People are different in their upbringing, in their tastes, even in their looks. But all people do have one thing in common: we’re all heading towards the same end. With the exception ofBryan Johnson, maybe.
Still, we’re all aging, whether we like it or not. And with aging comes social isolation; according to a 2024 Medicare report, 57% of adults aged 65 and older reportfeeling lonely.
Bored Pandasought the expertise of the anti-ageism activist Jacynth Bassett, Founder and CEO ofAgeism Is Never In Styleabout how important social connections are to us as we age. We also spoke with her about the right terminology when referring to older people and how we can all spot ageist attitudes in ourselves.
This post may includeaffiliate links.
RELATED:
I am 80 years old , I’ve got some medical problems, which makes it hard to go out and have fun. My salvation has been my dog… I know it sounds simplistic ,I don’t know what I would do without him. I never feel lonely, he goes everywhere with me. We go shopping, little walks cause I can’t walk very far. I talk to him and he listens. He’s always making me laugh.. I don’t know if that is something you would consider.. I wish you luck and hope you can find what you need. You are still a young person, so don’t give up..
I’m 71 years old and retired five years ago. I moved 200 miles away to be nearer my daughter. I had only been here one time, to buy my home and I just knew it was a small town in Arkansas. I knew absolutely nobody in this area. Five years later and I know my neighbors, I belong to a wonderful little congregation with many friends there. I got to the local grocery store where there are friendly customers and staff. I have a friend who moved here a year ago and only has maybe two friends. Nobody is going to come to you. Go out and find a church family, join a gym, go for walks, talk to your neighbors. Don’t spend your senior years being sad. Enjoy every day you have left. If you lived near me I would be your friend. If you’re friendly people remember you. I hope this helps.
“Social connection and engagement is important at every age, particularly ones that encourage and boost intergenerational relationships,” anti-ageism activist Jacynth Bassett explains.“They can combat social isolation andloneliness, increase skills, boost confidence and self-esteem and foster understanding and empathy – which is all key to both improving health, happiness and longevity, and breaking down ageist attitudes and barriers.“To do that, according to her, we need to change the narrative aboutageingin our society. We need to talk and write about ageing with the right terminology and language. “Much of it continues to be outdated, patronizing, subtly ageist or even overtly offensive,” she points out.
“Social connection and engagement is important at every age, particularly ones that encourage and boost intergenerational relationships,” anti-ageism activist Jacynth Bassett explains.
“They can combat social isolation andloneliness, increase skills, boost confidence and self-esteem and foster understanding and empathy – which is all key to both improving health, happiness and longevity, and breaking down ageist attitudes and barriers.”
To do that, according to her, we need to change the narrative aboutageingin our society. We need to talk and write about ageing with the right terminology and language. “Much of it continues to be outdated, patronizing, subtly ageist or even overtly offensive,” she points out.
I’m 67. I have a friend who was always telling me how much she enjoyed her senior apartment. Finally I did it. I got rid of most of my stuff and I have a nice one bedroom apartment. I don’t have to worry about yard work, or snow, or fixing things.But the real blessing is that you can be alone when you want to, or you can participate in all the goings on…Morning coffee hourCard gamesWorking puzzles togetherPot luck dinnersPizza partiesPeople to go out to dinner withOr go to the thrift stores, or whatever.And there is exercise equipment.You’ll make all sorts of friends.If you need a ride to a doctor appointment or car repair there’s always someone who will take you.And its not one of those fancy assisted living places. No meals provided. Its just an over 55 apartment.And since I’ve gotten rid of so much, its less for my daughter to deal with later on.Actually, having so many people around took some getting used to.My friend was right. It was a great move.
Yes I understand, I’m 68 and totally alone. My best friend my cat just died, all my girl friends live across the country and rarely comucate . But I’m trying to find something, no car so I can’t travel so I’m working on my education on line. All I can do right now. Nearest town 10 miles away.
