Hi Lylii,
That is too bad that you are experiencing these feelings of not being noticed. How sad! That's terrible and very impolite of those doing it. And, you are right. 66 is not old! I'd love to be 66 again! I'm going to be 80 in May. I have noticed some of the same things that you are going through. People don't want to talk much to what they consider "old" people. It seems to be the way of the world these days. Younger people only want to be with themselves. You sound very interesting with all of your background and interests! I would love to talk with you! I think you would be very interesting! Pursue the involvement in the community like you wanted to do. Possibly be involved with a senior community in some way. Seniors have more manners because they were raised that way. I remember my Mom and my Grandmother making me be polite to people when I was young. Leaving the family group who ignore you; even though that's your own children, might just be a good wake up call for them. Maybe they will ask you to return and change their ways. Also with families do remind them that you won't always be there for them in any way. Families tend to sometimes forget that we all die. My husband died in 2024 and I'm so glad that we had 30 wonderful years together! Even though I know he's up in Heaven and we'll eventually be reunited in God's time, it's very lonely for me without him. And, it will be for your loved ones and friends when you are gone too. They need to think about that and include you more.

Prayer helps also. Just talk to God like he's your best friend and he is! He'll straigten all of this mess out for you. It states in the Bible; (I may be wrong but I think it's in the Book of Matthew) "He knows of all your needs." I'll say a prayer for you also.
I wish you the best.
PML