THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 26 NOV 2026-JAN 2027 theconnectionsnj.com SENIOR LIVING theconnectionsnj.com PAGE 26 any hear “community” and assume it is a place for the aging. In fact, we are fortunate to be living at a time when there are wonderful independent and assisted living facilities where the older population can live together communally. But I believe we go through life in communities, and that is a blessing. At every stage of life, the basic need for connection with others remains a constant. Companionship, encouragement and a sense of belonging strengthen our ability to be ourselves while expressing our own individuality. It is equally a gift to be able to discover our similarities with those in our community. Our first years as a young married couple were enhanced by the apartment complex where we lived, finding others to enjoy the pool during the summer months, meeting other women to play Mah Jongg, walking baby carriages together, and planning barbecues. We created friendships that continued long after we moved to our first and second homes, enjoying the opportunity to watch their families grow and share their joy just as ours did, as well. The cycle of life became a string that attached us over the years and continues to this day. Our community then became based around the children’s school and their friends. Meeting at baseball games, gymnastics meets, and tennis matches brought us together with people we would never have met before. Even sharing a cold pizza on the bleachers made us happy. There was nothing better in those days than rooting for our team, going for ice cream to celebrate a victory or consoling a loss together. As the children left for college or moved away, it was on us to create a new community; the kids were no longer our social connection or our social asset. Going back to playing cards, Mah Jongg, becoming more involved in our Temple or Church, or taking an adult education class made sense, and so we had a new community. Recreation Centers created another kind of community, and we found new people of interest and the ability to share resources at this time in our lives. Playing cards, Bingo, trivia contests, and musical quizzes stretch the mind and, at the same time, bring us together to share our knowledge and memories. When Bruce and I moved to South Florida, we found a community that suited us very well. Many like-minded people were looking for friendships, a strong social and charitable life, and the desire to stay active and involved. We always have, and thankfully continue to find, those connections without trying very hard. Community changes and develops as we travel through different stages of life. Just look at the sandbox at a preschool, lunchtime at high school, or game time at an assisted living facility. There is a huge value to sharing energy, companionship, and meaningful relationships throughout our lives, and I believe the strongest communities are those that encourage participation and create opportunities for all to contribute and feel they belong. Life is so much more enjoyable as we share it together. Go find your community! SLICEOFLIFE Community is a Beautiful Thing By Ellyn Mantell At every stage of life, the basic need for connection with others remains a constant. Companionship, encouragement and a sense of belonging strengthen our ability to be ourselves while expressing our own individuality. Many hear “community” and as 3 COVERS. 1 CONNECTION. LOCAL BUSINESS. LOCAL STORIES. LOCAL IMPACT GET YOUR BUSINESS INTO 80K+ HANDS NEXT ISSUE: FEBRUARY 2027 ADVERTISING DEADLINE: JANUARY 8, 2027 Health & Wellness Kidz Connection Home & Design Events & Community Senior Living Local Business Spotlight 908.903.1799 Info@theconnectionsnj.com www.theconnectionsnj.com
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