Active Aging: As seasons change, prioritize staying connected

by Dana Blaszkowski

Michigan winters can be tough. How about using this winter to try something new? Photo credit: Sigismund von Dobschütz, CC BY-SA 3.0

Here in Michigan, we’ve learned to prepare ourselves for winter.

We do fall clean up in our gardens and landscaping. Our vehicle tires are changed out for snow tires. We weatherproof our homes, campers and boats. We locate the shovels, boots and winter gear and tune up the snow blowers. We stock our pantries, like squirrels gathering nuts for the bitter cold days ahead. We add a warm blanket to the bed and stack fresh or favorite books on our nightstands. Our craft and creative supplies get filled and prepared as many of us move our focus from out of doors to in.

While aspects of this shift can be soothing and cozy, this time of the year can also signal a melancholy shift as we say goodbye to the warmth of summer sun and the enjoyment of socializing outside.

Imagine if we prioritized gathering together, laughing and creating fun, with the same dedication we apply to weatherproofing our doors and windows?

What if we made it part of our winter preparations to establish a standing coffee date or brisk walk time with a friend? How about committing to taking a class in something we enjoy, or taking the opportunity to try something new? Could there be a volunteer opportunity waiting, a way in which we could benefit others while enjoying the rewards of being generous with our time and energy? Perhaps we find ways to continue connecting with friends through shared meals, playing games and enjoying the many benefits of group exercise classes.

Michigan winters can be long. Use this time to connect with friends and enjoy the many benefits of group exercise classes. Photo credit: Greatmats, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

We all know winter in Michigan can be tough. Let’s find friends and neighbors to check in on. Let’s share companionship, fun, food, and hot cocoa this season. Let’s look out for one another and help ensure no one has to go it alone. Let’s be friends, neighbors, and community.

Stockbridge Area Senior Center is open each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 2pm. We offer a rich calendar of activities, events and opportunities to connect.

Meals are served at noon every day we are open. We have evening activity game nights once a month and public community events often. Our atmosphere is warm and welcoming in all seasons.

Visit stockbridgeareaseniors.org for more information. Call 517-480-0353 or come visit us at 219 W. Elm St. in Stockbridge to get involved, learn more, join us or volunteer.

Dana Blaszkowski is the director of the Stockbridge Area Senior Center (SASC), a great place to spend time. Visit stockbridgeareaseniors.org or call 517-480-0353 for information.