connected

Executive Editor

Managing Editor

Sabrina Kahwaty

Donna Hoke

Assistant Editor Reagan Zuber

Contributing Writers Carol Ann Harlos, Olivia Guthrie, Judith A. Rucki, Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits, Ashley Ziomek

Proofreader Sharon C. Levite

ART & PRODUCTION

Since 2020, it seems we hear more talk about the importance of staying connected—and for good reason. Research has shown that social isolation increases risk of not only mental health issues like anxiety and depression, but also physical conditions like dementia, chronic illness, and hearing loss. A National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report notes that more than one-third of adults aged forty-five and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged sixty-five and older are considered socially isolated.

Creative Director

Jean-Pierre Thimot

Lead Designer Nicholas Vitello

Senior Graphic Designers / Illustrators

Graphic Designers

Joshua Flanigan, Kim Miers

Taramarie Mitravich, Rachel Kaznica

Photographers kc kratt, Luke Copping, Stephen Gabris, Nancy J. Parisi

Director of Sales & Advertising

National Ad Director

Senior Account Executives

ADVERTISING & SALES

Barbara E. Macks

Terri Downey

Mary Beth Holly, Caroline Kunze, Robin Lenhard

Account Executives Keren Green, Rachel Wasserman

Sales Coordinator

MARKETING & CIRCULATION

Director of Audience Development

Social Media Director

DIGITAL

Robin Lenhard

Robin Lenhard

Robin Lenhard

Web Master Kim Miers

ADMINISTRATIVE & FINANCE

Administrative & Finance Director

Michele Ferguson

Forever Young is published monthly, with an annual Senior Directory. Copyright ©2023 by Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc. 1412 Sweet Home Road, Suite 12, Amherst, NY 14228 and is open Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. The entire contents of Forever Young are copyrighted 2023 by Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc. and may not be reproduced in any manner, either whole or in part without written permission from the publishers. All rights reserved. Display advertising information and rates may be obtained by calling (716) 783-9119 ext 2250. For home delivery by mail, send check or money order for $12.00 payable to Forever Young. Standard mail postage paid at Amherst, NY 14228. POSTMASTER send change of address to Forever Young, 1412 Sweet Home Road, Suite 12, Amherst, NY 14228. Manuscripts and free calendar listings should be sent to the editor (skahwaty@foreveryoungwny.com) at 1412 Sweet Home Road, Suite 12, Amherst, NY 14228. Material cannot be returned unless accompanied by a self addressed, stamped envelope of adequate size and strength. The

During lockdown, we had to get creative with ways to stay in touch: virtual happy hours and distanced backyard hangouts were my mainstays. Now that the world has normalized, it’s easier to get together safely, and yet it can still feel challenging to do it consistently. Forever Young is here to help. In this month’s issue, we’re exploring ways to connect—virtually, in person, and through meaningful activity. We’ve got suggestions for community engagement, finding interest groups, bus tours, and more. If you don’t see something that appeals to you, check out our Noteworthy events and consider getting a group together for an outing or try a group from our Resources.

As Judith Rucki rightly points out in this month’s “Let’s Talk About...” aging brings many benefits and joys. Embrace them fully by keeping in touch with family, friends, and your community.

Warmly,

Sabrina Kahwaty Executive Editor