Senior News Line: Here’s to a better 2026

Here we are, ready to wrap up another year. And there’s a new one just around the corner. What can we learn from this year to help us in the next one?

Many seniors have had a rough time financially, and it doesn’t look as though things are going to get better soon. Grocery costs have been a big part of that.

What we’ve learned is that every time we go to the store, the items we usually buy will cost more and more.

And the cost of the coat we’ve been eyeing is much more than last year. And our electric bill just isn’t going to go down.

But we’ve also learned that the people who run the food bank are kind and helpful. And we’ve learned that we can get one more year out of our winter coat.

And we’ve learned that wearing a vest at home can make up for the one degree we turn down the thermostat.

While it wasn’t as bad as during the COVID pandemic lockdowns, our sense of isolation this year was made worse by finances because we didn’t dare spend on too many lunches out with friends. For some of us, the sense of loneliness and anxiety took a toll on our health.

But all is not lost.

We can look for free activities that bring us in contact with others: Book clubs at the library, art classes at the local museum and board games at the senior center all give us opportunities to socialize. Ask about organizing a karaoke night.

Even exercise can be free and can combine fitness with socialization. Look for pickleball at the rec center and chair yoga at the senior center. Do you have an Advantage plan that covers Silver Sneakers workout classes?

The New Year can be better than 2025. Make your plans.