Growing Older to many women means "doing without" even more things and more often than what they've usually done in the past. Why?
I've been reading a lot of articles lately where women say they're becoming even more lonely than ever; they never have anything to look forward to; they feel as though they're sitting in a corner and nobody cares! If you're mobile, can get up into a bus without too much pain and discomfort; even have a car and can still drive, then there are some things that you can do to improve your daily plans.
There's much to be said for "volunteering" and this isn't a bad idea at all. Think about joining an auxiliary at your local hospital and "man" their kiosk or small cafe team; join a group of people who go visiting shut-ins; sit and talk with other women who are undergoing chemo or other treatments. Add your presence in working at a charity shop. If you like animals, offer to "pet-sit" occasionally. Ask your council about having your home address being added to the "Safe Houses" for school children to come to if they feel anxious about other people in the street at school home-time; you'll need a Police Clearance for this. All these things can be fun and you meet a lot of people - young and old.
If you're more outgoing, then why not put a notice up in the local coffee shop and invite other ladies to join you for say a Wednesday morning coffee-get-together at that same coffee shop. Make it even more interesting by trying out other coffee shops in the area and build up a small list of “favourites”.
Why not do an on-line course in a subject you have a special interest in, or a course at your local Neighborhood House. There are many "hobby" classes available - painting, crafts, scrapbrooking, cake making; cookery etc. But then you're probably an expert in all of these things already, having done them during your earlier years. That’s not to say you wouldn’t enjoy upgrading your skills.
Write a family Journal - everybody seems to be interested in genealogy at the moment, but it's sometimes the little personal anecdotes that are more interesting and important to family members. Put your memories down on paper. Even if no-one else "seems" interested, then at least you will have performed something for your own pleasure.
Write a family Journal - everybody seems to be interested in genealogy at the moment, but it's sometimes the little personal anecdotes that are more interesting and important to family members. Put your memories down on paper. Even if no-one else "seems" interested, then at least you will have performed something for your own pleasure.
