This category would not be complete if we didn't write about all the advantages that are available for those living alone. Even though you may be lonely at times, you can live your life now as a free agent. Too many older people regard time as their biggest enemy--make it your most valuable asset. You are in command of your "second 50 years." If you want to go shopping and then on the spur of the moment are invited to lunch or dinner or for that matter an ocean trip, it is up to you. Here are some positive steps you can take:

• Make friends. Visit the senior center in your area regularly. Join some afternoon card games. Go to church. Ask others to accompany you to lunch or dinner. Here are some other possibilities for meeting people:
  • Senior centers
    
  • Museums, theaters, operas, ball games
    
  • Jogging or dog walking
    
  • Playgrounds and parks--Grandchildren are an excellent "decoy," or conversation opener
    
  • High school or college reunions
    
  • Auctions
    
  • Libraries
    
  • Stores and shops--particularly book stores or video and record shops
    
  • Exercise clubs
    • Get involved with yourself and others. There are many volunteer opportunities to help those less fortunate that need your help. You meet new friends and learn of new opportunities. Take some classes at a local school or opportunities like Elderhostel. Find others to share your hobbies.

    • Maintain your self-respect. Often being alone is the time to lose some weight, try new hairstyles, new makeup, or to spruce up your wardrobe. Above all maintain cleanliness in yourself and your surroundings. A sense of self-confidence will build the strength that is necessary to make it through the hard times--and make the most of the good times. If you can feel good about yourself, you can feel good about living alone.

    • Learn to enjoy your independence. Look upon being alone not as a curse but as an opportunity to become more independent, more self-sufficient, and, hopefully, an even more interesting person.

    • Take care of your health. Older women need to know about the positive effects of healthy behaviors such as proper diet and regular exercise. Locate through others or your local area office on aging the available resources that can help you become more informed, wiser, and an assertive healthcare consumer.

    • Find out what opportunities and support is available. If you need help, don't be afraid to ask for it. There are many community and government programs that are available to provide assistance to those who need it.

    • Get a job. If you need to supplement your income and are physically able, look for work--even part-time employment if it will help with your income needs and you can make new friends.

    • Rent out a room or add an apartment to your home. The room rent could add to your income; the apartment, considerably more, depending on the local rental market. The arrangement can also provide companionship and an exchange of services. If you do take in a boarder, be sure to draw up a home-sharing agreement that clearly spells out the ground rules concerning shared living spaces, pets, guests, smoking, drinking, parking, and other details.

    • Invite friends to dinner. If you find a man whose company you like don't be afraid to invite him out to dinner. Don't feel offended if you are rejected. There are no rules about who should initiate a date anymore. Make sharing of food a gift of love.

    • Travel near and far. Unattached women or men do not have to find traveling alone a lonely, frightening experience. Often it is not the fear of loneliness that keeps singles from traveling; it is the anxiety about details connected with the trip. (Read the articles on travel, on our website) Nowadays, there are many travel opportunities that cater to single persons.

      If you are thinking about taking a vacation by yourself here are some organizations to contact (or contact your travel agent) about trips: Gramercy's Singleworld, 444 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10022; 1-800-223-6490. Mature Travel Mates (a new solo traveler's match-making club), P.O. Box 26833, Tamarac, FL 33320. For Jewish singles past 50, American Jewish Congress Travel Department runs special tours to Israel. They can be contacted at 15 E. 84th Street, New York, NY 10028, 1-800-221-4694.

    • Get involved in politics. There are many local, state, and federal opportunities and problems that could use your input. There's a veritable gold mine of interesting and stimulating people already there. Meet new friends and cast your ballot.

    • Use your imagination. Think of things to do you'd never have dreamed of when you were not alone. Then, get out and do them!

    The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the Commonwealth Fund Commission on Elderly People Living Alone are expanding their efforts to inform low income older persons about public benefits to which they may be entitled. AARP outreach programs focus on Medicaid, Food Stamps, and Low Income Energy Assistance, along with their Supplemental Security Income Outreach Program. For more information contact:
    

    AARP, Consumer Affairs,
    601 E. Street, N.W.,
    Washington, D.C. 20049;
    (202) 434-2277
    
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