One woman’s desire to connect with others and build new friendships has led to a growing Facebook group that more than 700 women joined in its first four months.
Mary Stanton, of Wareham, created the group called Southeastern MA Female Friends Over 50, at the end of September as a way to stay active and meet new people at the same time.
“I’ve met several people already and I’ve already seen them at several events,” Stanton said. “It’s just a really nice way to connect with other older women looking for friendship.”
The group’s Facebook page feed includes posts and events created by Stanton and group moderator, Jackie Zora. Typical events might be a group lunch or dinner, trivia times, bowling, a book swap, or coffee and scrabble at a local café.
“I create events for what I want to do,” said Stanton, adding that anyone in the group is welcome to create an event. In fact, group members are actively encouraged to do so.
At a time when people are losing connections and finding fewer opportunities to make new ones, social media can be a beneficial option to explore. Beyond posting updates and images from one’s “real life,” social media sites like Facebook can provide a place to help bring people together.
That’s important—even crucial—as we age.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranks social connections and staying active among the most important factors contributing to longevity and extended quality of life.
In a 2020 conversation on the topic, the CDC said loneliness and social isolation affect a significant number of older adults, putting them at greater risk for serious medical conditions including dementia and premature death. Quoting a 2020 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, they pointed out that more than one-third of adults in the U.S., aged 45 and older, feel lonely, and the number is even higher for those age 65 and older.
While the CDC looked to medical and public health resources to address the concern nationwide, local solutions like a Facebook group can help both men and women access the benefits that come with engaging with others, trying new things, and connecting on an emotional level.
For Stanton, her changing abilities after a stroke led her to create the women’s Facebook group. She had already started other groups and participated in others. One, in particular, let her connect with people who shared her love of hiking.
When that activity became more difficult, Stanton turned to groups promoting events she could still participate in and enjoy. Most, however, were not in the New Bedford to Wareham area.
So she took matters into her own hands and, with help from a few others including Zora, created the group she wanted to join. Women who participate answer two simple questions before being allowed in: are they over age 50 and what town do they live in.
Although the range of ages invited is wide, Stanton said it’s hard to tell what ages participate most.
“They all seem young and vibrant to me, but we have events for all seniors, regardless of age or abilities,” she said.
Most come alone, she said, hoping to meet others to connect with. Some are widowed or divorced or have adult children who have left the
home. It’s a safe option, she said.
“I think it’s the perfect thing,” said Stanton. “They can just come and sit at the table. Everybody’s there for same thing.”
Women who participate can promote their own events and invite others to join them. For many events, people can decide to attend when they are free, especially those being held outdoors or with lots of space.
Other events, particularly those at restaurants where reservations are made, require RSVPs and Stanton relies on people to update their responses should their availability change.
For women over 50 who would like to join the group, go to Facebook.com, search for Southeastern MA Female Friends Over 50, and click join. Facebook groups for just about any interest exist, many with goals similar to Stanton’s including many for men. Keep in mind too that Facebook groups are not the only option for people looking to enjoy group activities and meet new people. One of the best places is your community’s local Council on Aging where varied activities are available each month.
Websites, like Eventbrite, also offer a smorgasbord of educational programs, activities, and fancy evening events, some of which are free. Go to eventbrite.com and search your location to see what’s available near you.
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