I adore this tip! It is fun and forces us to get up, get moving, and do something interesting with people that we generally like. But, the issue of clarity remains. How do you know that you are being social enough? How do you know you are challenging your brain when engaging in social activity? How do you push yourself outside of your comfort zone?
This can be a little bit tricky, because the majority of 60+ adults socialize quite regularly. Also, simply chatting with the barista at your local coffee shop or the cashier at the grocery store can be chalked up in the “socializing” category; however, this is not considered sufficient to exercising your brain. The trick, I believe, is thinking about what your “normal” is, and then pushing the envelope.
Start by asking yourself…what do you currently do to stay social in your everyday life?
When I spoke with some 60+ adults from my community, they mentioned that staying social by spending time with family - e.g., grandchildren (if they had them) - is especially nice, as they get to engage in a range of exciting adventures that centre around learning (e.g., going to the ROM or AGO). People also mentioned really enjoying taking continuing education classes (there are many different options around the city - e.g., Later Life Learning at Innis College, click here for more information), participating in book or theatre clubs, engaging with their spiritual community, playing sports (bonus!! - this hits both the social and physical pillars), and the list goes on and on.
These are all great ways to say social! But, if this is your normal, ask yourself…how can you push yourself a little bit beyond your current level of ability? As strange as it sounds, getting a bit uncomfortable is key to keeping your brain stimulated. Below are some examples:
If you are taking a continuing education course, perhaps you try your hand at running one of the lectures. Not allowed to do this at the institution where you are taking the classes? Gather some new friends you have met in class and hold a “tutorial” one Saturday afternoon over tea in your garden. Does this make you a bit nervous? Good!
Maybe you are part of a theatre club with some interesting people. What fun! Perhaps, after watching the show, you grab a bite to eat and discuss/dissect what you just watched. This is such a great way to stay socially engaged, because it also includes mental stimulation and enlightens your taste buds too! If you already do this as part of your theatre club, how can you push yourself to do something more mentally challenging? Write a screenplay as a group and put on a show at a local stage! Or join an improv or sketch writing class in Toronto (e.g., click here for more information).
Remember the three important pieces:
Be specific:
Start a cook book club and invite your friends to cook a meal at your home once every three months.
Make it personal:
Do you value good food, good wine and health? If yes – be sure to go the extra mile to try a new recipe and serve a delicious and healthy meal, with good wine.
Attach it to an already existing habit:
You may have book club once a quarter; so, work to organize and host your dinner the weekend following book club.
What do you do to stay social? COMMENT BELOW.