Contents - 3 minute read:

• Inform - Are you lonely ? Ideas for new friendship connections

• Motivate - Challenge your coordination

• Celebrate - Meet one of the worlds’ oldest pianists

Taking time out every now and again to step back and look at your life can be beneficial to us all. You can get caught up in the routine of life and days can run into weeks without you ever coming up for air and checking in with yourself. Here at AgeFit Daily we think it is crucial every now and again to make yourself a large cup of coffee and sit down with yourself and contemplate how you are spending your time and if you are satisfied with the direction you are taking? In a previous newsletter, we explored the Blue Zones, those parts of the world where people live healthy, happy lives and what fundamental elements they share. One of the key features was an active social life. Do you feel that your social scene could do with a bit of zest? If so , read on and see where you can start looking to build connections.

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Do you actively plan your social life? Sitting and waiting for the invitation to drop through the letterbox might mean you are in for a long wait. There are many elements of socialising and different opportunities for a revamp of your social scene. Lets explore different aspects of getting together with others and discover what opportunities you may have overlooked

• New friendships - The population of the world is growing and there are connections to be had in all walks of life, you just have to be open to the opportunities. Consider your hobbies and interests. This is an excellent way of meeting like minded people. Meeting new faces over a hobby or interest that you really enjoy means you will have a common topic to help break the ice . If reading is your thing then find your local book club, there will always be a craft group nearby which can turn a solo hobby like knitting or needlework into a wonderful way to connect.

• Sporting Interests - The physiotherapist in me is compelled to suggest socialising over sport. Trying a new sport or picking up on an old favourite is a sure fire way to find friends. The joy of sport is that you are likely to meet different ranges of age groups which can make for new stimulating conversations. Don’t be shy to try a new sport that you were always curious about, if you are new to exercise there will always be a walking group or a beginners class, even gardening. Getting fit and meeting others boosts your feel good hormones and can really give you a fresh outlook on life

• Old friends - remember the time when your life was so busy that you lost touch with some of your good friends? I am sure that many will feel the same. Dust off the address book and put your phone to good use. You may well make someone else’s day be reconnecting now you have more time on your hands .

• Virtual friends - If you are not so mobile , live somewhere more remote or just not wanting to leave the house then there is no excuse. Technology is fast and often free. You would be surprised how many connections can be made in the virtual world. Zoom is easy to set up and free. Take my dad as an example. In Covid times, he was unable to go to his weekly organ lesson. He found an online teacher and started lessons on Zoom. They are still going strong long after the restrictions were lifted .

• Pay it forward - You may feel lonely , but rest assured there are others out there who feel so too and you can contribute to making someone else’s world a little brighter. The local GP or library may have a friendship scheme that you can join to support those who need a friend. It can be a phone friendship or a regular dog walking date. Everyone has the capacity to build a network if you search for the opportunity. Keep your eyes peeled and put out some feelers .

If you are interested in supporting others with a regular phone call then consider Age Concern. They have a telephone volunteer service which could be a wonderful starting point. Check out the link below 😀 

Wednesday's exercises involve practising standing on one leg, an essential skill for balancing. Press the button and give them a try !

Ok, so not strictly always physical exercise but movements that challenge the mind as well as the body can be hugely beneficial. Co ordination exercise does not have to be formal exercise as we know it . Co ordination exercises can relax the mind and body. They can help you focus more on tasks and improve concentration. Co ordination can contribute to mental agility and adaptability. Lets look at different ways of tapping into some co ordination tasks 😀 

• Playing a musical instrument. Strumming a guitar with one hand and playing chords with the other, is a physical and mental challenge. Playing an instrument can bring tremendous joy both to yourself and others and can cultivate focus and brain plasticity

• Hand clapping rhythms or sequences, think about when you used to play hand clapping games with your friends at school, these were coordination exercises to challenge the mind. Try a game of memory with your grandchildren, place 10 objects on a tray and give each other one minute to look and see how many you can remember

• Puzzles or computer games - Yes indeed , dust of the Wii sport or try out a computer game. Learn to land a plane or serve 20 customers in a virtual cafe. These games do stimulate the mind and can be fun

• Embroidery or hand crafts - weaving , sewing or knitting , while tremendously relaxing do stimulate the brain

Let’s review those with nimble minds and brains , those with the ability to do different things at the same time. Meet Colete Mains, at 108 years old she is one of the oldest piano players who is still releasing albums. She was born before the First World War and started playing the piano at age 15. This remarkable lady has just released her album aptly titled, 108 Years of Piano 😁 

Are you active and would like to feature here? We would love to hear from you! Get in touch, preferably with a picture so we can celebrate and promote you living your best life. Just reply to this newsletter