Hello all, I am new to this forum and thought I would stop in and introduce myself. I am 67, retired 2 1/2 years ago, and moved up north to be close to my daughter and her family (they have 4 children, one with severe special needs). It's beautiful up here but it is lonely - I miss my friends from my old home and the comfortable feeling of fitting into a place. But I am trying to keep active - I'm learning German and taking classes at the local university under the Senior Citizen Education Program. I found out that most states allow people over a certain age to take classes either for free or at a deeply reduced rate. Here I can audit classes for free or pay $10 a credit hour.

I also love to travel - in May I spent a month in Germany traveling solo (it was great for practicing my German) and next year I have started planning for a 3 week trip to Scotland. The planning for me is half the fun so it keeps me busy. I also love to sew and read.

@mattie, next time you have a doctor appointment, tell your doctor about your situation. If you don't have one scheduled, then schedule something - your doctor can direct you (or contact someone) about your situation. Most doctors in my area have a litany of questions they ask me when I come in, like "Do you feel safe in your home?" and so on.

@marya2, I love Italy and Venice - it's been ages since I was there, though, and reading about your trip makes me want to go back!