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← Return to Loneliness and Isolation
Newsfeed PostNewsfeed Post in blog Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Loneliness and Isolation Jun 2, 2022 | By Dr. Courtney McAlister (@drcourtneymcalister)Comment receiving replies
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.
Replies to "Good afternoon @thisismarilynb, Oh my dear......I am quite honored to make your acquaintance. You have managed..."
Chris, I am so impressed. You made it, out there! I guess for many of us it’s taking the first few steps. Some seem to work, yet others don’t. With physical limitations and not feeling well at times and just moving into a new city; it’s difficult. I guess, the best is to keep forging ahead with the activities one enjoys. I’m happy for you.
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I am a lot older than you. I will be 88 on my next birthday which is in September. I am not good at groups or meeting people. I do not have "small talk." Right now I do not feel like doing anything. Twice a week I have physical therapy for my hip. Go to the grocery store when I run out of food. Love to read so go to the library. That is pretty much it. I live in California, but I grew up in Winnipeg and I would never relocate to an area which has actual snow and winter. But I am so old that all my old friends are gone. And since I am not so good with people I really don't have many friends. Which is okay for right now because I just want to be alone. I know that I am lucky to still have a mind left at my age and I hate it when people are condescending because they think you are senile. I am definitely not. Tomorrow I have an appointment with a social worker. We will see if we suit and if he can help me with my depression. If not, I'll just have to go it alone. But thank you for your good wishes.