Where to go? What to do? We’ve got some suggestions:
Caregiver’s Support Group
You’ll find others who share experiences with you, which may be a great comfort zone for you to start. Call your local Area Agency on Aging and your local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association to find out about groups in your area. The first group meeting is a turn-off? Try another group.
Meetup.com
Looking for fellow cyclists? A group of knitters? A club of coffee klatchers? Meetup.com connects you to those who share your interests in your community.
Socrates Club
From the group’s web site: “The Society for Philosophical Inquiry (SPI) is a grassroots nonprofit organization devoted to supporting philosophical inquirers of all ages and walks of life. Its members strive to form and facilitate “communities of philosophical inquiry”, which meet in groups typically called Socrates Cafés®. These meetings take place at coffee houses, libraries, hospices, senior centers, nursing homes, prisons, plazas and other public spaces, bookstores, homeless shelters and community centers; and at schools, where we often call our gatherings Philosophers’ Clubs® or Socrates Cafes. We at SPI are devoted to spreading a version of Socratic inquiry that enables each of us, within a group setting, to become more autonomous thinkers and doers and more expert questioners and listeners. Our fundamental desire is to encourage and support people who are curious and perplexed and filled with a sense of wonder, so they can dialogue for discovery and dialogue for democracy. And we are here for those who would subscribe to the Socratic ethos that the examined life truly makes for a richer existence. The best way to put it is: SPI is for all those who just can’t stop asking: WHY? WHY? WHY?”
In essence, you meet in community places to discuss your life philosophy and hear others’ take on the world. To learn more about clubs in your neighborhood, visit http://www.philosopher.org/
Your Library
Check with your library about book clubs. In addition, your library may show movies (this month, my local library will show a relatively-new feature film as well as a travel film every Thursday), have community presentations of interest (next month, we can attend a presentation from a dog trainer), and feature seminars with local authors.
Your Senior Center
If you’re old enough…although you may feel that you’ll never be old enough. But, it’s worth a visit to check out programs and services. You may find that a monthly trip to the senior center to see the wellness nurse is worthwhile—then that’s a worthwhile social (and wellness) outing.
And, research opportunities to socialize while worshipping, learning or volunteering with these organizations:
Your House of Worship
Your Local Community College, College, or University
Alumni Clubs from High School, College
Animal Shelters
Botanic Garden and Garden Clubs
Driving Range
Local Coffee Shop Or Café
Index of Articles
Quick Tips to Getting Out of the House
Start Online, Then Hit The Sunshine
Your Answers to Those Tough Questions
