<p>One of my older relatives is still independent and living with her spouse. She has golfed 3x/week for the past decades. Recently, she has lost many of her peers, as they stopped golfing after moving to other states, care for ailing spouses, etc. golfing was an important part of her weekly routine. She has tried to start golfing with younger women but physically is very very slow and hits the ball only a short distance, so has to hit it much more often than others now. She also can barely hear but refuses to wear a hearing aid. </p>
<p>She still golfs on Sunday with her spouse who generally golfs with males many decades younger. I’m not sure how to help this dynamic, but find it very sad. I haven’t golfed much since S was born 25 years ago.</p>
<p>Would any of the local golf buddies who have had to give it up to take care of their spouses be willing to accept a few hours of spouse-watching so they can get out of the house and golf? Maybe that angle is worth investigating.</p>
<p>Seems like there could be an interesting EC opportunity for a young golfer.<br>
Or, maybe talk to the First Tee organization to see if they could possibly find a youngster
willing to play with her…</p>
<p>Is she interested in another activity?
I have been taking water aerobics classes since January 4x a week. It is an hour class followed by about an hour of free time in the pool/ hottub.
Since it is so often & people often chat while exercising, I have gotten to know a few of the women( the class is mostly made up of older men & women, some have been taking it regularly for years)</p>
<p>Its not golf, but it is fun and great exercise and the older women are so inspirational!</p>
<p>She’s allergic to cold water. She used to swim 1/2 mile a day in home pool but gave it up because she thought it worsened her hearing and she started getting hives. She wants to golf with the ladies and they golf twice/week in a large group, mostly with their long term friends. She’s mentored a few young golfers but they gravitate toward other younger golfers, whom they have more in common with. </p>
<p>The ones who cared for spouses have drifted away from golfing. Don’t think they’ll be returning–some are becoming reclusive and others travel more to be with far flung family.</p>
<p>My 79 yo Dad really enjoys his golf league. Are there any women’s leagues around that she can join? She’ll be instantly exposed to more people and hopefully will have an easier time finding peers.</p>
<p>Does she happen to play cards ? My mother has been a widow for several years but in the last two years , she has been playing with a small group of women and men once a week. This is her main social connection and it gives her something to look forward to</p>
<p>Does she play at a course that has a pro that could introduce her to players that are on the same level? I can’t believe there aren’t other women in her same place.</p>
<p>PS - My mom is 85, still drives and is active. She complains that her friends are all dying or disabled. I’ve told her to get younger friends.</p>