Howdy Ags,
My Mom and Dad have recently relocated back to Aggieland, to an assisted living facility, and I'm trying to find ways to get them, but Dad especially, out to do things and make friends and find purpose. I'd love help with ideas.

He was in the Corps, and was an Aggie veterinarian, but dementia forced him into an earlier than desired retirement. My Mom is bed ridden most days with her own health issues. Dad has worked in some form or fashion since he was a teenager, so he's just really struggling with this adjustment to retirement, but now especially being back in an Aggieland he doesn't recognize, no friends, and adjusting to life without the sense of purpose and freedoms he's always enjoyed.

I'm just searching for any ideas to get him out and about and to find purpose in this new season of life. His short term memory is slipping, but he loves to tell old Corps stories and loves A&M. Wondering if there's a group of old Ags around his age who get together to drink coffee, read the Bible, tell stories, etc? Or other ideas?

I've seen senior aged men at Whataburger, CFA and IHOP in the mornings meeting for coffee.

As stated above, most senior living facilities seem to have opportunities for games and fellowship. I know our church has a strong senior group that meets outside church for meals.

Thank you for the suggestions! Yes, we have looked at things to do at the facility, but I'm wanting ways to get him out and help him feel productive or meet friends where he isn't cooped up at his place.

The groups of men that meet at IHOP, Whataburger, etc, or senior men Bible studies would be awesome. I think I'd just need an "inside man" to make the invitation, if anybody knows anybody.

There are several trail life troops in town. They are usually in need of men for mentorship/leadership. It's a boy scout like organization - teaching boys to become men with outdoor skills as the lesson focus.

My son and I were in a troop for a few years. Good organization. Faith based if that is important to you/him.

ratfacemcdougal said:

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There is a gym at the St Joseph rehab facility. Lots of seniors use that gym.

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Second this! My grandmother goes MWF and she brings donuts for after the workout class on most Fridays. Ha!!

What church/religion? If Catholic, my husband could probably introduce him to some of the men at St Thomas Aquinas. We are parishioners in Hearne, but my husband is involved in ACTS at St Thomas.

This may not fit what he wants but when I was a cadet, they were really ramping up efforts for professional development by having men who were mid to late career come talk to a class or an outfit. He could do that as many or as few times as he wants.

I imagine talking to the Corps of Cadets Association would be a good way to start there.

If he is a Veteran, the American Legion has a coffee and donut every Thursday from 8-10.

As stated above reach out the Corps of Cadets Association. If he is able to volunteer, they have several volunteer opportunities throughout the year. The George Bush Library has volunteer opportunities as well.

The Brazos Valley Food Bank is always looking for volunteers. If he could sort canned goods or bag produce (like put 6 apples in a bag) repeatedly? Good Luck to y'all!

I feel for you. I had to move my parents here because of age and heath issues. My dad also had dementia.

My dad was similar he worked since he was really young. My grandma signed papers so he could join the Navy at 17. He didn't know how to not have a job and work.

As another poster mentioned; If he is a Veteran, the American Legion in Bryan is awesome. I have known the current 1st Vice Commander, Jimbo for a long time and he is great, He does a lot for veterans and the community at large. You can look up his contact inform from the Legions newsletter on their site or Facebook and reach out to him. You can let him know about your dad and he will make sure your dad is plugged in right.

My work changes and travel or else I would be a member of the American Legion in Bryan.

It has been a while; however, my experience with the VFW in Bryan on 2818 is that they drink too much and don't really have a purpose or mission other than to drink way too much. As a veteran, its depressing going in there. It has been way before COVID since I have been there; I hope its changed.

College Station parks & rec has an outstanding senior center and lots of stuff from exercise to dance to games. They have a special pass for seniors that lets you do everything in all three centers (Senior Center Southwood Valley and Lincoln Center) versus just paying for a one-off session. It's cheap, like $30 or $40 a year for seniors, been a while can't remember exactly.

I hope your dad is open to doing stuff like this as a group because there is a lot of this on BCS. My dad was stubborn and had acreage he couldn't take care of. He hated being in town and didn't want to participate in things.

The Class of "74 meets every Month on the second Thursday of each month at The Outback Steakhouse at 11:30