“For example, the term ‘elderly’ is increasingly being considered offensive as it carries negative undertones of frailty; ‘older’ is preferred. And too often an older person is casually and lazily labeled ‘grandma’ or ‘grandpa’ regardless of context and knowledge about their familial status.““Equally, we still see a lot of back-handed compliments like ‘Looking great for their age’ or ‘Still got it’ – assigning conditions like these subtly reinforces ageist thinking.” We might think we’re not ageist, but one in two people in the world hold heavily ageist attitudes, Jacynth says. “Much ageism is internalized and hidden through humor and microaggressions, so it’s going to take a long time to transform this.”
“For example, the term ‘elderly’ is increasingly being considered offensive as it carries negative undertones of frailty; ‘older’ is preferred. And too often an older person is casually and lazily labeled ‘grandma’ or ‘grandpa’ regardless of context and knowledge about their familial status.”
“Equally, we still see a lot of back-handed compliments like ‘Looking great for their age’ or ‘Still got it’ – assigning conditions like these subtly reinforces ageist thinking.” We might think we’re not ageist, but one in two people in the world hold heavily ageist attitudes, Jacynth says. “Much ageism is internalized and hidden through humor and microaggressions, so it’s going to take a long time to transform this.”
I am almost 62. It sucks doesn’t it? Does it matter? Sadly no! When you grow old you are no longer wanter or needed. I was in business, volunteered , had party’s , friends. Family reunions were at my house . I did the work. I was supper mom. The kids were at my house. I loved it. But once the time is gone they are gone. Do I sound bitter? Maybe ! I decided to make myself happy and turn negative to positive. I will have slip up days but it has helped. Take a day go out to eat. Go to the Library. Ask if places take volunteers. You are on your way. Check in with one old friend a week. Set goals. It’s up to you. Change life!
The anti-ageist activist says we have to make a conscious and concerted effort to change the way we speak, write, and think about older people. “In order to drive lasting impactful and meaningful change, it’s just as important to be as considered and educated around language and the way we talk about ageing and ageism as we are with improving visual representation,” Jacynth Bassett tells Bored Panda.
Im 61 years old, expat living abroad very far from my family, my kids don’t contact me anymore thanks to my ex-wife, have only a few friends and living alone. Do I feel lonely?, sometimes, yes. BUT, a very big BUT, I have a lot of time to enjoy myself!, I ride motorcycles, play instruments, play games (yes, you can do that after 60) , go out in long walks enjoying nature, go alone at night to bars and talk with people from all walks of life. I really don’t care too much if my life matters to somebody or if my existence is relevant to this world, only important thing is to realize that your life matters to yourself. My advice, keep yourself busy, spend your time alone enjoying what you have now, accept the fact that loneliness is inside your head, you are creating that feeling, not your situation.
You are not seen anymore. Once they needed you for everything, now they look through you, not to you. Yes, it happens to us all, once we are older. I’ve taken it upon myself to say hello to the elderly. Take up a conversation and offer get a beverage or sit in the park with them. Remember, if they are older than you, you are the one that matters to them. Be a friend and get a friend and you won’t be lonely anymore!
Yes I understand where you are coming from. I’m 80 years old and live in a nursing home. I’m very lonely. I try to stay active but it just doesn’t happen that way. You can text me anytime. I live in Nebraska. I would like to be your friend. My name is Mary. Going to close for now. I have an ECT treatment in the morning, early, so I will close for now. I take those treatments because of my depression. I will put you in my prayers.
Evidently it matters to you.Unfortunately, this is the lot of many seniors, especially these days. It used to be that multigenerational families lived together, whereas in modern times, everybody is on their own.I don’t know what to tell you because I’m sure you’ll find, as I did, that it’s difficult to blend your life with someone else at this stage. And once you are living alone for a time, you develop habits that make it that you likely won’t want to after awhile. So you learn to be happy alone, and become set in those ways, or you become miserable alone, and develop those habits.I tend to want to enjoy my last days, despite my lot, and not worry about it so much.I’m a 72 year old woman.EDIT: I am not the poster, not the lonely one. So please write your own answers to the original poster not to me. Thank you.
