June 1st, 2025
Royce Shook
The idea of “fitting in” can feel like a balancing act. On the one hand, we want to feel accepted, part of a group, and connected to others. On the other hand, we don’t want to lose our individuality or stop being true to ourselves. As we navigate the social world in our senior years, […]
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May 31st, 2025
Royce Shook
There’s a common (and false) belief floating around that making friends gets harder as we get older. Some of us even wear it like a badge: “At my age, people have their circles already. I don’t want to intrude.” Nonsense. Yes, life changes. Our routines shift, people move away or pass on, and we’re no […]
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May 30th, 2025
Royce Shook
Let’s get something out of the way right now: Being liked isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room, having the most stories, or showing off the longest list of accomplishments. It’s about how you make other people feel when they’re around you. And here’s the secret: People are drawn to people who make […]
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May 29th, 2025
Royce Shook
It’s a tricky dance, isn’t it? You want to belong. You want to be seen. You want people to know you’re capable, friendly, and have a lifetime of wisdom to share. But sometimes, in the effort to prove all that… we step on toes. For many of us in our senior years, the line between […]
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May 28th, 2025
Royce Shook
Let’s be honest: most of us think we’re good listeners. We nod politely, maintain eye contact, and maybe even throw in a “Mmm-hmm” or a “That’s interesting.” But here’s a question worth asking: Are you really listening, or are you just waiting for your turn to talk? It’s a tough question, especially for those of […]
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May 27th, 2025
Royce Shook
Let’s clear something up: talking isn’t the same as communicating. If it were, a lot more people would feel heard, understood, and appreciated. But as many of us have discovered the hard way, communication is a two-part dance, and some of us have been stepping on toes without even knowing it. So, what does good […]
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May 26th, 2025
Royce Shook
One of the people on my board is not well-regarded by many other board members. After a conversation with a board member about this person, I decided to look at the issue of why some seniors have trouble making friends, fitting in and finding their place. I hope you enjoy the series. It’s one of […]
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May 25th, 2025
Royce Shook
As spring blossoms around us, May brings warmer weather, blooming flowers, and a renewed sense of community connection. It’s also the perfect time to consider how we can make a meaningful difference in our neighbourhoods by supporting those experiencing food insecurity. While food drives are common and visible ways to contribute, there’s something even more […]
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May 24th, 2025
Royce Shook
I told my grandma that spring vegetables keep you young. She started eating carrots daily—now she’s seeing better days! My 80-year-old neighbour planted too many flowers this spring. I guess you could say he’s suffering from perennial overachievement. Why did the senior gardener win the spring planting contest? Because she had years of ex-seed-ingly good […]
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May 23rd, 2025
Royce Shook
As we age, maintaining a healthy diet becomes more important than ever. Whether living alone, with a partner, or in a group, it’s essential to continue eating well to preserve your energy, manage chronic conditions, and improve overall well-being. For many seniors, cooking for one or two can be a challenge, but with the right […]
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