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Does anyone feel old and useless with age?
Aging Well | Last Active: 2 hours ago | Replies (451)Comment receiving replies
I know just how you feel. I turned 59 in January. I quit my job as a nurse almost 10 years ago now to take care of my grandson. He now has 4 siblings that I spend a great deal of time taking care of. However, I am always alone. I have no friends. The only time my daughter talks to me is when she wants me to watch the kids. I've spent my life caring for others and no one is here for me. I have osteoporosis that contributed to breaking my hip 4 years ago. One week after breaking my hip I was babysitting for my daughter in her upstairs apartment. I had a hysterectomy last year and the next day I was babysitting. Nobody cares about me. I'm isolated. I'm on disability and am barely making it. I have family 30 minutes away, but never see them unless I contact them. Same with my other family. We don't talk unless I text or call and it's just a few messages or minutes — all simple conversations. My niece was missing and I found out through social media. When I say I'm alone, I'm not exaggerating. I have other health problems too: osteoporosis as I mentioned, degenerative disc disease, arthritis, chronic herniated discs, migraines, borderline personality disorder, PTSD, ADHD, insomnia, Sjogren's syndrome, and of course my anxiety and depression.
Replies to "I know just how you feel. I turned 59 in January. I quit my job as..."
@loris0411 quit this babysitting job, set boundaries and make yourself a priority.
Where do you live? Is it possible for you to find some sort of subsidized housing and move out of your daughter’s basement and reclaim your independence? Don’t allow anyone to gaslight you into thinking just because you are on disability you do not have the ability to make a life of your own despite your circumstances.
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@loris0411 I'm so sorry that you are so alone even with family who apparently don't care that much for you except as a babysitter! And with you being so ill too! That's terrible! You sound like such a kind person. They should be grateful that they have you and you are willing to help them and talk to them.
I understand what you are going through. I'm 79 and my husband of 30 years died in 2024. I miss him terribly and am lonely without him. I have no friends to speak of except a few very nice but very busy neighbors. Most of my friends are up in Heaven with my husband. I have a son but he hasn't contacted me in 20 years. I do have two cousins in another state and we talk on the phone whenever I pay for it!
One thing that has helped me a lot since my husband died is prayer. God has been there for me. I don't feel so alone knowing I have God and Jesus and all the angels around me. Ask God for some help. He will be there for you.
I have plenty of time now that my husband died. If you would like to communicate I would be glad to do that. You sound like a nice interesting person and I could use a new friend.
I'll say a prayer for you.
PML