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Aging Alone—Finding Strength and Connection

Posted by Morgan17 @harmony11, Mar 15 11:20pm

As we grow older, many of us face the reality of living alone or being without a strong support system. Let’s talk about it—how do you stay connected with others, maintain your independence, and find joy in this stage of life? Are there communities, activities, or personal practices that have made a difference for you? Let’s share ideas, experiences, and encouragement to remind ourselves that we’re never truly alone.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

joei777 | @joei777 | Apr 18 8:35am
In reply to @kathymj "Hello Marilyn I think I’ve identified with you several times before on this site. Wish you..." + (show)
@kathymj

Hello Marilyn I think I’ve identified with you several times before on this site. Wish you were my neighbor!
I’ve talked about this with you and others one other time.
I hate going to some ladies event where you hardly know anyone. I’ve left depressed, and never want to go back.
I’m only 81! I love saying that now!
It’s part of my new attitude.
Well anyway, we have a ladies group that meets once a month here in my HOA neighborhood.
I left early the first time feeling so sad. Did not go back for a year.
I’m not really shy but seems like I am with new people. Do not know what to do to start a conversation.
Finally one day I signed up to go again. Sat at a snack bar with like 6 other women. Just sat and listened for a while and then if I could chime in with a comment, I did. Eventually that helped me, break the ice.
At the end of the evening, I told the ladies that I did not want to come here tonight right up to the last minute!
And then I told them I was so glad I did. I got lots of hugs from them instantly and they were so happy that I said that to THEM. Made them feel good that they helped ME!
So I’m going to go again this week,
I’ll let you know how I did and what I did to make myself feel comfortable there.
I’m guessing others don’t know what to say either😘

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This sounds familiar! I’m 65, retired, contemplating going back to work after 3 years of freedom. But after looking and trying different volunteering opportunities etc, I got bored and tired of the same, I hate to say it, but fake people 😢. I created my own routine that’s pleases me, not boring at all until I find the job that fits me for my age of course, get paid for what you do with some flexibility and have more fun as long as good health still present , hugs 🤗 to all!

REPLY
kathymj | @kathymj | Apr 18 9:21am
In reply to @robertwills "I went to a place today that has a group that knows me but I'm not..." + (show)
@robertwills

I went to a place today that has a group that knows me but I'm not really part of it. They're very decent people but today they all kind made it clear that that I'm definitely not part of it. Then about a half hour hour later they dropped that demeanor and I could see they felt bad about how they treated me. That's groups for you. I'm not that big on them but when I'm part of one I try to make everyone feel always welcome and I never forget the older ones over any new members.

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In a similar situation. I’ve posted it on here. Greetings g the new people is a really great idea. I’m going to try it in a couple weeks at my fairly new group.

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