I don’t understand why people in their 60s complain about being old and alone. I’m 65 and lived alone all my life. I continue to work and will continue to do so until I cannot which probably won’t be for at least another ten years. There is more to life than being in a relationship or having children. Don’t get me wrong, I understand why people choose to have a family, but it’s possible to have a fulfilling life without one. It’s all about making healthy choices, having many interests and learning to love life in all areas.
I retired at 65 and immediately started looking for volunteer opportunities. I don’t have any real friends and my family all live far from where I live. Getting involved with other things is important. I joined the Civil Air Patrol, got involved with a couple of emergency response organizations and volunteered with a local museum. I’ve heard a lot of people talk about going back to work because of boredom…. not me, I love every minute I am retired and stay busy at the things I’ve always wanted to do. Don’t sit around and think about how lonely you are. Get out there and make life happen! I can promise you, nobody is going to come get you and make you do things with one exception…. buy a boat and you’ll have more friends than you know what to do with….. You are on your own but you have the power to control your own life. Find a club that follows your interest.
I don’t want to give you cheap advice and I am sure you have already tried a lot of things. But I also know that loneliness can drag you ever deeper down into depression where you finally stop trying. Please don’t stop. There are other people who are lonely, too. There are people, lonely or not, who would love to know you if they knew you existed. Where I live, many people your age volunteer for something - beginning with something as simple as serving Coffee at the after-church-gathering or the seniors’ club, where you can also hear talks in a variety of topics, play cards, do suitable sports etc. If that is unattractive, primary schools are very happy to have “reading grannys” who come once a week to read to a child and practice reading with this child. And lots of other things. Of course I realise it is much, much harder if you are unable to move around freely. In that case, where I live, the church may (!) be able to help, whether you are religious or not.As I said, I am sure you have tried a lot of things. This is just what came to my mind.
If you feed the birds, you matter to them. If you care for a beloved pet, you matter to them. If you treat the check out person at a grocery kindly, look them in the eye and thank them or ask them how they are doing, you matter to them. If you give a homeless person something to eat or a few dollars and see them as a fellow human being, you matter to them. I believe if you do little things every chance you get that matters, then you will find what you are looking for was in you, not outside of you.
I am also 63. I am mostly retired but clean and manage my 2 airbnb’s. I work a few hrs a week as a home caregiver. I also have a 15 yr old son. I exercise 3–4 days a week at the gym or walk/run 4 miles or take a pretty hard exercise class. I have a couple of good friends and great neighbors. I can’t say I am lonely because I kind of chose my quiet lifestyle. I worked in the “ rat race” all my life and never got to enjoy my home. My biggest problem is that I feel guilty for having time to relax and sleep late. I don’t have to rush around and for some reason I feel guilty about that or that I’m not producing. I am lonely for the years when my son was young and we had so much fun. He’s a great teenager but has his friends now and doesn’t want to do alot of things with his momma anymore. 100% normal and healthy, but it’s an adjustment for me. I’m trying to prepare for later years when I may need help and have properties I can sell if need be. I do not want to be a burden on my son and if I have advanced alzheimers or a painful cancer or disease he has his instructions to get hospice and start the morphine. Loneliness is not a fear,but I am a bit obsessed about becoming unable to care for myself or lose my mind or being in chronic pain. I don’t have a husband and that is ok. I haven’t seen many husband’s able to be caregivers anyway. I have a couple of friends that would help me a bit and visit me. I am lonely in the fact that my son is growing up and doesn’t need me as much. It has been a wonderful journey raising him as an older mother.
