be small acts, such as your nightly skincare routine, or brushing your hair and teeth in the morning. Self-care can also be something like exercise, which takes a little bit more thought and effort, but in the end pays off big time. The list of benefits that exercise has to your mental health is long and truly amazing. Helpguide.org lists some of those benefits as:Depression: Studies show that exercise can treat mild cases of depression just as well as medication, but without all of the side effects that typically turn people away from these types of medication. Physical movement promotes many changes in the brain like reduced inflammation and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calmness.Stress and Anxiety: The way that stress and anxiety can affect the way your body feels, is truly something to think about. Getting up and moving can relieve the tensions of stress that your body may be holding onto.PTSD and Trauma: There is evidence showing that when you really focus on your body and how it feels as you exercise, your nervous system becomes unstuck and can move away from the stress response of immobilization that comes as a PTSD response. Some other benefits that come with exercise are better sleep, more energy, higher self-esteem, and sharper memory. The best part is, that these efforts that we can make to have better self-care do not have to be overthought. Incorporating exercise into your self-care routine can be as simple as starting small. There is no need to have a big goal of being able to lift crazy weights or go for mile-long runs. Begin with fitting in a couple of 15-minute walk breaks into your workday. This is not only a great way to start getting some physical movement in, but it also can increase productivity when you return to your tasks. Finding activities you enjoy and setting realistic goals are key to making exercise a sustainable part of your routine. Remember, self-care is about prioritizing your well-being, and it's important to do what works best for you. A great way to start practicing more self-care habits is to first look at your current habits. Are there some that could be removed? One that could be modified to be either a little harder or easier? Once you do that, you can easily reflect on what self-care needs you personally have, and then can find a way to fit them into your day-to-day life. I like to write these practices down in my planner so that I have reminders to create time for them, as I know its important for me to do. Now, we at ClipDifferent are by no means physical training experts, but we have a couple of things that have worked for us to better create a self-care routine. Here are tips from the ClipDifferent team:I like to have it in my head that I want to work out every day. I often wake up and look at my day and then try to decide when I can fit in an hour to move! But the other part of this is something that I stay true to even more than just planning to exercise. And that is to not beat myself up on the days that I just couldnt find the time. I know that there will always be tomorrow, and I can push myself a little bit harder for the lost time.Modify! If I had planned that I was going to get to the gym after a long day of work, and I come home just far too tired to get there I often opt for a walk outside instead of an intense gym session, just so that I am at least moving my body. Half the time, once I do this I come back in the mood to pump out some extra movements like squats or lifting dumbbells.I love to reward myself. Getting into the habit of exercise is hard, but so worth it. I often like to reward myself on those days that I really was not in the mood, but did it anyway. One thing to note, is that I try not to make a habit of this. It can be expensive and not always the healthiest. (Grabbing a latte every day after the gym will add up!) As you reflect on your own self-care journey, consider the power of starting small and being flexible in your approach. By examining your current habits and making intentional adjustments, you can tailor your self-care routine to suit your individual needs and preferences. Whether it's modifying your workout plans, setting realistic goals, or incorporating innovative solutions like ClipDifferent for nail care, the key is to find what works best for you and stick with it.Above all, be kind to yourself throughout the process. Self-care isn't about perfectionit's about progress and self-compassion. So, celebrate your successes, learn from setbacks, and remember that every step you take towards prioritizing your well-being is a step in the right direction. With dedication, mindfulness, and a commitment to self-care, you can cultivate a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.
VIPcareWe are a group of passionate healthcare professionals who believe theres a better way to practice medicine. We see a future where preventative medicine is valued over the traditional approach, what we refer to as sick care. We thrive on seeing our patients healthy, not sick.Preventative CareUtilizing a value-based Medicare Advantage model produces lower rates of hospital stays, emergency department visits, and 30-day readmissions for beneficiaries as compared to Traditional Medicare health models.5-Star ProviderThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services use a five-star quality rating system to measure Medicare beneficiaries experience with their health plans and the health care system.Patients 65+ require different attention and care than other age groups. VIPcare provides senior-focused primary care that caters specifically to the needs of older adults.What is Senior-Focused Care?Senior-focused care is primary care that delivers a wide range of value-based healthcare services with a dedicated focus on patients 65+. It takes the unique needs of the senior population into consideration when caring for patients.How Is Senior-Focused Primary Care Different than Traditional Primary Care?At VIPcare, youll notice many differences between how we care for patients and how others do. Because VIPcare specializes in caring for adults 65+, our providers are trained and specialized in the specific clinical needs of seniors. We focus on prevention and management, helping to achieve Better Health. Also, using a value-based model allows our providers to spendmore time with patients. Instead of waiting for an appointment, our providers can see you right away, sometimes even the same day if needed.What are the Benefits of Senior-Focused Care?Many older adults live with multiple chronic conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. By having a primary care provider that is skilled and trained to treat the senior population and their specific needs, such as chronic conditions, patients receive better and more personalized care. In addition, senior-focused care integrates a team approach and coordinates with specialty care when necessary.What Insurance is Needed for Senior-Focused Care?Senior-focused primary care is best delivered as part of a value-based model and works best when paired with Medicare Advantage plans. However, some VIPcare clinics do accept traditional Medicare.Learn More About Senior-Focused Care at VIPcareVIPcare provides senior-focused primary care to the aging population. We believe in quality over quantity and always strive to deliver 5-star care. Learn more about what makes VIPcare different by scheduling an appointment or calling 251-325-1962.
