Different life stages bring new challenges, one of them being feeling belonging within a type of community.
According to Jennifer Feuerstein, Associate State Director for AARP, TV Personality with ABC 4/WOOD TV, and Author of "Not Your Shoe Size" under the pen name Jennifer DiVita, friendships happen organically when we're young, but then our social circles change.
"Our kids fly the coop and so do the opportunities to make friends through our kids," she said. "We retire and lose the water cooler conversations, fundraising luncheons and handshakes over lattes. As we get older, our friends move, become snowbirds or pass away. It's much harder to meet people organically."
Micki Benz, Retired Vice President, Communications and Community Relations for Trinity Health and Chair of the Beacon Hill Foundation, says having community has benefitted her life immensely.
"For me, beginning many years ago through Leadership Grand Rapids, I learned of the many organizations and individuals who enrich our community in so many ways: social service agencies, small and large businesses, arts organizations, educational institutions," Benz shared. "My eyes were opened to how our community functions at every level."
And while life may guide us through various changes, there remains a number of ways to continue fostering community as we go. Feuerstein recommends packing your patience and persistence.
"The opportunities are not as built-in as they once were, but it's not hard—it just requires effort, where it once may have been effortless," Feuerstein said. "You may have to work at it a little harder and make it a critical priority for wellness. And let me say, socialization is critical to your well-being.
"Take an inventory of the things you enjoy. If you like to read, find a book club at the library. If you like to learn, join a program like CALL (Calvin Academy for Lifelong Learning) Or OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute). If you like to volunteer, find a robust organization that has active opportunities with a mission you embrace."
Benz shared that belonging to a community is still possible post-retirement, it just might look a bit different than before.
"Especially as we begin our retirements from our former professional lives, we now have the opportunity to contribute to the community in a new way; that is, by sharing the knowledge and wisdom we've gained through the years," Benz said. "Finding your 'new role' in the community through volunteering can be exciting and enriching. As older adults, we have the opportunities to give back in ways that were not open to us when we were younger and engaged in raising a family and/or working in a profession. Don't miss out!"
Ultimately, belonging to a community not only helps others, but enriches your own life, as well.
"Social connections promote good health, combat loneliness and make us more resilient to weather the storms of life," Feuerstein explained. "Healthy and nurturing intimate relationships increase the likelihood of survival by 50%. Evaluate the relationships in your life and be sure you're nurturing both to enjoy a meaningful, fulfilling life."
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
This article originally appeared in the Aug/Sep '24 issue of West Michigan Woman.