There are millions and billions who are of your age or even older who feel lonely. Does it matter to you? If not, you can’t expect your loneliness to matter to them. But, if you reach out to any one or more of them, you will get over your loneliness and also help others to get them over their loneliness.Reach out to other lonely people. You will no more feel lonely.
I never thought I would end up this way. My daughter’s rarely visit, I have no real friends and I am feeling bitterness sneaking in. I thought everything would get better once I quit drinking- all would fall into place. Quite the contrary! I can’t find a reason for me… Don’t give up your hope . You have reached out, that’s a great start.
Have you thought about getting pen pals. I rediscovered the joy of writing letters over a year ago. I’ve made some amazing new friends.
Trust me we care; at least I do and like the recent 38 year old who responded, some of us DO care.I am 62 and I am also having a somewhat lonely life, but counting myself very lucky I still have a formal job to 65. I also have grand children that punctuate my loneliness.Anyway, back to you story I have a few suggestions that may help you. 1. If you have grandchildren just call their parents and ask to talk to the kids; over time the parents might agree that you meet the kinds and gradually bond with them, even allow sleepovers. 2. At 63 you are not over the cliff to take walks in the park or road. Who knows, regular walks may lead you to meeting someone that may break a conversation that may lead to friendship(3. DIY- dismantly the old Iron (eg) and visit the internet on how you can repair it safely. This exploit might extend to something else like changing your car tyres, repairing those broken windows ( of course with help dorm the internet). But do get confirmations from professionals that might assist quite safely without exploiting you financially. 4. Get in touch with people over the internet that may share your predicament.The scope is limitless, but don’t pust it least you scare the birds away.
You have 2 choices in life. Be happy or be sad. You are in control of your life. If you are lonely and don’t want to be then you have to do something about it. 72 yrs old is not really that old. You have so much you can contribute to life. Get a calendar and start filling it up with activities if you are still active then join a sport. If not, volunteer at a local hospital. You’re in this world for a reason, you just have to put aside your own feelings and get involved with life again. The world needs you.
The best you can really do to help with your loneliness (fastest way too) is buy a pet whether that be a goldfish, dog, a cat or all of the above. You know, something that’s innocent, alive and aware that can keep you company. Something to talk to and or cuddle with.The next step is to get a Hobbie, find out what that is and utilize that during your spare time.3rd step, work part or Full time somewhere and be as social as you can be. You may get rejected and maybe alot but perhaps you could make a meaningful friend and or acquaintances that way.You can also take some classes that you may enjoy like yoga, golf, general fitness class, an art class.You can also find activities to do with random people on a website called meetup.You pretty much “follow” or join the group. You’ll get a notification that someone is hosting an event for the group whether that be hiking, painting, drinks etc. And that’s pretty much all you can do.Needless to say, you’re not alone in your loneliness, plenty of us feel extremely alone.Myself, I’m 31. Lost touch with all of my friends. I only have my pets and spouse for company. Is it enough? Hardly. I work all the damn time so I’m isolated majority of the time from receiving some company. I also feel I am way too busy to invest in connections. But you can do it ! Especially if you’re retired. Which I’m guessing you are. Good luck !
Loneliness doesn’t depend on age. The loneliest time of my life was when I was an adolescent and I wouldn’t want to relive that for anything.So the advice for loneliness would be the same for anyone at any age. I benefited from understanding I wasn’t alone - loneliness is ubiquitous. It was a shock to me to discover everyone else around me didn’t have perfect lives. Also, it’s very often that loneliness is tied to depression (cause/effect or effect cause - I dunno). Telling your doctor about it is important. They may prescribe something to at least alleviate depression if necessary and from there perhaps suggest some therapy. It’s not hard to find groups of people online or in your community who share your feelings.Besides group self-help sessions though it’s important to put in the effort to connect to other people. Churches, community centers, online community groups offer all kinds of activities for like-minded people. Learn to knit, power walk, bird watch, any new skill. My mother found a thriving community in her government-supported seniors apartment building that was open to anyone in the neighbourhood. Bingo anyone? Bake sales? Their Halloween parties were renowned!Volunteering is also a wonderful way to reconnect with people, both those you help and other volunteers. Take a moment and think about what you like, what gives you joy. Do you like animals? Volunteer at a local shelter for dog walking. Cat person? Check to see if they need help building feral cat shelters. I find there’s so much need out there and people are eager for your help.Last word: I’m 72 and I find the older I get the more options there are. Who’da thought of chair-yoga forty years ago? So many government programs are now focused on an aging population. Most volunteers and community group members are seniors. And you have something the young’uns don’t - all kinds of TIME. :)So take heart, and get out there. The world is waiting for you.
