Studies show that social isolation among older adults can cause health problems, and that active seniors often lead happier, healthier lives. For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control, “Social isolation was associated with about a 50-percent increased risk of dementia and other serious medical conditions.” Fortunately for seniors, South Fork institutions such as libraries, theaters, and health care facilities offer plenty of ways to connect with others — with just a few of their many offerings listed here.
Wainscott Sewing Society’s Community Covered-Dish Supper
Friday, Nov. 10, 6 to 8 p.m.
Wainscott Chapel, 65 Main Street
“Come meet your neighbors and join us in this annual tradition,” says the Wainscott Sewing Society, which was founded in 1869. Drinks and desserts are provided, but participants should take a dinner entree to share. Also at this event, the organization will raffle off its pinwheel quilt — the group’s first sewing project in at least three decades.
Film Screening: “I Am Judit”
Saturday, Nov. 11, 6 p.m.
LTV Studios, 75 Industrial Road, Wainscott
Judy Sleed of East Hampton is a 91-year-old Holocaust survivor and host of the LTV show “The Play Is the Thing.” This documentary tells her story publicly for the first time “with unprecedented candor,” says LTV. Advance reservations are not required for this free event.
Book Talk: “Walking on Air: Embracing the Uncertainties of Life”
Sunday, Nov. 12, 2 to 3 p.m.
John Jermain Memorial Library, 201 Main Street, Sag Harbor
When she encounters a challenge, Susan Powers, a psychotherapist, employs this strategy: “Throw love at it.” As an author, she takes on grief, divorce, aging, addiction, illness, and other challenges. Books will be available for purchase and inscription; advance registration is required.
Movement and Mindfulness for Care Partners
Monday, Nov. 13, 20, and 27, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Virtual via Stony Brook Medicine’s Phillips Family Cancer Center
Eric Pettigrew leads participants in restorative movement methods, including yoga, breath work, and meditation, to promote healing and relaxation. This Zoom workshop is free, but advance registration at 631-726-8800 is required.
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Groups
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
East Hampton Library, 159 Main Street
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Montauk Library, 871 Montauk Highway
For those caring for a loved one with dementia, drop-in support groups meet the second Tuesday of each month in East Hampton and the fourth Tuesday of the month in Montauk. Participants can share experiences, develop a support system for themselves, and learn about resources in a safe space. For the East Hampton group, the number for more information is 631-324-0222. For the Montauk group, call 631-668-2498 or 631-315-2916.
Suffolk County Senior Advocate Q. and A.
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
John Jermain Memorial Library, 201 Main Street, Sag Harbor
A representative of the Suffolk County Office for the Aging will be on hand for one-on-one discussions of topics such as Medicare, Social Security, home care services, home energy assistance, and other programs. Participants are accommodated on a first-come-first-served basis. For more information, the library can be phoned at 631-725-0049.
Food as Medicine
Wednesday, Nov. 15, noon to 1 p.m.
Stony Brook Southampton Hospital Wellness Center (third floor), 240 Meeting House Lane, Southampton
“Food sustains us, nourishes us, and can help heal us,” says Dr. Paula Montagna, who leads demonstrations in person and virtually, on the third Wednesday of each month, on how to improve energy, mood, and other health indicators through dietary changes. The event is free, but registration ahead of time is required at 631-726-8800.
Osteoporosis Prevention and Stretching
Wednesdays in November and December (no class Dec. 27), 2-2:45 p.m.
Ashawagh Hall, 780 Springs Fireplace Road, Springs
A certified wellness instructor from East Hampton Town’s Wellness 60+ program will be on hand at Ashawagh Hall for a drop-in class on stretching and balance to prevent osteoporosis. Workout equipment and chairs are provided, but participants should take their own mat. The phone number for more information is 631-329-6939.
Qi Gong Dance
Thursdays in November, 10 a.m.
East Hampton Town Senior Center, 128 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton
Margaret Ianacone, a licensed acupuncturist and certified qi gong and tai chi instructor, presents a new take on qi gong for the town’s Wellness 60+ program. This class moves to a disco beat! Those seeking more information can call 631-329-6939.
Thursday Morning Bridge
Thursday, Nov. 16, 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Rogers Memorial Library, 91 Cooper’s Farm Road, Southampton
Adults gather here for friendly bridge games every Thursday in November and December. Cards and bidding boxes are provided by the library. Players should be familiar with the rules of the game. The phone number to sign up is 631-283-0774, extension 523.
Gut Microbiome and Your Health
Thursday, Nov. 16, noon to 1 p.m.
The East End Library Group via Zoom
Dr. Montagna, who practices with Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, will offer information and tips related to gut and digestive health. Sign-up is via the event calendar on the East Hampton Library’s website, easthamptonlibrary.org.
Great Books and Discussions
Friday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to noon
Hampton Library, 2478 Main Street, Bridgehampton
This monthly book talk will focus in November on an excerpt from Karl Marx’s “Alienated Labour,” contained within the “Great Books Reading and Discussion Program, First Series, Volume 1,” which is commonly available at libraries and online. Registration ahead of time to 631-537-0015 is requested.
Mah Jongg and More
Tuesday, Nov. 21, 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Montauk Library, 871 Montauk Highway, Montauk
Fans of card games, board games, and, of course, mah-jongg can convene at the library on Tuesday afternoons for friendly games and social interaction. Beginners are always welcomed. The library advises participants to call 631-668-3377 to check for last-minute changes to the schedule.
Full Frost Moon Hike
Monday, Nov. 27, 5 to 6 p.m.
South Fork Natural History Museum, 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton
Co-hosted by the Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt, this one-mile hike through SoFo’s Vineyard Field promises a leisurely pace and beautiful scenery to go with the stories and lore of the frost moon, also called the beaver moon. Registration is by email to [email protected] or by phone at 631-599-2391
Healing Through Art With the Phillips Family Cancer Center
Thursday, Nov. 30, 11 a.m.
Parrish Art Museum, 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill
Art can be therapeutic for people facing many kinds of health conditions. Cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers are invited to take a private tour of the Parrish Art Museum and work on a studio-art style project. The event is free, but advance registration at 631-726-8800 is required.
Blood Pressure Screenings
Tuesday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-noon
East Hampton Town Senior Center, 128 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton
Older adults can drop in to this monthly screening program to check their blood pressure, which is an important indicator of health. Two-hour sessions take place on the first Tuesday of each month in the senior center lounge.
Transformation Tuesday
Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Zoom via the Stony Brook Southampton Hospital Wellness Institute
On the first Tuesday of each month, Albert R. O’Connell III, a clinical social worker and certified hypnotist, offers skills and strategies to “think, live, and be more positive now.” Registration for this interactive workshop is by calling 631-726-8800.
An Evening of Swing Music With Judy Carmichael
Saturday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m.
Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay Street, Sag Harbor
Judy Carmichael, a Grammy-nominated singer, pianist, and humorist who frequents the Bay Street Theater, will entertain an audience with swing hits from the 1930s and 1940s. Tickets start at $40. The box office phone number is 631-725-9500.