Connect
← Return to Aging Alone—Finding Strength and Connection
Discussion
Aging Alone—Finding Strength and Connection
Aging Well | Last Active: Nov 28, 2025 | Replies (237)Comment receiving replies
I happen to be too; a humanist.
Some of us have zoom meetings. I belong to some -- in my city and one nationwide. I am sure USA has too. I actually do enjoy some as we do get to talk some 'heavy' stuff that requires mental workout: last time someone said that churches provide closer community...to which I said, "then as humanist we must have something equal if not better if our life-philosophy offers a more humanist stance to life-and-its-issues.
Just a thought?
But I also know for people looking to just TALK, there are organisations who provide an ear to listen to those in need of someone to talk to. One here is called, NICE; I think even AARP might be helpful with suggestions.
It's a pressing problem that stares me in my face bc soon I will be in a position where living alone in an apt may not be viable. I toy with the idea that OLDER people need to help EACH OTHER. It's only fair ... even if they do a 'lousy' job. There is no perfect way to die except...as Socrates was able to but his was of the state's making. I'd however like that , or something similar, where I may leave willfully, among a few true friends. If there is no country for the old, then as experienced/elders, can we not devise a way?
Replies to "I happen to be too; a humanist. Some of us have zoom meetings. I belong to..."
Connect
There is a way. It is called Death with Dignity. We voted for it in California. I believe some other more liberal thinking states have it. If someone has a terminal disease they can choose to self terminate. Of course there is a lot of red tape. You have to be seen by a doctor so he can say that you are of sound mind and not be influenced by anyone. There is also a six-month time limit. If and when you get through all of this, the proper medications will be delivered. And there is still one more hoop to jump through. You must be in a "good" enough condition to administer the medication by and to yourself. Naturally there are a lot of "others" out there who think they know better what is good for you than you, yourself, do. I have no use for these kind of people. They tend to stick their long noses into things that are none of their business. Also, I believe there is a country in Europe where you can go to get this kind of care. But then that costs money. And at our age there may not be that much left.
AARP has a group called The Ethels. I read their posts. I usually do not comment. As I have said I am currently able to live by myself. I do not like it but having visited two facilities that offer independent living I would not like to live there. Again you have to have money. Even for an extremely small apartment the rent is high and increases every year. I am already 90. How many more years do I have? A question no one can answer. But I am determined to stick it out for as long as I can.