Not really, I am 76 and alone but don’t choose to do anything about it. If you don’t like it make a plan to change it. What can you do? How often do you leave the house? What would make you leave more often? What would solve loneliness? Would talking to children help or only adults? Do you need real conversation or just being near people?After my divorce in my 30s I did not want to be alone. I joined a gym and worked out hours a day but they were closed at night. After they closed I played pool at the apartments. Weekends at night was nothing to do so I went fishing off a dock for rock cod.Now if I wanted to be near people I could join a gym, buy a dog to walk at the dog park, go to the senior center for cards and lunch, go to casinos to play slots, take up bingo, get a volunteer job, start a business, watch some preteens after school, all people on the phone, go to a chat in a game I play, learn to use Zoom. I could go to a meetup group, buy nothing group, have yard sales. I could try online dating then have something to talk about to people about how bad it was. I could get a boyfriend, go out to eat and go fishing with him. Or I could stay home and complain about being alone.
I am 85 years old. My wife is a little younger. We are never lonely and we live in moderation, Our daughter is married with her own family, I have brothers and sisters and friend and I find that I am the one who occasionally phone the others. If I do not phone periodically, they all phone back asking why I did not phone,I have so much to do, and occupy myself, with the home requirements my workshop, making toys for my grandson, hosting some students who have difficulty with their mathematics, , and physics and engineering subjects, There is so much to keep me busy within our home. To-day and yesterday we went swimming in the sea. I was talking to a variety of people, from children to those who were 90 years old, I guess we are very lucky. I always put an effort in keeping company . When young, working at Chatham Dockyard, I remember before going to University, I asked one young woman called, Jill Allen , with whom I danced, whether she would mind if I wrote to her, and she said, “ I do not mind, but I shall not write back !” I told her that I accepted that situation, and would expect nothing in return. After about eight years of writing to her, where she never wrote back, but always answered my phone calls, I told her that I was returning home to my own country, and that I shall not write to her any more……………… to which she answered,———-” No, no , no, do please proceed to write to me, as you are the only one who keeps me company!” I always answered telephone calls, even from those colleagues who made careers serving on oil tankers, and often told me, “ Carmel, I am never lonely when alone, as wherever ocean or country I am in the world, I know that you will answer my phone call,”I guess that I am a lucky and fortunate person, but I it seems that I do put effort in making and keeping company of those who did not want to write to me , not phone me up. My wife pulls my leg as every time we go out, as I somehow start a conversation with any stranger using small talk. I held the hands of about a dozen people who were in hospital, and did not have any visitors, I learned all this while abroad , when I had a motorcycle incident broke my jaw and was unconscious for about four days, and had to spend about six months at East Grinstead Hospital in Kent. No one visited me, and so I had to seek the company of others, where even doctors and nurses shared a joke or two. When I left hospital to go back to Chatham, a consultant doctor approached me and told me that I was to keep company to a young woman who was to go back to Chatham, and she had no one to support her, The doctor told me that the young woman suffered from some moods where she could lose her senses and control, I was scared. The doctor told me what to do if that happened, I took the responsibility of accompanying this young woman to Chatham, where a family member awaited her at the train station, I was glad that young woman was fine, and all I did was to offer her my silent company, and she just wanted to talk, and I just listened. Our eyes met often and she knew that I offered her security, in my relative silence,Lending an ear to others seem to be accepted as being good company even if I do not utter one word. I held my parents hand on their death beds and that was the best I could do. I suppose I have been a fortunate person in being alone but never lonely on many occasions and I make up for it when there is someone around, While residing in England for fifteen years, I spent 15 Christmases on my own seeing company in ballroom dancing and then returning to my meager residence which on one occasion was a cold attic in Gillingham. However the Company at Chatham, Rochester, Durham, Newcastle Upon Tyne, South moor more than made up for the one year I lived alone , but not lonely in an Attic and having to use outside toilets at around 1954. It was all experience that taught me about real life, that you need to help others without expecting any returns, but it is nice when you
It matters to me, very much. I’m not lonely, but I’ve been bedbound for 5 years and now 63. It’s a struggle, but I’ve involved myself in ministry and it gives me a purpose and a sense of meaning to my life.Message me anytime if you wish!
