Very often the hardest part of establishing or re-establishing social a social network is knowing where to start. We often feel, embarrassed to contact friends that we have not seen or talked to in years. How do we go about finding a bowling league, volunteer opportunities? We are afraid to join a chat on the Internet for the first time. Lets look at some resources you can use to widen your circle of friends and help defeat social isolation.

Volunteer
There are many opportunities for volunteering, in almost any interest one could have. Your local newspaper will usually have a section devoted to volunteer opportunities. You should be able to find a group with a need that matches your interests.

Community and Civic Groups
Again your local newspaper is a great resource for finding community and civic groups in your area. The San Antonio Express News for example, lists these opportunities monthly, both in their print edition and on line. Old interests or new hobbies, these groups are looking for new members.

Learn to Dance
Square Dancing and line dancing are ideal activities, as the majority of participants are seniors. Dancing is a good aerobic exercise and very social. You will very often see women adapting to dance both the male and female parts, so lack of a partner is not a barrier.

Join An Online Community
At any given time, people are participating in a chat or forum on the World Wide Web. Most chat rooms will have a help section that you should read before logging on. The help will instruct you on ediquitte, and other more mundane subjects like increasing the font size. Online forums or bulletin boards give you an opportunity to meet thousands of people in a very safe and secure manner. The Senior Health forum is a great place to meet others, share problems, successes and advice. It can also be totally anonymous if you wish. The Internet is a great source for interaction for those seniors who are unable to venture far from home.

Here is a poll that may get you thinking about the state of your social life.

Do you have any other sugestions for seniors who are looking for opportunities for improving their lives? Post your ideas on the the Senior Health Forum.

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