By Arthur Clarke
Isolation can be a big problem after retirement. I missed the noisy hallways and excited classrooms and I felt very isolated after I retired in 2002. The social focus shifted from my colleagues and activities became less frequent with those people. Thankfully I gradually developed new social contacts with other retired Concordia fellows and the members of the Lutheran church..
I took the leadership of 55 Alive from Alan Menge at the start of last year. I recognized that the people attending the meetings are like me and I really enjoy seeing them each month. We share so much, after all we are all Lutherans and have a common and long experience in the church and in life. The monthly activities vary and we have enjoyed trips, hearing fascinating speakers and eating lots of good food. Last year we went to the Holocaust Museum, The Yankee Air Museum and also to Zehnder’s in Frankenmuth. These were great trips and we had a good turnout And I remember the fun we had at the July picnic.
This year has been great also. We visited MOST Ministries in February. Plus we are taking trips to the Motown Museum and the Piquette Ford Plant to see where and how the Ford Model T cars were first made. Every month we do something fun. Most meetings are a pot-luck lunch. The best part of it all is being with new friends. Already we have traditions such as the July picnic, a Reformation focus in October and a wonderful Christmas party.
Mental health professionals say that the key to a happy life is keeping busy and staying connected with others. 55 Alive keeps me very busy. I am looking forward to the 20th Anniversary Celebration of 55 Alive on Sunday May 15 at St. Luke. Mrs Ruth Koch is our speaker; her presentation is God’s Grand Parenting Plan. Everyone young and younger is invited. Keeping busy with friendly seniors is the best anti-isolation recipe I know of. Come to a 55 Alive event!
55 Alive is celebrating 20 years of ministry May 15.
The program at 4:10 and 4:30 p.m. is free, followed by a dinner, reservations are needed for the dinner.If you would like to purchase a ticket for the catered dinner and extended program afterwards please click here.
