Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1512887
48 maconmagazine.com | DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024 BY JANE WINSTON Jane's top 3 tips for finding fun, meaning, and joy in Macon at 65+ I retired a few years back and discovered retirement means different things to different people; however, most retirees agree that just "having the time to do what they want to do, when they want to do it," is living the dream. Once I decided to punch that retirement button, I found a plethora of opportunities for doing what retirees are supposed to do: recreation, exercise, spending time with others, and continuing to learn right here in my own backyard. Here are some of the things I enjoy as a retiree – as well as some things I hope to do! Retirement launched! What's the next adventure? Pickleball is sweeping the nation as the number one exercise for folks of all ages. It's especially great for seniors because the lighter equipment and smaller court size than tennis make it an ideal low-impact workout. You can find pickleball at Tattnall Square Park, John Drew Smith Tennis Center, and The Elaine Lucas Senior Center (see page 30 for exciting new courts, now at the Macon Mall). Cornhole is another less strenuous sport. Family and friend gatherings bring out the Corn Hole competitors. The boards and bags can be purchased nearly anywhere and make for great backyard fun. Local pubs and venues like Just Tap'd on Poplar St. have the game, and Fall Line Brewery on Plum St. hosts the Peach State Cornhole league. Walking is free and beneficial. Strolling Amerson Park is lovely in the great Georgia winter weather. Take your pup to the dog park on Adams St. or Barks 'N Brews on Riverside Dr., have a brew, visit with others, and walk your dog. Exercise classes are available to you! Many private gyms in the area, Elaine Lucas Senior Center, and others have all types of exercise equipment, pools, and classes just waiting for you. Silver Sneakers programs—free with certain Medicare plans at The Atrium Wellness Center— offer classes tailored to mature exercisers. Swimming may not always be free, but it is truly beneficial to the aging back, feet, and limbs. Hiking and biking trails surround us and are just waiting to be traversed (see maconmagazine. com for favorite local trails!) Data supports that in retirement, one must get out among others. To simply sit home alone or nearly alone is not good for one's health. So, make it a point to seek community. Exercise, go to church, start or join a book club, volunteer, dine out or cook in. Simply get up and get moving ... with others! Volunteer opportunities abound everywhere! This is one of the most fulfilling retirement activities, but the desire to do it must come from within. Theaters and museums like Theatre Macon downtown, Macon Little Theatre, and Museum of Arts and Sciences on Forsyth are always looking for volunteers. So go help at the museum, audition for a play, work behind the scenes. Local nonprofits need you. Try Daybreak, Macon Outreach at Mulberry, Ronald McDonald House, United Way of Central Georgia, All About Animals, The Brookdale Resource Center, Crisis Line and Safe House, or Read United. Ask around for opportunities and check out handsonmacon.org. Stay active Seek community 1 2 Amerson River Park. Photo by Jessica Whitley.