AARP Bulletin - May 2012

Fun is where you find it

Join a
‘meet-up.’
Biking and
camping with
friends is
inexpensive
and fun.

‘Pick up the local paper’ Christina Gutt was hoping to continue working for another few years. But two years ago, at age 64, she lost her job as an assistant at a mutual fund research company in New York City.

“That’s when I learned how to
be austere,” she says. “I stopped
going to Lincoln Center and to Broadway
shows. Instead, I opted for neighborhood
concerts and plays at colleges and in churches.
There is so much talent in this country that
doesn’t get the big break but is exceptional
nonetheless.”
In November, Gutt moved out of the city and
settled in an apartment some 300 miles away
in Rochester, N.Y. When she turned 66, she
claimed her Social Security benefit and lives
on $1,709 a month.

“Rochester has an extremely rich cultural life,” says Gutt, who frequents both the large theaters and community venues nearby at a fraction of the cost of Broadway shows.

In addition, there’s no shortage of city-spon-sored events, particularly its variety of free festivals. From spring to fall, the city puts on the Rochester International Jazz Festival, the Rochester International Film Festival, the Lilac Festival, an Irish festival, two Greek festivals and several others.

Gutt says she also takes advantage of the
many activities offered at a nearby communi-
ty center, such as weekly painting
classes that are reasonably priced,
free lectures by former or current
University of Rochester professors,
and day trips, including visits to lo-
cal wineries and museums.

‘I get to be outside’

For Rick Schrader, the greenery of Asheville, N.C., offers all the social activity he craves, from biking to hiking, camping to kayaking.

The 55-year-old mountain bike enthusiast has made good friends by joining a “meet-up” group that brings together people of all ages who like to ride. “Biking is an inexpensive way to meet people and have fun,” he says.

Schrader, who works at home repairing dental equipment and electronics, says he’s become more frugal as he nears retirement. “You think you’re set, and all of a sudden, you get a wake-up call—your portfolio balance was just cut in half.” For Schrader, being outdoorsy is cheap and pays off in other ways. He’s lost 50 pounds in the last year and no longer needs cholesterol medication. When he’s not cycling in the countryside with his meet-up pals, Schrader volunteers at local festivals, cooking hot dogs and doing whatever else is needed. “I get free food and beer,” he says, “and I get to be outside.” ;

Consider these free or low-cost activities. Check newspaper ads and websites or call for information.

$ Join a meet-up group where others share your interests, such as tennis, wine-tasting, bridge, ballroom dancing, book clubs and more. Find a group near you at meetup.com.

$ Volunteer at a sporting event, festival, theater, museum or convention and get in on the fun free of charge.

$ Visit local museums, zoos and gardens on the selected days when admission is free.

$ Check out plays, concerts and sporting events at your local schools. They are free or low-cost and easy to get to.

$ See a Broadway show at selected theaters that hold a lottery the day of the performance—orchestra seats could be a bargain $25. You drop a card with your name in a bucket and an employee picks the winners.