I used to have lots of friends and family. But as time has worn on I am the last surviving member of my family. Many of my friends have passed and the rest have moved away or are about to.
I don’t know how to fill that gap and I think I am actually a little terrified of the impending silence.
As an older man (60 ish), how do you handle being alone?
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I used to have lots of friends and family. But as time has worn on I am the last surviving member of my family. Many of my friends have passed and the rest have moved away or are about to.
I don’t know how to fill that gap and I think I am actually a little terrified of the impending silence.
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Lord, I relish being alone……..
I plan on having myself euthanized when I hit 60 or 65.
15 or so years from now, my government will likely be providing it as a healthcare service, so I plan to avail myself of it.
Find hobbies or clubs to participate in. I go to the local pool and theres lots of older gents around your age sitting around in the Sauna and Steameoom. Perhaps to volunteer your time somewhere or find a part time job. Basically fine something you are passionate about or would like to be passionate about and try to enjoy life.
Hey OP.
I’m not old but i’m in the same boat, my friends have either moved away or died. Same with my family, they’re not about anymore.
I’d recommend joining some form of small community. Plenty of the guys in my gaming groups are older. Same with my book club. There’s even a guy at the ice hockey rink I skate at who’s in his 70’s and he actually plays! Life doesn’t stop for you because other people move on (be that with their own lives, or moving onto whatever is next) and there’s plenty of people who would value your input, especially as an older guy who’s got lots of lived experience.
Dogs are better than people, but dog people are better than the general population.
Cheers !
You need to find something that you enjoy.
You ever think of moving to a 55 and over community? Many seniors, with organized activities.
Volunteering for a cause you support is a great way to meet like minded people.
If you’re a person of faith, become involved with church organizations.
A senior walking club. Book clubs. Community Gardening clubs.
Go on your local Facebook pages to find organizations to join.
TIme to make new friends.
Could you use this opportunity to do loads of travelling if finances allow? make new connections up and down the country. Or as some other have said, volunteer, you meet some great people through that. Maybe start a small business to keep you busy.
Many opportunities for volunteer work
The truth is we’re always alone. While we may be surrounded by people at points in life you’ve been alone this entire time. As I’ve gotten older and out of touch with people I learned this. I think the important thing is to be a friend to yourself and to take yourself places even if you have to go alone. that is where you’ll meet people like you that share similar interests. For me I started to volunteer and join local clubs that interested me. I wouldn’t say any of those people are close friends but it fights the lonely.
Computer games, guitars, weed and porn.
Firearms is a fun hobby for people your age. You can always meet new friends at the range. I do.
I can be your friend 🙂
Can you see? Got two hands? Allow me to introduce you to the wonderful world of online gaming!
As a 50 year old man, I can somewhat relate. Many of my friends have moved away or we’ve just grown apart. I’m alienated from my family due to addiction issues. Luckily I am very active in the local music community, and as such I have a lot of friends of all ages, races, genders, etc. So my recommendation would be to find an activity you enjoy, and find a club for it, and engage yourself. