February 5, 2010

Companionship, friendship, and love are all important things at any age. And as more and more seniors retire in the Charlottesville area, finding love is a struggle for some and a joy for others.

"I think after you've been divorced, or say you've been married or lost your spouse, than it's hard to get back into the single life," said Sandy Russell.

Russell may be a single senior, but nothing is holding her back. She's not one to sit at home and feel sorry for herself. Instead, Russell spends her time hiking, bowling, and organizing events for the Senior Center in Charlottesville, some of which are geared toward single seniors.

One such popular singles event at the Senior Center is the "Singles Schmooze". The event includes dinner and music, and the only requirement is a singles status.

"Mainly I think it should be just meeting new people, being with people, and having a nice social time," said Russell.

As a result, more and more single seniors in the Charlottesville area are turning to the Senior Center to establish connections with others.

"Single individuals look at the senior center as a place where you can be single because you come and it's very welcoming. It doesn't matter if you have a partner for bridge, we'll find you a partner," said Senior Center Program Director, Beth Barber.

Sometimes love finds you when you least expect it, just ask Jack Carroll. Jack moved to Charlottesville to be closer to his daughter, and it's there he ended up meeting his future wife, Jackie. Both widowed, Jack and Jackie Carroll first met at a church. When Jack found out Jackie volunteered at the Senior Center, he decided to join as well.

"He was never going to get married, and finally I went away for three weeks and when I came back, he changed his mind!" said Jackie Carroll. Added Jack, "One day at her kitchen table I just said 'would you like to get married' and she said yes!"

Jack and Jackie tied the knot five years ago, both at the age of 80. The Carrolls say marriage is not for every single senior, but you can't deny it when someone special walks into your life.

Jack and Jackie Carroll are proof that whether it's on your own or together, love and happiness is there for the taking in Charlottesville.