This includes

This post is for members of a discussion group.

A focus on topics and resources (no names).

Notes on structuring the next meeting based on feedback.

As notes build, resources can be put into a dedicated page.

Information is as provided by members and may not be accurate.

Next Meeting Refinements

2:00 Agenda will start as before with introductions plus a request that you mention any themes you would like for breakout groups.

2:20 Thematic breakout groups

2:50 Full group free discussion

3:15 Wrap up: Impressions and recommendations from participants.

Motivation and Purpose

Seeking and redefining my purpose.

Volunteerism as a way to connect socially and have purpose.

Activities and events such as at Casita Amarilla

Baja Buddies is a social activity group on Facebook.

Use Facebook to find events and activities.

Damas events supporting Cruz Roja including the Holiday Bazaar

Wine Fest.

Motivation, such as to complete household chores.

Mel Robins is an author and influencer that helps people with motivation.

Fly Lady is a YouTube channel for supporting motivation with a focus on housework and depression.

Health and Emergencies, “I’m alive” support

A member described spending 24 hours in a bathtub until she was rescued.

Emergency necklace needed, (I’ve fallen and can’t get up)

Phone and text check in groups. “I’m alive.” If no response, a welfare check in initiated.

Seeking accurate, free health information resources. So many have a catch. Mayo Clinic is recommended.

Importance of outreach to isolated people.

Support for Living with Aging

Residential care in the states is $17,000 per month!

Retirement homes in Mexico are around $2,000 per month.

Co-housing movement: Folks combine their skills, create a safe community. Someone is always there.

Some members are aranging or doing this kind of thing. Maybe as simply as having a roommate.

Co-housing, you can look it up with that keyword.

Final 15 minutes set aside to discuss the group and continuing:

Positive

Group was surprisingly light-hearted and humorous.

Group size is a potential problem, so members offered format suggestions.

Folks enjoyed the group. Appreciated opportunity for sharing feelings, experiencing less isolation.

One member new to town enjoyed the group and is eager for more, especially practical info.

A member loved it, enjoyed the variety, all the topics brought up can be drawn from.

Suggestions

Meet monthly (pretty much a concensus).

Recommend that we have a topic or theme.

Maybe split into subgroups after the initial checkin. Groups could have different purposes. One could be more about feelings, another about resources.

Maybe this should be two separate groups, one more for processing feelings and the other more practical and resource-oriented..

How to prevent over-talking, such as having a talking stick,

Use a one-minute timer to get to the point.

Maybe 20 min. at end for free-form discussion.

Maybe someone would want to start an additional, similar group in town?

Could meet by Walmart at the juice bar. (Jugo & Smoothies at Zapata Bl.)

To provide some additional structure, maybe have one or two topics for each meeting.