Welcome to the Online Community!

[VickiM68]

Hello and welcome to the Introduce Yourself forum! Feel free to tell us a little bit about yourself below--your background, interests, hobbies, etc. And also check out our other forums for other interests and questions you may have and would like to share.

[OldMarriedMan]

Hello AARP Online Community,

I'm a happily married African American male living in the Chicagoland area. Making new friends is a way to ward off loneliness, and it brings a sense of joy and curiosity. I spent my whole life pursuing a career and raising families. Now I want to my spend time enjoying the company of friends.

I was looking for an online community to meet people, make friends and nurture platonic friendships. As an AARP member, I found a friendly and welcoming online community that I would like to introduce to others. What better way to do this than by promoting regular human connection through senior pen pal friendships?

I would like to brainstorm some ideas I have with others in the community. Any suggestions on the best forum for that?

[jrmeans1]

Hi AARP World.  I'm turning 60 soon (somehow) and I'm trying to figure out how to be a senior citizen.  I don't have the grandchildren to set the automatic senior citizen duties for me, so I'm a bit off balanced in thinking about the latter years of life.  Being busy with school, work and other stuff didn't allow me time to ponder the inevitable growing-older-part-of-life.  I suppose traveling and enjoying myself could work! 

[adamrsweet]

Hi!  My name is Adam.  I'm a private music instructor.  I teach mandolin, guitar and violin.  I specialize in working with older adults.  My students are 55 and older.  I have 2 80 year old students still going strong!  Nancy is one of them.  She lives alone with her dog and stays young by studying the mandolin, going on walks in the neighborhood and teaching ESL online!  Will is another.  A retired development leader in higher education, he's a world traveler, recently back from Florence with his wife EL.  Will has been learning  how to play the mandola and has been with me since 2014.  Will is studying classical music.

Will you be next?  The first lesson is free! Register today at www.SweetMusicStudio.net

Have you ever considered picking up a musical instrument but thought it might be too late for you? Good news! 🎉 There's no age limit to learning a musical instrument, and the benefits are countless. 🎼 Whether you're 8 or 80, it's never too late to start. In this blog post, we'll discuss the advantages of learning a musical instrument at any age. 🎻🎺

1️⃣Brain Development and Cognitive Benefits 🧠

Numerous studies show that learning to play a musical instrument can enhance brain function and improve memory. 🧠💡 Playing an instrument engages multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, promoting cognitive development and enhancing your mental capabilities. So, no matter your age, you can reap the benefits of music education. 🎓🎶

2️⃣Stress Relief and Emotional Well-being 🌈

Playing music can provide a much-needed escape from daily stressors. 🏃‍♀️💨 The act of playing an instrument allows you to focus on the present moment, which can help alleviate anxiety and promote emotional well-being. 😌 Moreover, making music can bring about feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction, boosting your overall mood. 🌞

3️⃣Social Connections and Building a Support Network 👫🎵

Music has a unique ability to connect people. 🌐🤝 Joining a music group or ensemble enables you to meet new people and make lasting connections. Participating in a community of like-minded individuals can lead to an increased sense of belonging and a strong support network. Plus, who doesn't love a good jam session? 🎤🎸

4️⃣Boosting Self-Esteem and Confidence 💪😎

Learning a musical instrument can be challenging, but with every new skill mastered, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment that boosts your self-esteem. 💯💖 The more you practice and progress, the more confident you'll become in your abilities. This newfound confidence can extend beyond music and into other areas of your life. 🚀

5️⃣Discipline and Time Management ⏰⚖️

Playing a musical instrument requires dedication and regular practice. 🎯🎶 This discipline can spill over into other aspects of your life, teaching you valuable time management skills and improving your ability to focus. 📝💼

6️⃣Creative Expression and Personal Growth 🌱🎨

Last but not least, learning a musical instrument allows you to express yourself creatively. 🌈🎨 As you progress, you'll discover new ways to communicate your emotions and experiences through music, fostering personal growth and a deeper understanding of yourself. 🌱🎼

