Exercising Your Brain

Embracing Friendship: A Guide to Making Connections Later in LifeWhen 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 HobbiesOne 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 EventsMany 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 TechnologyIn 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 TimeGiving back to the community is not only a fulfilling experience but also an excellent way to meet new people. Plus, its been proven that its 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 ApproachableFriendships 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 AcquaintancesLife 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, its always fun to reminiscence on the past. Join Classes or WorkshopsLearning 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 GroupsPlatforms 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.  

If youre looking for a rewarding way to spend your free time, why not consider volunteering with seniors? Volunteering with seniors can offer you many benefits, such as: Making New Friends and ConnectionsSeniors have a wealth of life experience and wisdom to share, and they can also be great listeners and companions. You can learn from their stories, enjoy their humor, and support them in their challenges. You might even find a mentor or a role model among them.Improving Your Health and Well-BeingVolunteering with seniors can boost your mood, reduce your stress, and increase your self-esteem. It can also help you stay physically active, mentally stimulated, and socially engaged. Studies have shown that volunteering can lower your blood pressure, improve your immune system, and even extend your lifespan. Giving Back to Your CommunitySeniors are valuable members of our society, but they often face isolation, loneliness, and neglect. By volunteering with seniors, you can show them that they are not forgotten, that they are respected, and that they matter. You can also help them access the resources and services they need, such as transportation, health care, or social activities. Developing New Skills and InterestsVolunteering with seniors can expose you to new perspectives, cultures, and hobbies. You can also learn new skills or improve existing ones, such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, or empathy. Volunteering can also enhance your resume and career prospects, as it demonstrates your commitment, initiative, and teamwork.There are many ways to volunteer with seniors, depending on your availability, preferences, and goals. You can:Visit seniors in their homes or in care facilities. You can chat with them, play games with them, read to them, or help them with daily tasksJoin or organize social events for seniors. You can host a tea party, a movie night, a bingo game, or a dance class. You can also invite seniors to join you in your hobbies or interests, such as gardening, knitting, or hikingTeach seniors new skills or technologies. You can help them learn how to use a computer, a smartphone, or the internet. You can also teach them a language, a musical instrument, or a craftAdvocate for seniors rights and needs. You can raise awareness about the issues and challenges that seniors face in your community. You can also support campaigns or organizations that work for seniors welfare and dignityBenefits of Volunteering at Grace Pointe Senior Care Community of Greeley, ColoradoVolunteering with seniors can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for both you and them. It can enrich your life in many ways and make a positive difference in theirs. If youre interested in volunteering with seniors, contact Grace Pointe Senior Care of Greeley. We will match you with suitable opportunities and provide you with training and guidance. Volunteering with seniors is more than just a good deed. Its an opportunity to grow as a person and to connect with others who have so much to offer. So dont hesitate to give it a try. You might be surprised by how much you gain from it.

THE ALONG THE JOURNEY PROGRAM WAS CREATED BY PRIORITY LIFE CARE WITH RESIDENTS, THEIR FAMILIES, AND CAREGIVERS IN MIND.The services provided are adjusted to fit each individuals abilities and specific needs. The program has been designed to benefit all stages of memory loss while remaining flexible enough to be adapted daily.The overarching goal is to ensure that each resident, as well as their families, feel connected, respected, and comfortable during periods of difficult transition. The program primarily targets those suffering from memory impairments, whether it be early-stage dementia or late-stage Alzheimers.WHAT IS THE ALONG THE JOURNEY PROGRAM?Along the Journey (ATJ) is a memory care program that launched in 2019 in Priority Life Cares memory care neighborhoods. Fundamentally, it prioritizes strengths over limitations. Activities are purpose-driven and not based on achievement, thus allowing those with memory loss to participate without feeling lost, confused, and agitated.This innovative program begins with a holistic assessment of the residents abilities, both cognitive and physical. Based on the assessment, a care plan is formulated and includes input from the resident and their family, as well as their physicians and caregivers.The plan includes information on the likes, dislikes, and cultural preferences of the resident. To keep the seniors as comfortable as possible, the staff makes every effort to provide a largely predictable routine.FOSTERING A SENSE OF BELONGING WITHIN THE COMMUNITYThose suffering from diseases that affect memory may feel left behind or forgotten. At Priority Life Care, caregivers work in conjunction with the ATJ program to encourage physical motion, stimulate mental engagement, and offer opportunities for spiritual and social connection.Life stations provide a sense of familiarity for the resident through tasks such as folding clothes and operating a computer. This allows the senior to focus on a specific, low-stress task with an attainable outcome.Social engagements such as trivia games and ice cream parties are scheduled, which allow residents the opportunity to become acquainted with other residents. The program celebrates small wins as significant achievements, allowing everyone the chance to be represented.Activities are thoughtfully designed around reducing any agitation and improving the mood of the residents. Social interaction is encouraged to ward off isolation, which can further impair a residents wellness journey.SUPPORTING THOSE WITH MEMORY IMPAIRMENTSMemory loss comes in stages and Priority Life Care recognizes the importance of providing a program suitable for each stage of this difficult journey. Through the integration of senior-friendly tech, residents across a spectrum of cognitive abilities are encouraged to participate in their care by engaging daily.To ensure a successful transition into the residential community, our staff invites residents to bring familiar furnishings of home such as furniture, cherished items, and other domestic objects. This creates an inviting environment for the resident, which eases the initial discomfort of being in a new place.Residents will enjoy a structured daily plan that focuses on wellness and supporting independence, all while ensuring dignity and respect. This environment allows those with memory impairments to maintain functional abilities for as long as possible while remaining comfortable along their journey.Staff with specific dementia-centered training and experience support our residents with memory loss, including accommodations such as dietary oversight, assistance with medication, and general hygiene.