Good afternoon @thisismarilynb, Oh my dear......I am quite honored to make your acquaintance. You have managed to come through some very disturbing events. I am sure you have a sense of loss that requires you to challenge yourself every day. I have reviewed the discussions on this blog and they present opportunities and challenges. What I find out is that I am responsible for finding creative ways to spend my day that can be called joyful.

I just turned 80 and 3 years ago sold my CA home and moved to MN lock, stock, and barrel. I closed my business, sold my house, and held onto my close friends...........for a while. I had amazing promises from long-time friends to come and visit and then COViD became our social reality. At this point, COVID restrictions are waning, and yet,......I realize that without sharing actual experiences it is hard to have a relationship with many "old" friends. So....here's what I did besides joining a Mahjongg group........I became a volunteer here on Connect. I had been a Caregiver for my partner who was recovering from surgery for prostate cancer and then follow up Proton treatments, etc. I didn't even think I had experienced anything that might be of help to others until I accepted my mentor role. There is so much goodness in helping others. Do you feel like you could give it a try?

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris
Here is a list of rewards that I get from volunteering and learning.
1. I receive help ack from members.
2. I have learned to be part of a socially distanced group through Zoom meetings
3. For education, which is also important, I have been studying mindfulness and practicing meditation. I go to retreats every year to continue opening up this world of acceptance and non-judgmental support.
4. I host a First Friday social evening for my meditation group because we don't chat much in meditation.
5. From these group efforts, I have connected with a few folks who pretty much hit the nail the head the same way I do.
6. I am not running for election for trying to get promoted, I just want some quality time with intriguing and caring folks.

Your thoughts reflect my own completely. I, too, feel lonely and isolated, especially since I have lost most of my friends and family. I'm 81, but age isn't important, really. Mainly I read, watch TV or spend time on the internet. The problem is that I'm always alone so life hardly seems worth living. Like you, I just try to get through the day. I live in SW Florida, but no longer go for walks on the beach because of back problems. I'm sorry you had to go through a hip replacement by yourself. That must have been very difficult. Take care.