I’m an 82 year old female with a few health issues of my own. I live with my husband of 60+ years and I have 4 sons who all live in various places across the country but all far away. I also have 5 grandchildren ranging from 11 to 24. My husband is estranged from 3 sons and seldom talks or communicates with the 4th one.
Anyhow, I have a cell phone and text with the grandkids. They don’t always respond but that’s ok. They still know I’m thinking of them and eventually send a note. I text or talk to all sons regularly.
I have a small shop on Etsy that keeps me quite busy so I’m very blessed.
To feel more useful to society, several years ago, I called the local nursing home to say I’d like to send birthday cards to the residents. The activities director was very happy to hear that and sent me a list up upcoming birthdays. It seemed to me that getting one card wasn’t very exciting so I asked at my church if they could put something in the bulletin asking for volunteers to also send cards. They did that so I now have 11 people sending cards each month. I contact the home each month for the list for upcoming month and once I get it, I email it to the other volunteers.
So even if we’re introverts, we can still help others. Many of us are blessed to still be in our own homes but those in nursing homes aren’t as fortunate so find a way to brighten their days. A random note, asking for donations of puzzle books at your church for the nursing home or actually visiting the home and visiting or playing games with residents. Find a way to help others and you’ll find that it helps you as well.