VIPcarePreventative CareUtilizing a value-based Medicare Advantage model produces lower rates of hospital stays, emergency department visits, and 30-day readmissions for beneficiaries as compared to Traditional Medicare health models.5-Star ProviderThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services use a five-star quality rating system to measure Medicare beneficiaries experience with their health plans and the health care system.Patients 65+ require different attention and care than other age groups. VIPcare provides senior-focused primary care that caters specifically to the needs of older adults.What is Senior-Focused Care?Senior-focused care is primary care that delivers a wide range of value-based healthcare services with a dedicated focus on patients 65+. It takes the unique needs of the senior population into consideration when caring for patients.How Is Senior-Focused Primary Care Different than Traditional Primary Care?At VIPcare, youll notice many differences between how we care for patients and how others do. Because VIPcare specializes in caring for adults 65+, our providers are trained and specialized in the specific clinical needs of seniors. We focus on prevention and management, helping to achieve Better Health. Also, using a value-based model allows our providers to spendmore time with patients. Instead of waiting for an appointment, our providers can see you right away, sometimes even the same day if needed.What are the Benefits of Senior-Focused Care?Many older adults live with multiple chronic conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. By having a primary care provider that is skilled and trained to treat the senior population and their specific needs, such as chronic conditions, patients receive better and more personalized care. In addition, senior-focused care integrates a team approach and coordinates with specialty care when necessary.What Insurance is Needed for Senior-Focused Care?Senior-focused primary care is best delivered as part of a value-based model and works best when paired with Medicare Advantage plans. However, some VIPcare clinics do accept traditional Medicare.Learn More About Senior-Focused Care at VIPcareVIPcare provides senior-focused primary care to the aging population. We believe in quality over quantity and always strive to deliver 5-star care. Learn more about what makes VIPcare different by scheduling an appointment or calling 251-250-4841.
VIPcareWe are a group of passionate healthcare professionals who believe theres a better way to practice medicine. We see a future where preventative medicine is valued over the traditional approach, what we refer to as sick care. We thrive on seeing our patients healthy, not sick.Preventative CareUtilizing a value-based Medicare Advantage model produces lower rates of hospital stays, emergency department visits, and 30-day readmissions for beneficiaries as compared to Traditional Medicare health models.5-Star ProviderThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services use a five-star quality rating system to measure Medicare beneficiaries experience with their health plans and the health care system.Patients 65+ require different attention and care than other age groups. VIPcare provides senior-focused primary care that caters specifically to the needs of older adults.What is Senior-Focused Care?Senior-focused care is primary care that delivers a wide range of value-based healthcare services with a dedicated focus on patients 65+. It takes the unique needs of the senior population into consideration when caring for patients.How Is Senior-Focused Primary Care Different than Traditional Primary Care?At VIPcare, youll notice many differences between how we care for patients and how others do. Because VIPcare specializes in caring for adults 65+, our providers are trained and specialized in the specific clinical needs of seniors. We focus on prevention and management, helping to achieve Better Health. Also, using a value-based model allows our providers to spendmore time with patients. Instead of waiting for an appointment, our providers can see you right away, sometimes even the same day if needed.What are the Benefits of Senior-Focused Care?Many older adults live with multiple chronic conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. By having a primary care provider that is skilled and trained to treat the senior population and their specific needs, such as chronic conditions, patients receive better and more personalized care. In addition, senior-focused care integrates a team approach and coordinates with specialty care when necessary.What Insurance is Needed for Senior-Focused Care?Senior-focused primary care is best delivered as part of a value-based model and works best when paired with Medicare Advantage plans. However, some VIPcare clinics do accept traditional Medicare.Learn More About Senior-Focused Care at VIPcareVIPcare provides senior-focused primary care to the aging population. We believe in quality over quantity and always strive to deliver 5-star care. Learn more about what makes VIPcare different by scheduling an appointment or calling 251-325-1962.