RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - As aging occurs, you may find that your golden years don’t feel as bright and shiny as you had hoped… But it’s never too late to turn that dull sheen into a sparkle, according to St. Clair Senior Center Health & Wellness Education Coordinator Laura Grissom in Murfreesboro. 

The world around us has changed dramatically over the past 15 to 20 years. Social media and the pace of modern life have reshaped how we connect, often giving us the illusion of involvement in one another’s lives. What once felt genuine and shared is now, for many, only surface-deep—present, but lacking the warmth and meaning of true human connection…

Grissom told WGNS the good news is that it’s never too late to start new friendships and make an effort to embrace old-fashioned, human involvement—something that remains a major value in life, especially at age 60 plus… If your mind and spirit are quietly telling you that your connections are thinner than they once felt, listen. Reaching out—by getting involved in activities at your local senior center—can lead to truly life-changing results, and in the very best ways…

Begin a Fitness Class and Build New Friendships - When older Americans begin new journeys in life, often in search of better health, they may believe that improved well-being solely focuses on activities like low-impact fitness classes. But instructors and organizers at places like the St. Clair Senior Center in Murfreesboro know there is much more to it… Little do participants realize that these classes are far more meaningful than the workout itself—it’s about building relationships.

Make Your Mind as Sharp as a Tack, Despite Your Age:: To keep your mind sharp, trying new hobbies is always a positive… Grissom said the added benefit of learning a new skill later in life is that many programs also provide increased socialization.

To be a part of St. Clair Senior Center, the number one guideline is simple…

“Fifty is the new forty. Sixty is the new fifty. Seventy is the new sixty—maybe even younger.”

Age today is as much about how you feel as the number on your birth certificate. Many people in their 50s and 60s feel years younger than their chronological age—and research shows that perception matters. Those who stay socially connected, mentally engaged, and physically active often experience better health, stronger emotional well-being, and a more optimistic outlook on life.

In contrast, loneliness and inactivity can make people feel older than they are, increasing health risks over time. The takeaway is simple: the new 50 and the new 60 aren’t defined by slowing down, but by staying involved, curious, and connected—proving that feeling younger can help you live better, longer.

From dream vacations in Ireland to wildlife watching in Kenya — or something as simple as a friendly card game or a lunch outing—staying involved as a senior can make a powerful difference. 

These moments of connection don’t just fill time; they open the door to new friendships, renewed purpose, and the possibility of an entirely new lease on life in retirement.

If retirement is on the horizon, consider reaching out to the St. Clair Senior Center in Murfreesboro—or a senior center in your own community. You may discover it’s not what you expect at all, but a place filled with connection, purpose, and opportunity—one that just might surprise you in the very best way.

LEARN MORE: Click Here to explore the St. Clair Senior Center online, stop by 325 St. Clair Street in Murfreesboro, or call 615-848-2550. Discover the trips, outings, and programs on the horizon—and see how getting involved can reignite that sparkle, turning your golden years into some of the most vibrant chapters yet.

• Listen to our recent interview with Laura Grissom on the WGNS Action Line Podcast Page with Host Scott Walker HERE.
• Email and ask Laura Grissom questions HERE.
• Click Here to see the November / December 2025 Senior Connection Program Guide