In conclusion, it's never too late to learn a musical instrument. 🚀 The benefits span from cognitive development to social connections, and the journey can be incredibly rewarding. 🌟 So, go ahead and pick up that guitar, piano, or any instrument that piques your interest – you'll be glad you did! 🎸

[LynnM361394]

Hi There

I am a Mainer who grew up in a town in Fairfield County,CT. We were not wealthy solid middle class Irish Catholic family. You know when we all had a bunch of siblings. I am new here. I am semi retired. I work two days per week doing telehealth counseling. I am an LCSW.I am also a painter and love animals. 
I just need to connect with other folks who are past 50 years old. I am 63. Thank you,

Lynn #introduceyourself

[LeeS4949]

Hi Lynn and thank you for the kudo. That was supposed to say native "Mainer" lol

[LeeS4949]

Hi Lynn,Lee here.A native community as well. Welcome to the community..😊

[cocojaja]

Jac here. Back in NY after 39 years in san diego, durham and richmond. Very glad to be 'home' though I lost my partner of 40 years in 2022 february. Sorry if I already posted this as I'm trying to get a handle on the way the forums are 'organized.'  Involved in art and music and some tai chi and good things. Big time recovering from my partner's illness and death and this pandemic stuff. Amazed at what I've accomplished but pretty exhausted. Hoping to meet people in NY and make new friends all over the place. Glad to be here.

[d966013h]

Jac-- Sorry to hear of you losing your partner. I'm sure that is not easy.  I am going to be moving back to NY also.  I've been living in Los Angeles for the last 30 years but both my kids will be on the east coast next year and -- quite frankly-- LA is not doing so well these days.  Do you live in the city or a suburb or rural areas?  I'm looking to find a place maybe no more than an hour away from Manhattan (where I grew up).  Best, Deirdre

[LeeS4949]

Welcome ! There are some good people here,ready to help,support,and listen.

[Syndellica01]

Hello, my name is Cyndi. I’m originally from California, but now live in New Jersey with my Guide dog **bleep**an. I’ve been visually-impaired for most of my life with some vision in my right eye. I love meeting new people. I’m currently in college online working on a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic psychology. In my spare time I like to watch movies, mostly scary ones, but I like all kinds. I play video games on my iPad and iPhone. I have worked as a background actor in both California and New York. I was fortunate enough to have worked with the late Robin Williams in both Flubber and Patch Adams. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

[d966013h]

It seems there a lot of us moving from CA to the east coast!  

[SDMdM]

I’m from California too. I love Robin Williams! That’s so cool you got to work with him. 💜

[VerandaS298834]

Hello

My name is Veranda. I'm looking to meet friends. I enjoy Netflix, trying new restaurants, bowling, reading,baseball. I want to hang glide. I'm humble, single and have two adult children 

[LeeS4949]

Good morning and welcome to the forum. Lots of great people here. Enjoy !!!! 😊

[fmdog44]

Long time member and new to this forum which does not work well with my PC

[hdwoman21157]

Hi there!  My name is Pam and I live in Westminster, MD.  I'm retired and I was an Administrative Specialist for our local Health Department.  My son who is disabled lives with me, he's 31.  I've been a widow for 20 years, following a 30 year marriage to my best friend husband.  Though I've been in 3 relationships, none worked out.  They never measured up to my husband.  I'm now happily alone relationship wise.

I belong to a motorcycle association known as Abate.  It's nationwide and probably is in your state also.  I enjoy riding.  Abate fights for our right to ride.  This year, we are working on the 'must appear' bill.  Currently, if a motorcycle is hit by a car, it's up to the cop whether or not he writes a ticket, even if a rider dies.  The motorist doesn't even have to appear in a court of law.  We're working to change that, among other things.

I also enjoy decorating our home, watching true crime on tv, and hanging beach side.  My son works two part-time jobs and is very busy with outside activities.  I'm very proud of who he's become.  He's a strong advocate for the disabled community, as am I.

