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Family Relations: How do I accept and adjust to family moving away?
Aging Well | Last Active: Sep 22, 2022 | Replies (42)Comment receiving replies
Marjou's post - I'm 79 and with no children or contact with relatives less than 3,000 miles away, I wish I had spent more time expanding my friendship network.
With most of my friends now deceased or in assisted living facilities, I depend on the occasional kindness of neighbor or my small underfunded Senior Center nurse.
I believe we need better funded protections and support for seniors either abandoned by family or once independent but with age related losses.
I believe Norma Watkins will find a way to get the help she needs.
Replies to "Marjou's post - I'm 79 and with no children or contact with relatives less than 3,000..."
Thanks for sharing a reflective comment.
I understand that you are childless, have loss friends and have no family near you but it doesn't mean you can't get out the house and do meaningful things.
Sometimes what we perceive as abandonment by family or age related loss of independence, lack of safety, and support is based on personal circumstances and lifestyle choices.
My favorite words to friends and family members who feel life has stopped moving is, “Life is what you make it. You may stop moving but time doesn’t.”
My husband retired and we left the Midwest and relocated back down south where family is 10-45 minutes away. We were very excited only to become disappointed that no one visit and only call occasionally.
Instead of waiting on family get togethers my beautiful husband and I accepted and respect the freedom of others choice to fellowship or not to fellowship and create our own personal moments.
We learned a long time ago happiness is a state of mind and never depends others to create it. We also learned never to live life based on others approval or presence as people come and go. People should life their lives on their terms.
We are always happy to share time together with others when the opportunity present itself. I have single friends and family members who have adopted our outlook on life and applied it to their lives and are much happier.
Life can be very difficult and create moments of sadness but we can all have a relationship with life by living and staying positive and choosing to be happy and grateful for anyone who share their hearts when possible.
As a result of Covid, many of us are staying home these days. However, it doesn't mean we can't still do meaningful volunteer work.
AARP is a great resource for seniors. You might like their Virtual Volunteer Program since you have concerns for safety. If you like getting out call your local Community Center and ask what activities they have for seniors. Bingo is still fun or volunteer to teach knitting 🧶 if you have that skill.
Hospitals have volunteer services for seniors. Maybe you can read to a sick child or go around and pray for those who want it.
All I am saying is that life is short then we die. So purpose to live your life choosing happiness and seek to share your wisdom and talents with someone who desires it.
Happy living, laughing and celebrating every day of your life.
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In an ideal world, we would have more outside support. My health has recently been compromised and I can’t support rebuilding as it was. I have had home healthcare after hospital stays. The agency I worked with required a 6 hr per week commitment. I don’t need that but was thinking it would be nice to have someone for a few hrs on the weekend for company and maybe fixing some meals for the upcoming week. I may need to consider retirement community.