Editor’s note: This piece is by Kristin Bolton, Executive Director of Elderly Services. 

Too often as we get older, we lose connections. Treasured friends, family members and even acquaintances develop debilitating illnesses, move away or pass away. Social isolation and loneliness can set in, leaving us vulnerable to depression and ill health.

Former participant Marion Werner said in her mid-90’s, “You know why I need to come to Project? All my old friends have died. I need some new friends!” And indeed, she developed many close and beautiful friendships before she too passed on earlier this year.

Joining a community in our 70s, 80s or 90s takes courage, but has some wonderful rewards. Not only are new friends made, but old reconnections are rekindled in surprising ways. Joyce, an active Elderly Services Project participant, and John, a student summer worker, reconnected this summer. When she saw his name, she took a second look and realized this tall 20-year-old was someone she babysat when he was a preschooler.

Another connection sparked when Marjorie and Jacqui discovered they were related. Knowing how rare it is to find family, they hugged each other.

In the new and old friendships, we reconnect with parts of ourselves. “I haven’t done this in years,” we hear people say as they get up and join hands to dance, a smile lighting their face as they move in the familiar ways of their younger days.

It takes courage to face the losses of growing older but in reconnecting with the wholeness of who we are, we can reclaim the best parts of our past as we step into a more joyful future.