Holding On To Friendships As We Age

Did you know that social isolation is as hazardous to your health as high blood pressure, obesity and even smoking? In fact, being lonely has about the same impact on your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day!

Friendships are especially important to us as we age. But holding on to them through life's inevitable changes - retirement, relocation, divorce, remarriage, illness, etc. - can be a real challenge. In Seven Tips for Improving Boomer Relationships from ConsumerAffairs.com, "relationship coach" Jan Yager gives some helpful advice on staying connected through thick and thin.  

Boomers Discover the Fountain of Youth

Here's another tidbit from Del Webb's Boomer Survey. The average boomer feels 13 years younger than his/her real age. Have boomers discovered the legendary fountain of youth? Not really, but many credit their good fortune to participating in activities that "keep their minds sharp, their bodies strong and their social life robust." Those boomers feeling younger than their actual age participated in 2 or more of the following activities: 

1. Exercise regularly -- More than 55 percent work out regularly as a way to feel youthful.

2. Hit the books -- Nearly a third have gone or will go back to school.

3. Volunteer -- More than 60 percent are giving back to their communities by volunteering.

4. Still working -- More than 70 percent plan to work in "retirement" either part-time, full-time or in starting a new career.

5. Trying pickleball or Zumba -- Approximately 40 percent have taken up a new hobby or activity.

Big Changes At the Academy of Lifelong Learning

The Academy of Lifelong Learning has a new name - The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware. "That's quite a mouthful," you say? Yes, but along with the new name comes a $1 million endowment gift from the Bernard Osher Foundation with a second $1 million gift promised in the next year. In addition, Delaware's program will now be able to network and share best practices with 119 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes around the country.   

The additional funding will enable the University to expand its lifelong learning programs in Wilmington and Lewes, and to add a new program in Kent County. Beginning in September, 2010, the Institute will start offering classes at the Modern Maturity Center, a senior center located in Dover.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware, one of the oldest and largest programs of its kind, is a vibrant learning cooperative that provides opportunities for adults 50 and older to learn, teach and travel with thier peers. The program's membership fee is $230 per semester. 

For registration and course information go to the Institute's website.

Out and About in Delaware - August

Don't let the summer heat keep you indoors. Get out and have fun!

• August 6-8, 2010. Riverfront Blues Festival. Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, Wilmington. Outdoor music festival with national acts each day. More information.   
• August 13-15, 2010. Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. Delaware College of Art and Design, Wilmington. Course for those who have never drawn before based on the well known book. 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. More information.
• August 21, 2010. 3rd Annual Lewes Creative Artists Workshop. Lewes Public Library, Lewes. Free workshops on art-related topics. 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. More information.
• August 21, 2010. Diamond State BBQ Championship. Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, Dover. Delicious BBQ, live entertainment, Delaware's Strongest Man Competition and more. 10:00 a.m. More information.
• August 26, 2010. Do-Wop Celebration with the Bronx Wanderers. The Freeman Stage at Bayside, Selbyville. From Do-Wop to DION and The Four Seasons. 7:00 p.m. More information.
• August 28, 2010. Summer Picnic and Performance Series. Historic Houses of Odessa, Odessa. Picnic and performance by Delaware musician Jerry "Crabmeat" Thompson on the lawn of the historic Corbit-Sharp House. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. More information. 

How Boomers Are Creating New Kinds of Community

Does it seem like 55+ communities are popping up all over the state? I am told that there are more retirement communities in Delaware (per capita) than in any other state in the nation. It certainly seems like it. 

Developers are counting on retiring boomers to fill these housing units and while the traditional, retirement community model will appeal to many boomers there are others who will be looking for something very different.

In this article from Terrain.org, Aging in Community: How the Coming Baby Boom Generation will Transform Traditional Models of Independent Living, the authors describe co-housing, a living option that addresses boomers' needs for real community, a shared sense of purpose and mutual aid.

Art Therapy Volunteer

Art Therapy Express needs volunteers to assist children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities at the Kaleidoscope Adapted Art Studio at The Art Studio located at the Absalom Jones Community Center. The next summer art camps will be held on August 2nd - 6th from 1pm to 3:30pm and August 16th - 20th from 1pm to 3:30pm. You may volunteer for as many or few days as you are able. NO experience required-just a desire to learn and a warm heart. Art projects include painting, printmaking, sculpture, drama, creative movement, music, and more. To volunteer email Mary Cella at nycella@verizon.net or call 366-8529.

Staff for Shelter for Women and Children

The Ministry of Caring Inc., a  non-profit agency serving the ongoing needs of the poor and homeless in Wilmington, Delaware, is seeking a Full-time Shelter Staff person for Mary Mother of Hope House II, a short-term shelter serving homeless women and children.  The individual is responsible for assisting the residents and assuring the smooth operation of the shelter while on their shift.   

Interested parties should e-mail their resume to [Click Here to Email Your Resumé] or fax it to (302) 428-3655.  We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Emergency Services Corps Member (AmeriCorps)

The Emergency Services Corps (ESC) is a team of AmeriCorps members who commit to a year of service with the county’s volunteer fire companies. Educate the public about the needs of and services provided by the volunteer fire service, recruit more volunteer fire fighters and help to retain current volunteers. Be active in your community, educating children about fire safety, teaching first aid and CPR skills to community members, and participating in a wide variety of community events. Be trained as a firefighter and have an opportunity to serve alongside other volunteer firefighters on emergency calls.

Members complete 1700 hours of service and receive $12,400 living stipend, health insurance, child care assistance (if eligible), student loan deferment, and a $5,350 education award upon completion of service. Members also receive a free YMCA membership.

Please contact Evelyn Lemmons, ESC Program Director, at 302.571.6975, ext. 104 or elemmons@ymcade.org for more information or to receive an application.