So you have a computer and you have become somewhat literate…Congratulations!!
You are probably experiencing a new way of looking at the world through websites that literally “show you the world.” We no longer need to leave the comfort of our homes to visit certain wonders. My Mother recently fulfilled a life long desire to visit the boyhood home of Elvis by “virtually” touring “Graceland” online. She saw everything she would have seen if she was there without the cost of airfare, hotel, gas etc., she even bought a souvenir from their online gift shop!!

Yet we also know that it is important for us to move away from the computer and actually see and experience our world. Our family and friends miss us when we spend too much time letting our “fingers do the walking.” Now you might be thinking…I have been there and done that and now I am going to just “be.” Yet you are forgetting how important you are to the rest of us…we need your knowledge, expertise, sense of humor, and creativity to keep us on track and frankly…sane. (smile)

So here are some ideas for you that can begin as a simple journey sitting at your computer which can, if you are willing to explore new horizons, land you at the gateway to a new activity to explore, share, and enjoy:

Have you wished to be more flexible and explore Yoga? How about quilting or looking at and learning about area birds? Have you seen the much touted “Golden Cheeked Warbler.” So get creative, meet new friends, see parts of Austin you have never seen, exercise your mind, heart, and body and share that unique being that is YOU!

Check these ideas out:

FOR THE YOGA ENTHUSIAST:

Yoga for Seniors!
These days more and more doctors are recommending prescriptions that include taking a yoga class. Yoga has many benefits for seniors. It helps prevent bone density loss, increases balance and spinal flexibility and improves joint integrity and mobility.
Scared you will fall over and lose your balance trying yoga? Seniors find they can balance, strengthen and stretch more when using a chair for support.
A good place to start becoming more flexible is at eldr.com/yoga and yogajp.com. Many Austin Yoga studios have classes that would be fine for Seniors and one website you could look at is AustinKulaYoga.com

FOR THE AMATEUR OR HAM RADIO OPERATORS:

Calling all HAMS!
Long before the internet was created, the amateur radio network as the main way people for all over the world could connect. Amateur or Ham radio operators created vast social networks by talking long distance to other radio enthusiasts. This linkage of radio enthusiasts is ever ready to assist with communication flow in the case of a disaster or weather emergency. The National Association for Amateur Radio has an informative website with lots of news and information, arrk.org In Austin you can attend a meeting and check out TexasHams.org and use your natural gift of gab to learn to help us all.

FOR THE BIRD WATCHER:

Looking up with new interest!
So how about learning about our area birds while getting out in the fresh air. All you need is a small pair of inexpensive binoculars (remember craigslist.com as a purchasing resource.) When you are driving and the traffic is getting gnarly, you can take a detour and stop, enjoy the view and see if you can find a few birds flying about. Test your knowledge as there are lots of great sites, books, and even software for your PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) so that you can have it all at hand. Or just get up from your computer, strap on those binoculars and take a walk around your neighborhood. A good place to start gaining some birding knowledge is audobon.org and here in Austin try travisaudobon.org.

FOR THE QUILTER AND KNITTER:

Hands on Creativity and Fun!
Quilting and Knitting is not just for Seniors, there is a revival going on. Check out these sites and begin to re-explore or explore anew your talent for working with your hands. This is a good way to create community by working separately though together. At my community center, we have started a knitting group this year and there is a 24 year old man, a new mom, and two long-time knitters, a diverse and fun group that meets to get assistance from each other with their projects. If you are interested in learning these crafts, there is much information on the internet such as: quilterscache.com, and learntoknit.com, and craftown.com. While here in Austin, visit aaqg.org, the site for the Austin Area Quilters Guild, and knitting.meetup.com.

FOR GARDENERS:

Get outside and get your hands dirty!
Most of us have a backyard or a deck we can put a few flower pots on. Perhaps you would like a few more indoor plants to give you additional oxygen while you sit at your computer. Just standing barefoot on the ground can help “ground” us, a much needed activity if we spend much time in “virtual” reality. I have had many a great conversation around the subject of growing things. A great website for information is garden.org and get over to the Natural Gardens on Old Bee Cave road for a little field trip into gardening nirvana, their website is naturalgardener.com