We also have a pit mix dog named Stewie to keep us amused.  I hadn't planned on adopting a dog, but he picked me.  He jumped in my car and wouldn't get out.  He was four months old then and he's now 10.

To some, my life may sound boring, but I'm content and I own it.

[ZuZuTheShare]

Looks like your life is very full and you are an asset to your community.

Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your life.

Welcome!

Zoe

[LeeS4949]

Hello. Your life doesn't sound boring at all. Fulfilling if you ask me. Welcome to the community. 😊

[ZuZuTheShare]

I enjoy spending holidays tossing a meal together with my two daughters.  

Some of my hobbies are walking, travel, riding Amtrak and exploring new places. 

I'd love to travel on a private railcar

Further afield I have dreamt of Greece and have a goal of taking an extended trip throughout Europe and beyond by freighter.

 Recycled legacy art box with paper mosaic and photo transfer

I enjoy making art with a focus on legacy art, recycled materials, papier mache, photo transfer and polymer clay (Día de Muertos a theme I explore frequently with my artwork).

Pepe Unrequited Love Polymer Clay Dia De Muerto

I enjoy meeting folks who share housing. Briefly in 2012 I developed a podcast where I had interviewed shared housing experts.

This year I have begun revisiting those interviews.  Currently I spend free time interviewing folks who practice shared housing as a lifestyle choice and leaders in the field.

I have a youTube channel and a webpage that I am developing about #sharedhousing along with a Facebook page and group about community and sharing. I have gathered a large community of shared housing advocates that are part of the collective discussing the shared housing lifestyle. 

As a shared housing advocate, I explore shared housing options and enjoy spreading the word about creating and living in community. I have started contributing to the Housing Forum here on the AARP site.

Start a conversation with me about food, budget travel, private railcars, freight travel, travel by rail, shared housing, building community and creating art.

[MedusaE76171]

Well, I've already jumped in and splashed around without introductions (I always find them so difficult to write), but I thought I might post a picture to explain (at least in part) why I'm called Medusa.  (I tried to slip this into my profile, unobtrusively, but could not find a way to make the link work.)  

I am not going grey; I'm going teal green and determined to have green hair on my funeral pyre (well, in my funeral box. LOL)

[LoriI207772]

Cool hair color!

[SDMdM]

Hey Medusa…im Meredith. I’m new here & read your post! I just wanted to tell you that I like the teal hair! 💃💃

[MedusaE76171]

@SDMdM Hi Meredith, thank you for the post and the compliment.  Nice to meet you!  🙂

[DarrylR450271]

Hello,

Can AARP help replace my id/dog tags from the army

[ladyshazzam]

Hello, My name is Juliet.  I was doing some research on social media for people 55+.  AARP came up.  I am just saying "Hi".  I live on the West Coast in California. I am not retired yet, I have a business I enjoy, grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.  I have a mantra that technology began in the Baby Boomer generation.  Despite what folks think, we are more open to new and exciting things.  I am looking forward to reading and commenting on upcoming discussions.

[ZuZuTheShare]

Nice to meet you Juliet. I have a daughter that currently lives in San Jose and one that lives in the Puget Sound by Seattle. I too think people our age are much more adept at learning new things that we're given credit for. Kudos to you!

🖐

[MedusaE76171]

@ladyshazzam Hello, Juliet and welcome.  🙂  
I'm new here too and hope you find it a fun, entertaining place for Boomers, et al, to hang out.  Gods know, there are not many of them (outside dating sites) on the net.  

I am from Southern California and miss it terribly so envious/happy of/for you that you get to live there.  🙂

You sound like an interesting and pleasant person.  I hope we get to talk more.  🙂

Tamara

[MelvynF775431]

Hi, I’m new to this AARP site and I’ve lived in SoCal most my life and was wonder where you are now? You mentioned you miss SoCal and was curious.

[SDMdM]

Hey Melvyn! I’m an OG Valley Girl! Currently down South from LA. What about you??