OK, learn to dance (don’t do it to fall in love). I learned to swing and country dance after 60 I’m now 76. Learn a new interest (I DO like computers, but many hobbies exist). Take an art class at a college. Teach something at a school. All with a purpose of meeting people.Join a non-profit or a food bank. You will see many people in worse shape but you may feel better helping them. Many non profits exist. Some would say join a (reputable only) church or other civic group of your choice. Always go in with an open mind but also be sooooo careful. Don’t use your money to buy a friendship. If they want your money, well, they want your money.Always plan some things you want to do or try, even if you don’t end up doing them (yes, a bucket list).Write a book, join a book club, join a group that critiques or writes books. Join a sailing club. You don’t even need to know how to sail, you will learn.Still, be careful, no group is perfect, and you might also be looking at your problems with fear. Find a lifestyle counselor if you need to sort out things.Enough said? Maybe hard to start, but, once you begin, well you won’t know until you start.
There are people that care and would love to meet you. I’m 73 and would invite you for coffee if I could. You have lots of friends that you haven’t met yet. Please don’t give up.
I’m 62. Twice divorced. I’ve come to the reality that depending on someone else for my happiness is a fruitless endeavor. I don’t attempt to develop meaningful relationships anymore. I’m content with casual acquaintances and doing what I want. It’s very comfortable for me now.. But that’s just me.
It matters to you but no one else.This is a problem only YOU can solve. You need to do something that gets you involved with other people. Volunteer work is a great way to do this. Another is to look into resources for the aging in your community. Many towns and cities have senior centers or similar gathering places and they can be a great source of opportunities to meet people.You’ll likely find that once you get involved with one group it may well lead to other opportunities.Don’t sit around feeling sorry for yourself, that won’t help and will only make you feel worse.
See Also on Bored Panda
If you give up, then you will definitely not matter and no one will care. But if you continue fighting and pushing, then maybe someday (it might be even very soon) you are in a situation in which you can affect, change, influence someone’s life, including yours. As you might know (probably much better than myself) life is unpredictable, and in today’s dynamic even more. Don’t pressure yourself with such questions, just go out (however you can) and be proud of being able to say I am 63 and I am still here, despite all that life has thrown at me.
I can’t speak for everyone, but it certainly matters to me. Perhaps because I’m lonely too. It’s hard living alone, not having anyone to share life with. And especially hard not having the touch of a woman after knowing that touch before.I know what it is like to be lonely, and if it were possible I would end your loneliness for selfish reasons. Because ending yours would be ending my own.
It should and the first person should care is you. Kindness and self love should be the motor of your dessisions. Do things to please yourself not others. To give, first you need to love yourself. Focus on all the good things that sorrounds you and feel gratitude. Gratitude is the most powerfull switch to transform your perspective about life. So if your body still let you do what ever you enjoy, start with it, if not, start repairing your mobility, Yoga Helps a lot but there are many techniques to improve it. Remember this: we came alone and we will let this life alone. Its our personal journey; others will just be a good companion on our way. There are 4 things that will let you feel better: nutrition, exercise, a good community that sorrounds you, and porpouse in life. If you can add a spiritual way, much better.
