NEXT AVENUE - SPECIAL SECTION
The Impact of Third Places for Solo Agers By Ailene Gerhardt
The role that a robust, age-diverse support system plays for a solo ager (an aging adult 55+ single or partnered, who is without the support of adult children or close family members) is critical. Connection to others is extremely important in navigating health, the complexities of the health care system, and residential, financial and legal decisions. For solo agers, identifying personal contacts and qualified professionals to serve in these key roles that are "traditionally" filled by adult children/relatives requires careful and intentional planning. It is equally important to be intentional about social support and connections. Being part of and connected to a community has a major impact on our health and personal satisfaction. Connecting with others assists with improving our self-esteem, feeling cared for, reducing stress and increasing our resilience. As we age, meeting new people becomes more difficult. After retirement, there is no longer the ease of making new connections via a work environment, and for solo agers, there are not additional connections available via the friends of children or grandchildren. Connecting with others assists with improving our self-esteem, feeling cared for, reducing stress and increasing our resilience. While it can be difficult to meet new people, we often overlook the impact of our connection to "third places," which can offer new opportunities to expand and enhance our support systems.
"Third places" is a term coined by urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg and refers to places where people spend time between home ("first" place) and work ("second" place). They are locations where we exchange ideas, have a good time, and build relationships. They are comfortable spaces and accessible to everyone. Third places are a part of our daily life and community, and we connect to them in a variety of ways. Some are free or low cost — parks, libraries, community and senior centers, faith communities, adult education and other classes, and volunteer organizations. Others are commercial establishments like restaurants, coffee shops and bookstores. They can also be places that offer personal services such as salons, barbershops, and gyms. Approaching the spaces and "third places" you connect with daily, weekly and monthly in a different way and with new perspective can offer new opportunities and enhance your social network.
Read more stories like this on NextAvenue.org.
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