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So much to unpack here - thank you for being open!

You share many characteristics with Helen, no? If you haven’t read Sipsworth, I hope you will (and tell us what you think!)

You raise important points about connector points - having children/grandchildren, neighbors, colleagues, relatives - and how everyone navigates a different set of these factors.

What type of writing were you working on? Our episode #32 was about Writing to Heal - using narrative to capture and also explore our own stories. It’s one of our episodes that I hear the most about as people are listening to the show.

The legal matter of the estate is a tricky one, isn’t it? It’s especially hard when seeking someone who you can truly trust.

And politics… so divisive… especially in the modern era.

Physical limitations are also complicated - though it’s better now that we live in a digital world where we have the opportunity to connect virtually. Have you tried a book club? I’ve met some of my closest friends through an online book club - through which we then did a local meet up!

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Replies to "So much to unpack here - thank you for being open! You share many characteristics with..."

Hello. I love to read but lately my choices are history and biographies. I throw in an occasional piece of fiction. I will get a copy of Sipsworth and get back to you!
As far as being “open”, I’ve often been criticized for my candor, in business and personally. And, as you now know, I’ve never been a joiner but I’ve got to tell you that after I did the post you’re commenting on I felt a lot better. I posted because I knew exactly how that person felt and wanted her to know I commiserated.
Sorry, but I don’t know what your reference to “Episode #32” is. Is it something I can find somewhere here on connect.mayoclinic.org?
I live in a relatively small town and the groups I’ve seen in the community newsletter don’t seem to be appealing. However, I will now investigate book clubs and see what’s out there.
The classes were non-fiction/memoir classes. All women although open to anyone. Mostly older women and from all walks of life. Interesting group with interesting stories. I looked forward to it and after the first one, signed up for another. Even presented a story at a local venue and it was well received. As I mentioned in my initial post, one of the women in first class asked two other women and myself, to continue the memoir work and meet at her house. I took that as an opportunity to build some friendships. We met once a week. When Covid struck, we decided not to meet but our “hostess” and I would meet from time to time, she invited me to join her family and friends for a holiday dinner and I was under the impression we were becoming friends. One day when we were talking she told me flat out she wasn’t looking to be friends, she didn’t have time.
Anyway, I’ve decided it must be me. As a single woman with no children and no ex or dead husbands, who made her way in what was then “a man’s world”, and a direct and to the point person, who doesn’t answer to anyone and can pay her own way, and who is in her late 70’s, I’m not in any majority!
Maybe I’ll start a club!