The one person it should matter to, is you. When you decide not to be lonely anymore you will reach out to others. Part time work, volunteering or just walking around talking to people.The people that were in your life will not know how lonely you are unless you tell them.
The world is now a lonely place because people are becoming too selfish and careless, I am having a share of it.. I have to drive to the beach breath in some Ocean breeze and relax. Florida is becoming something you can not explain.
Continue reading with Bored Panda PremiumUnlimited contentAd-free browsingDark modeSubscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign In
Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited contentAd-free browsingDark mode
Unlimited content
Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign In
I think life is not possible alone. I have a wife and three children. Children are married. Now, I feel alone because my wife doesn’t pay attention to me. Mostly, she is inclined to her sisters, and her parental family. I am now 63 years
Truth be told, I’ve got enough on my plate without caring about lonely sixty-three-year-olds. I’m used to solving my own problems. Which is why I’m busy without caring about other people’s loneliness. If I cared too much about every lonely sixty-plus, I would have no energy left to care for myself.The thing is, people now-a-days live to be ninety and a hundred. That means that sixty-three is still thirty years away from The End. Thirty years is an awful long time to be miserable. So here’s my suggestion.Forty-plus years ago you figured out what you want to do with your life. Now you’ve lived that life. Time for a new plan. Sit down with yourself and evaluate what you enjoy, what resources you’ve got, what you can do within those parameters. Then figure out how to make your dreams come true.The rest of your life is worth planning for. You don’t want to be a burden on others. At least, I hope you don’t. Wallowing in loneliness makes you a burden. Working on your dreams for the rest of your life will make you a thriving productive citizen whom
Not sure how anyone can be lonely this day in age? I am 65 almost 66 and you can play games with people all over the world. If your looking for a lover beware most are crooks so never send money. I am a member of groups too. I joined the gold wings and ride many places with them you can meet a lot of people this way if your looking for a lover or just want friends. I joined a local dating site where I put Dutch treat even if I mostly pay for the dates cause I am a man. I could never dance so joined a dance club more women there then men so always have a partner. My days now I am retired are very busy. So do it or sit at home and be lonely up to you.
I’ve experienced loneliness since my childhood as I grew up in an isolated environment. I always hated it. But I’ve always been good about going out and trying to do new things. Over my lifetime I still hate loneliness but now fill my life with things I like to do. The things that have worked for me is that I love learning new things, so I’ve done a deep dive to understand my genetic personality type and I’ve learned the basic personalities of people in general. This has helped me quickly size up why some people act the way they do. I’ve learned that usually casual friends are best, other’s dramas are difficult and sometimes toxic. I look for casual friends who like to do the same things or hobbies that I enjoy. Sometimes loneliness comes from a feeling of lack within oneself. I had to learn what I liked about myself and appreciate my self-worth. I had to learn to value myself and get happy and comfortable with being with myself.
I would evaluate my interests, and find a group of something that really interests me and join.Museums, clubs involving needlework,arts and crafts, hospitals, zoos all need volunteers.The museum I volunteer at needs and welcomes anyone that wants to help from teaching , all the way to being a member of the board, and still could use more! Better yet, you will meet people our age, and find those special ones that become close friends! I’m 70 y.o. and the museum I volunteer at welcomes me for as much time I care to put in with open arms! And even better, we’re all around the same age, as we have more time to spend there.
It is a challenge to find oneself in the proces of becoming irrelevant. The loneliness is a big challenge.It matters to you, other folks who are lonely, and to those who can profit from the loneliness.It is ok to be lonely. It is an opportunity to learn more about yourself, what you like or don’t like, how fixed or adventurous you are, how curious you are. Yearning, longing, and wanting are ok.Learning to deal with loneliness is like realizing that there are people who want to masturbate and have no hands.
