| You've probably heard it said about getting ahead in | | | | life. |
| life that "it isn't what you know, it's who you know." | | | | Find an exercise buddy. We all need exercise. |
| While there is a certain amount of truth to that claim, | | | | Whether you choose to walk or engage in some |
| I can assure you there is a great deal of truth in this | | | | other physical activity for exercise, it will be more fun |
| statement: "Happiness depends on your ability to | | | | if you share the experience with a friend. You can |
| stay connected in retirement." Quite simply, numerous | | | | discuss many things on a daily walk, or even at a |
| studies show that people who withdraw from life and | | | | pool or a gym or spa. |
| from connections with others are not only miserable | | | | Volunteer to help others. There are many people |
| in their retirement years, but they tend to die sooner | | | | around us who need help with things. There are |
| than people you stay connected in retirement. | | | | people whose only contact with others is a |
| It is always easy to postpone doing things; and this | | | | conversation with the meals-on-wheels delivery |
| doesn't change when we retire. Staying connected is | | | | person. There are children who need to be taught or |
| one of the most important things people need to do | | | | just need to be loved. There are many organizations |
| after retiring. Fortunately, this is not difficult. No | | | | that rely upon volunteers to carry out their mission. |
| matter how shy you are, and no matter how much | | | | Not only will you stay connected with other people, |
| of a loner you are, you need to stay connected to | | | | you will know you have done something to help |
| life, to the world, and to at least one or two other | | | | someone, and that will feel good. |
| people. We don't have to become isolated or lonely in | | | | Join a group or club. Regular get-togethers with other |
| retirement. We just need to stay connected. | | | | people who enjoy the same things you do, are great |
| Here are a few ideas to help you stay connected: | | | | fun. Whether you play cards, mah jong, dominoes, |
| Consistently watch one news broadcast each day at | | | | chess, checkers or bunko; whether you share bird |
| least. This is one way to stay informed about the | | | | watching experiences or take in a movie or a show |
| world and your community. It also gives you topics | | | | together, you are spending time in conversation with |
| for conversation with other people. Keeping up with | | | | people with whom you share interests. |
| the news also keeps you informed of new | | | | Remain or become active in your church, synagogue |
| developments and the like that can make your life | | | | or mosque. You can be assured that you share basic |
| better. | | | | beliefs and values with the people you meet there. |
| Have a conversation with at least one person who is | | | | You will also find ways to help others, teach others, |
| important to you each day. It really doesn't matter | | | | and contribute to a better world. |
| so much whether the conversation occurs over the | | | | Learn to do something new. Whether you take |
| telephone or face to face. The important thing is to | | | | computer classes, dancing lessons, or you audit a |
| stay in conversation with someone every day. | | | | course at the local college, learning something new |
| Whether you discuss world news or childhood | | | | keeps your mind sharp, puts you in contact with |
| memories, the conversation is good for you. | | | | others who have similar interests, and opens up new |
| Write a letter (not an e-mail) to someone each week. | | | | possibilities for social, business or educational activities |
| Take the time to actually connect with someone by | | | | in the future. |
| taking the time to sit down and write a long letter. | | | | Try these tips to become connected and stay |
| Write about what is happening in your life, your | | | | connected in retirement. You will be happier, healthier, |
| family, your thoughts, and your feelings. Not only will | | | | and you can make a positive impact on the lives of |
| the letter brighten someone else's life, you will | | | | others. |
| probably receive a response that will brighten your | | | | |