[silverson]

My dad lives in the villages. He is recently widowed, and we are looking for ways to get him more out and active. He is not the most outgoing of individuals these days, my mom was the one who handled all the "social stuff."

He does like playing petangue, and plays with the villages club often, but that's only a few times a week for a couple of hours.

I'm hoping he can make some new friends down here who might be able to encourage him to get out and do things on a more regular basis.

Feel free to reply or comment with things that you think might be helpful. Thanks!

AB

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by silverson

My dad lives in the villages. He is recently widowed, and we are looking for ways to get him more out and active. He is not the most outgoing of individuals these days, my mom was the one who handled all the "social stuff."

He does like playing petangue, and plays with the villages club often, but that's only a few times a week for a couple of hours.

I'm hoping he can make some new friends down here who might be able to encourage him to get out and do things on a more regular basis.

Feel free to reply or comment with things that you think might be helpful. Thanks!

AB

If he is into computers he might like the Villages Computer Club. http://thevillagescomputerclub.com/

Here is a link to a 90 page download of a list of Clubs in the Villages-- http://www.virginiatrace.com/clubs/index.html

It has phone contacts for people in these many clubs.

The Villages has hundreds of clubs for just about every interest. Your father should be interested in some of these. A lot of these clubs do not make you do much socializing either. One can just go and listen to a lecture, or a movie, or a speaker.

[Posh 08]

Is he dealing with the grief? Maybe some counseling is needed first before he can take things on?

[missypie]

I think it is so nice that you are concerned about your dad. It must be awful to lose a spouse after many years. The grieving time is as individual as the person. Please call your dad as often as you can (you probably already do) and visit as soon as you can if your lifes schedule permits.

My condolences to you and your family as well.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Posh 08

Is he dealing with the grief? Maybe some counseling is needed first before he can take things on?

I was thinking the same thing. You should also encourage him to see his regular doctor too.

[jane032657]

I am dealing with a similar situation but not yet at our new place at TV. My dad died in December, my parents were married 67 years and started dating when my momn was 16 so that is 73 years ago. We have moved her in with us until we get to TV, when she will live at a retirement home, maybe at Steeplechase. She sits and stares a lot, cries, and does not know what to do with herself. I have hired a caregiver 5 hours a day for while I am at work but I think it is a shocking experience and the grief is oevrwhelming. She has little motivation to want to do to much but if there is someone to go with, she is happy to do something or have someone with her. I empathize with you and your dad. I think spending time with him, calling, and maybe getting someone in home to visit would help.

[Bogie Shooter]

Join a church.
Go to his villages social club.
Go for daily walks in his neighborhood.
Say Good Morning to everyone he meets.
Go to the squares and say hello to the person next to him.
Good Luck.