I’m 31 - I’ve only been in a couple relationships that never made it past 3 months and I’ve not been with anyone else as the whole one night stand and fracking around without getting to know them just isn’t something I can really do.I’m also quite weird; not sure of the right thing to say or do, and that often leads to others sticking together and leaving me out of meetups, games nights, and generally most of the conversations..So I keep myself company; which then just makes me even more weird and seem like a nutjob.I’d recommend getting a cat, or a dog. Can often help heaps just having another little soul in the house.Also; you’re no longer talking to yourself at him - you’re talking to them!
Sixties are the new forties! There’s so much to do! There’s so many ways to meet people. This is why people shouldn’t make their kids their entire world it’s super toxic for everyone!
I’m 56 years old. I’m a mother of seven and a grandmother to four. We don’t live too far away within a day’s drive. I get very lonely too. I was just thinking a couple of us could be pen pals if we wanted to. It’s always fun to get mail. Let me know what y’all think?
I am 60 years and yes I understand your point. However, please reflect on how many changes you /your birth area bought to society and the fact that you are still here. It’s not over. Stand up, shake off your grave clothes and reinvent. Of course be safe, use your insight. Change what you need hair, clothes and keep what works. Start a book club, music club , travel group , based on your interest and discuss the topics via social media, or coffee shop etc. Everyday I am met with challenges because I moved back to area that doesn’t appreciate silvers but U will find my way, even its it’s out the area. Don’t give up. You are needed and have a lot to offer and experience.
I am 40 years old and lonely. I have felt it for a few years now . I havnt family around and no relationship with them which makes life and the loneliness so much harder. You’re not alone . I totally understand.
I’m 38 and am more lonely now that I thought possible, but am too scared, lazy, unskilled to invite new people into my life. Join a group of people with the same interests as you. Get out and socialize if you can. Unfortunately the internet is not very safe and welcoming to new people. I feel for you and hope the best for your life.
Whether we are 63 or 93 we all need a REASON to get out of comfortable bed and have our morning shower. Only we can find that reason as differs for all of us. Loneliness from my experience from not associating with other people’ It seems we have a need to help or care for someone.You are not alone on this subject, many are dealing with it. I’m 89.
Imagine having a good friend, then try to be that good friend for someone whose lonely and not givingupon that person. It might take some self reflection and self improvement, but that’s what life is about…learning and growing from your experiences.
I’m 54 years old, so I still work & I have a few years to go, but if I was 63 right now, I’d be busy, staying up to date on eVTOL news, joining eVTOL advocacy groups, finding for eVTOL divisions in organizations that I might be able to join like EAA or AHS, & I would talk at community functions to raise awareness and help get things moving along! I don’t want to wait until I’m 80 to ride passenger eVTOLs to go visit my granddaughters!
Humans are selfish with their emotions, time, and basically everything. Your life and how you feel doesn’t matter at all to anyone who isn’t you. YOU need to go out of your own way to be less lonely. No one wants to give you sympathy. Go out, be social at a bar, go to a concert, go to church. There’s plenty of places for you to meet people. This is YOUR OWN problem.
Modal closeAdd Your Answer!Not your original work?Add sourcePublish
Modal close
Add Your Answer!Not your original work?Add sourcePublish
Not your original work?Add sourcePublish
Not your original work?Add source
Modal closeModal closeOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.UploadUploadError occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermarkInstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermarkFacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermarkChangeSourceTitleUpdateAdd Image
Modal closeOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.UploadUploadError occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermarkInstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermarkFacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermarkChangeSourceTitleUpdateAdd Image
Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.
Upload
UploadError occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermarkInstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermarkFacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermark
Error occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.
TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermark
InstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermark
FacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermark
ChangeSourceTitle
Relationships
