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Connecting with Other Older Adults
At every stage in life it is important to connect with others that are your age, or who are going through the same things as you. As the U.S. Department of Health and Social Services notes, "due to loss of loved ones, health problems, trouble paying bills, or other reasons, many older people feel lonely, sad or stressed in their daily lives. Feelings like these may cause you to lose energy, not feel like doing anything, not eat enough, or overeat. Being good to yourself may help you to cope with your feelings and improve your energy level, eating habits, and health."
Some ideas the U.S. Department of Health and Social Services shares for being good to yourself include:
- Get enough sleep.
- Stay connected with family and friends.
- Join a walking group, or other social group.
- Surround yourself with people whose company you enjoy.
- Volunteer or get active with groups in your community.
- Try a part-time job at a place you would enjoy working for a few hours a week.
- Watch a funny movie and laugh.
- Take up a hobby such as playing cards, gardening, cooking, or dancing.
Many YMCAs in Charlotte have opportunities for older adults to connect with others through social groups and physical fitness groups. They also have part time jobs and volunteer opportunities for those who might enjoy working at the Member Services Desk, greeting members, etc.
If you are an Older Adult looking to get involved, the following is a list of contact information for Active Older Adult groups by branch and some of the main ways the groups connect at each branch.
| Harris YMCA |
Kate Mansell
(704) 716-6927 |
Lunch and Learn, fitness classes (land and water), day trips |
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Morrison Family YMCA |
Linda Dyer and Nancy McCombs
(704) 716-4627 |
Weekly Bridge, Knitting and AOA Exercise Classes
Monthly Book Club, Lunch and Dinner Bunch, Speakers, Tours, Plays, Day Trips
Monthly Used Book Sale |
|
Lowe's YMCA |
Susan Wolff
(704) 716-4068 |
Potluck every fourth Friday, various group classes including water aerobics, stretching, line dancing, and yoga
Day trips every quarter to places such as the Biltmore House, Flat Rock Playhouse and Grove Park Inn |
|
Simmons YMCA |
Leigh Shipman
(704) 716-6644 |
Fitness classes such as Chair Aerobics, Water Exercise, Pilates, Lite and Lively
Educational classes such as AARP Safe Driving Classes and other seminars
Social Activities such as Lunch Bunch, Tea Time, Breakfast Club, Day Trips |
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Stratford Richardson YMCA |
Regina Fisher
(704) 716-4817 |
Arts and Crafts, Chair Aerobics, Water Aerobics, Lunch and Learns, Creative Dance and Movement |
|
University City YMCA |
Lisa Venancio
(704) 716-6783 |
Bridge Club, Quilting classes, Lunch and Learn, variety of fitness classes including Light-n-Lively, Sit and Be Fit (Chair aerobics) and aquatic Arthritis classes |
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