From Swimming to Social Circles, Wellness Goals Are Supported
I worked in the financial field. It’s extremely important to stay active after retirement. I’ll take it even further, it helped me find a purpose. I travel, but traveling is expensive. When you’re retired, and you’re on a fixed income, you’re kind of shell-shocked about your income and adjustments have to be made. So you try to find your purpose and find things that keep you active that aren’t costly, and for me, Grouper helps me with my purpose and so does Durham Parks & Rec – not to get bored and to stay active during my retirement years.
See You Tomorrow!
After two years in a fully remote job, I knew it was time for a change. I’m a single mom. Both of my sons had just graduated from college. I could go for a whole week and not see a soul. So, when I saw a job posting at Grouper, the mission and vision spoke to me. Here is a company dedicated to helping people to not be socially isolated or lonely. “Well,” I thought. “I’m socially isolated. I’m lonely.” I took the leap of faith.
Connected Health with Dr. Theresa Soriano
Connected Health: Dr. Soriano’s Insights on Wellness & Community Each month, Grouper’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Theresa Soriano, explores the powerful connection between wellness and community, offering insights and tips on how staying socially engaged supports a healthier, happier life. November 2024 November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, marking an important time for us to […]
A Language of Their Own
A Language of Their Own From bowling to pickleball and everything in between, explore the fascinating world of unique jargon, where every activity speaks its own dialect. We’ll decode the lingo here. By Theodore Klein Pickleball Pickleball is a mélange of tennis, badminton, and ping pong; a pickler is especially obsessed. Pickle is a warning […]
Creating Spaces For Connection: The Men’s Shed Movement
Mark Winston, Executive Director of US Men’s Sheds, has played a key role in introducing and expanding the Men’s Shed movement in the United States. Inspired by its success in Canada, Mark has helped establish spaces where men connect through camaraderie, creativity, and volunteering, with goals of reducing loneliness and fostering strong communities. Originating in Australia, Men’s Sheds are now active in 16 countries, offering men meaningful ways to engage and support one another.
Step Into Winter: Tips for Cold-Weather Walking
Step Into Winter: Tips for Cold-Weather Walking Stay safe, warm, and active this season with smart strategies for winter walking, from the right gear to navigating icy trails. By Pat Jewett Grouper Social AmbassadorPortland, Oregon December 2024 Clothing is all about layering. Three layers work best. The base layer is closest to your skin and […]
Aging, Anxiety and the Therapeutic Benefits of Group Activity
At 84, I was overwhelmed by profound loneliness and unrelenting suicidal thoughts and I wanted to be rid of the mental pain that had me trapped by OCD and lying in bed for hours during the day. At the same time, ironically, I wanted to be involved in meaningful activities and engaged with other people. But my self-absorption, low self-esteem, and lack of energy isolated me. Then one day, after failed efforts to be productive, I decided to make an appointment with my psychotherapist. Fortunately for me, that gesture has produced enormous benefits, which include leading me to join Grouper.
The Fabric of Connection: A Chat With SAQA’s Martha Sielman
The Fabric of Connection: A Chat With SAQA’s Martha Sielman By Ed Ryan The Grouper Gazette recently chatted with Martha Sielman, Executive Director of Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA), to explore her journey with the organization and her passion for quilting as an art form. With over 20 years at the helm, Martha shared insights […]
How Walking With The AVA Transformed My Life
How Walking With The AVA Transformed My Life “Walking for friendship has been just as integral to my health as walking for fitness.” Pat Jewett, Grouper Social Ambassador By Pat Jewett I’ve always enjoyed walking, hiking and backpacking, but it wasn’t until I became involved with the American Volksport Association (AVA, or America’s Walking […]
ACBL Leader Guided By A Passion For Bridge
ACBL Leader Guided By A Passion For Bridge “The ability to connect through cards allows really different types of people to be friends because they play bridge.” Bronia Jenkins, Executive Director of the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) By Ed Ryan Certain love stories unexpectedly stick to you, capturing your attention and making you […]