Darlings, I am a firm believer that community is invaluable to women over 50. Now, I want you to think outside the normal realm of “community” here. I’m not just talking about the houses on your street or the people that live in your apartment or condo building. I’m talking about the people that make up the entirety of your life – that is your community! And darling if you don’t have one, I truly encourage you to start building one. Engaging with a supportive community not only enriches your social life but also plays a vital role in adult development and personal growth during later life.

We need each other to get through the ups and downs of life; especially after 50, as the process of ageing brings new transitions and challenges that a strong community can help us navigate.

The benefits of having a strong community include improved well-being, greater support during ageing, and a sense of belonging that enhances our quality of life.

Women Need Women

We are all made special in our own way. Every passage of life creates endless opportunities for newness, possibility, and purpose. It is time to set your fears aside and surround yourself with incredible women! When women come together, we are all able to grow in areas and thrive! Social interaction is essential for personal empowerment and well-being, helping us build stronger connections and support systems. I welcome you to embrace the joys and sorrows, expand your circle, and aspire for empowerment and enlightenment.

Women need to be in circles with other women of all ages. I learn so much from my friends from various backgrounds, life paths, ages, and cultures. Connecting with both older and younger people allows for mutual growth and a deeper understanding of different perspectives. Having a close friend or friends provides invaluable support and companionship, especially as we navigate new experiences. They have all enriched my life so much! Darlings, be sure to seek out new companions and friendships. You never know what you’re missing out on if you only focus on age.

Who Is In Your Social Connections and Community?

It’s time to think outside the box when it comes to “community”. Our friends, social circles, obligations, and family ties change throughout our lives. Families play an important role in shaping our communities and providing essential support to relatives and neighbors, strengthening social bonds and fostering a sense of belonging. Honestly, depending on what stage of life we are in determines what takes up most of our time! Education and other activities also shape our social circles and community involvement as we move through different stages of life.

When I was younger with young children, my family was essentially my community. Then, I became a young widow and watched my community shift drastically. No one can anticipate the death of a spouse and how much your life changes. My children grew into parents themselves, I later married my Ultimate Concierge, and my community shifted again. Both home and community environments influence our sense of belonging as these changes occur.

Life changes often. I encourage you to seek out a community no matter the phase of life you are in because the phase of life we will all enter at some point is: loneliness.

Social Isolation and Loneliness After 50

Loneliness after 50 can come in a variety of ways. It can sneak up on you in the form of retirement. If you’ve spent the last few decades of your life working and focusing on your career, becoming a retiree is a very large life shift. Your entire community changes! You have to reevaluate your social life and support. Community engagement during older age can lead to decreased loneliness, as staying involved helps maintain meaningful connections and improves well-being.

A loneliness no one can ever prepare for is the loneliness brought on by becoming widowed. You truly learn who your community is when you lose the person you love the most.

Here is where being friends with people of all ages come into play. If you have a social circle with women in various life stages, then you are able to find various types of support. Being supported by friends and your community is especially important in older age. It may come in advice from a woman who has been in your shoes before and navigated the path, it may be from a lady lending a listening ear, or it could be from a woman looking for insight into her future by chatting with you about your experiences. Those with strong community ties have benefited from various forms of service and support, which can make a significant difference in decreasing loneliness.

Community Resources and Services: Finding Support Where You Live

As we journey through later life, the importance of having strong community resources and services becomes ever more clear. For older adults, access to the right support can make all the difference in maintaining physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. Research suggests that when older people have opportunities for social connection and engagement, they experience a decreased risk of depression, cognitive decline, and social isolation. In fact, social participation and regular social interactions are essential ingredients for healthy aging and independent living.

Yet, many communities face real challenges. Affordable housing, accessible health care, and public health services are not always available—especially for low income older adults or those living with poor health. One third of older adults live in areas with limited resources, making it harder to find the support they need. This is why age-friendly communities are so vital. When neighborhoods are designed with older populations in mind—think walking distance to local schools, parks, and community centers—they offer more chances for social activities, physical movement, and personal fulfillment.

The World Health Organization has identified eight domains that help create age-friendly communities: outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community support and health services. These domains are not just checklists—they are the foundation for environments where older adults can thrive, stay active, and age in place with dignity. Simple home modifications, like grab bars in the bathroom or wider doorways, can support independent aging and prevent injuries, while community centers and educational programs foster lifelong learning and social engagement.

However, the existing literature shows that many communities still have a long way to go. Older volunteers who provide unpaid care to family or friends may face depressive symptoms or feel isolated, and non caregivers might not know about the resources available to support older people. That’s why community engagement is so important. By working together—older adults, adult children, caregivers, health care providers, and local organizations—we can advocate for better services, more affordable housing, and inclusive programs that benefit everyone.

Darlings, remember: creating supportive, age-friendly communities is not just about buildings or services—it’s about people coming together to support one another. Whether you’re seeking new social connections, looking for health services, or hoping to stay active and involved, know that your voice matters. By getting involved and supporting each other, we can ensure that most older adults have the resources they need to live vibrant, independent lives—no matter their age or stage.

Let’s Celebrate Life Together

If you are looking for a way to build your community of women, then you need to join my exclusive Facebook private group, Celebrate Life. 

Community isn’t limited to your geographical area! This group is made up of women from around the world – from all backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. You’ll find women of various ages and life stages, women with a wide array of life experiences. Many members are also part of organizations like AARP, and their AARP membership connects them to valuable resources and support for older adults. The group reflects the vital roles older people play in their communities, from volunteering and caregiving to leadership and advocacy. Women are learning to navigate life after 50, and women that are just like you.

In this group, women come together to feel empowered, embrace their uniqueness, and aspire to grow with one another. And I don’t know a single woman who can’t benefit from that!

I have found that life is far more abundant sharing it with women at any age and around the world. There’s something so empowering about coming together, where girlfriends become sisters and we embrace everything life throws at us. I’m a firm believer that women need other women!

In my Facebook group, we’ll come together to celebrate life’s beautiful moments and passages (and everything that comes with it). Express your feelings, share your stories, and grow alongside each other.

REMEMBER DARLINGS, WE NEED EACH OTHER. Have you joined the group yet? Why or Why Not? Will we see you there? Click to join here.