Senior Living: Keeping active

Q. I am bored, my friends have either moved away or died, and I sit at home all day and feel sorry for myself. What can I do?

Unsigned, La Cañada

I know it can be lonely when your routine has changed, whether it is from friends moving away, widowhood, or loss of mobility and/or the ability to drive.

Since people are living longer, people in their 60s and 70s are often dealing with the loss of a parent. But there is hope. There are many opportunities for seniors in the communities that make up our foothills. There are service and social clubs galore, volunteer opportunities at the libraries, schools, Descanso Gardens, the Bailey Center (food bank), among others. Sparr Heights Community Center in Montrose has a wealth of activities and socialization for seniors during the day.

The YMCA also has a multitude of activities and classes for seniors. You can choose from mah jongg, pinochle, bingo, and knitting and crocheting; as well as educational talks and exercise classes.

Glendale Community College has the Lifelong Learning program designed for mature adults.

Any of these activities will introduce you to new friends, who are probably going through the same sort of challenges you are.

It is also a good idea to inform your doctor of your feelings because you might also be suffering from depression. There are non-medical ways to treat depression (if it is mild) such as sunlight, exercise, improving your diet and avoiding alcohol. You might benefit from taking an antidepressant.

Feel free to call me and we can talk about your own unique situation. I can give you the details of the specific opportunities available and you can choose what appeals to you.

NANCY TURNEY received a bachelor’s degree in social work and a certificate in gerontology. If you have a specific question you would like answered in this column, e-mail it to lcnews@valleysun.net or call Turney at the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA, (818) 790-0123, ext. 225.