I'm a boomer who moved to a new community and felt lonely. I made friends by doing things I cared about and staying active.

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Ellen Acconcia and her husband holding a notebook while outside in front of a mailbox that says
Ellen Acconcia and her husband moved to North Carolina early in 2020 and she had to find new ways to make friends.

Courtesy Ellen Acconcia

My parents sent me to camp for 6 weeks every summer. Years later I'm still friends with the people I met there.

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Rear view of happy kids running towards cabins at summer camp

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I sent my kids to summer camp in Spain. It was affordable and they got to experience independence.

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Two children on a sailboat on a mountain lake.

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I'm single and childless and I can't afford to retire in California. To afford the life I want, I'm moving to the South.

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A thoughtful senior woman having a cup of coffee in the kitchen and looking out of her window at home.

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I'm an American sending my kids to camp in Italy. It's cheaper and kids eat freshly cooked meals.

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Kids in Italy enjoying the view.

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I don't let anyone load the dishwasher. I'm very strategic about it, and it has lasted us 19 years.

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A hand loading a plate into a dishwasher.

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My first cruise with my son was a nightmare. We lost power twice, had to shower with flip-flops, and couldn't make 2 of our destinations.

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Woman looking out a window on a cruise.

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I went on my first cruise with 3 generations of my family, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life

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Adam England with his family while on a cruise.
Adam England went on his first cruise with his parents, sister, and grandmother.

Courtesy Adam England

Every year, my teen is away at camp for his birthday. We celebrate early, and I send him gifts he can open with his friends.

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Kids having fun on birthday party
The author's son has spent his birthday at summer camp for the last couple of years. She's learned to be OK with it.

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I went on a trip with my 91-year-old grandmother to her home country. It deepened my love and respect for her.

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People in Switzerland posing photo

Courtesy of the author

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