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Aging Alone—Finding Strength and Connection
Aging Well | Last Active: Apr 18 9:21am | Replies (93)Comment receiving replies
I love these posts. Think they are very relevant. My issue is that I had a wonderful book club that I was with for over 20 years. We did other activities socially. In the fall of 2021 I experienced a 3rd heart attack, followed by bypass. Suddenly they disbanded and no communication. I’ve been widowed since 1992 and my kids live in other states so I’m comfortable alone. However. Illness, heart failure, is a new kind of alone. Compromises what I can do. Everyone says move to retirement community. Where I live they are farther away from amenities. I still drive and grocery shop, cook. If I don’t want to cook, I drive to nearby Culver’s. I miss the intellectual stimulation of book club. Not just any book club, it was the people. A lot in common regarding reading. Aargh!!
Replies to "I love these posts. Think they are very relevant. My issue is that I had a..."
What you're missing is the people, so find new people!!!!! Explore volunteer opportunities in your community. Find a church/synagogue/mosque/etc and attend/participate regularly. Since you are a woman, pray to the Blessed Mother (you don't have to be Catholic) and ask for her friendship and suggestions!! For men, I strongly suggest a prayer relationship with St. Joseph and St.Anthony.These are but a few of very real people who have moved on to be with our Creator in Heaven BUT STILL INTERACT WITH THE FAITHFUL AND DEVOTED HERE IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN ON PLANET EARTH!!!😇
You should contact all the former book club members and see if anyone is interested in forming a new club. You may not be the only one missing the club!
Start your own book club, call some of the former members, see if they want to join again. My neighbor is in a book club, but it’s all relatives. I guess in some areas, they are not popular.
Funcountess
You may wish to explore yoga and meditation to see if they are helpful.
I'm sad that happened to you, when you needed support the most! I had something similar happen when diagnosed with cancer over a decade ago. Lost so many friends, they just vanished. I know people say "they don't know what to say". When you are struggling to adjust to life that isn't how it used to be, physically, mentally and socially, you don't have the stamina to be the initiator too. I've learned to be a bit more "aware" of one-sided relationships in my life, where I do all the giving and it isn't reciprocated. (But still find myself getting blind-sided once in awhile by people I thought were friends). Time is of the essence these days and so is energy. I hope with all my heart you can find another group that is intellectually stimulating, so you can stay put until you are truly ready to move on. Hugs.
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There are many online book clubs that you can join which will give you connection and intellectual stimulation.