Aging Alone—Finding Strength and Connection

This makes me extremely uncomfortable!

This section is : Aging Alone: finding strength and connection

I’m sorry this conversation has made you uncomfortable. I didn’t realize my comment and question would elicit such an angry reaction.

These posts will probably be deleted since this forum usually deletes any disagreements.

I absolutely understand. Not to worry.

It's time for a gentle reminder of the Community Guidelines. Please read them here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/

I specifically point out guideline number 2.

2. Remain respectful at all times.
- Exercise tolerance and respect toward other participants whose views may differ from your own. Disagreements are fine, but mutual respect is a must.

Also see guideline 4.
4. Stay on topic.
- Take note of the topic of the discussion you are participating in. Stay on topic.
- Tangents will happen sometimes. If they do, that's okay. But bring the discussion back to the main topic.

As @gravity3 points out, the topic of this discussion is "Aging Alone—Finding Strength and Connection"

Coincidentally, I just listened to two podcasts about connection and aging. One featured "Traveling Nanas" Eleanor Hamby and Sandra Hazelip, who were interviewed about their friendship and travel. They wrote a book called "Here We Go: Lessons for Living Fearlessly from Two Traveling Nanas"

The other was called "How to be a ‘super ager’" https://www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/post-reports/how-to-be-a-super-ager/

How do you create connection and reduce social isolation if you're not outgoing?

I was just talking to a friend who is a widow and an introvert. She was telling me about some fun positive interactions that she has recently had with strangers. One was at the grocery store. The person in front of my friend was very nasty to the check-out person, who was rattled and upset. My friend was sweet to her, made a joke, and turned the energy around. Sometimes very small things can help, and in my friend's case, build up her own sense of connection. I'm going to look for more of these little opportunities myself.

A dog yes you need someone who loves you 100%. Take everything and everyone else with a box of salt I am 83 and essentially a loner. But very involved with life. I lived a life of managing directing. Retired still revert to that but much more moderate. I answer to a nine pound shitzu and moderate in many ways my take charge and takeover responses except for emergencies. I realized it is fun to be different. An actor on the stage of life

I do believe it's your birthday today! Happy Birthday, Marilyn! I hope you do something enjoyable today, even if it is just having a nice slice of cake!

@brenday43
I so relate to your post. I had a group of women involved in book club,plus a lot of social activity, for 20 years. In the fall of 2020, I experienced a third heart attack, then bypass surgery and diagnosed with heart failure. This was during Covid. The women decided to discontinue book club and I only heard from two after surgery and now 5 years out. I am unable to rebuild as a lot of not feeling well enough to plan or socialize. I’m feeling these women aren’t who I thought they were.

@ionabrassiere

I just turned 80. I don’t mind being alone but I can’t stop obsessing about being old. It occupies my thoughts constantly. Any advice on how to stop thinking this way would be welcome.