"’Social isolation’ is a phrase you maybe see in a brochure at the doctor’s office or read in a news article, but it means nothing until it affects you," John says. "But when your wife dies unexpectedly, and it’s just you and the dogs, ‘social isolation’ becomes real. And it’s no fun."

A friend told John about the Folsom Senior Center’s Valley Ukulele Society. It’s a robust group of ukulele players at all ability levels who gather every Tuesday to play songs ranging from "Alexander’s Ragtime Band" to "You’ve Got a Friend."

"I knew I had to get out and talk to more people than just my dogs," John says. "This group was the right prescription at the right time. At first, I was content to simply sit and strum along. After a few months, I’d step up to the mic, but only if there were four or five other singers. Now, you’ll find me up front – alone – leading songs all by myself."

The group doesn’t play just for their own entertainment. They venture out into the community, playing at local senior centers and performing free concerts.

"And, yes, we do ‘Folsom Prison Blues,’" John adds.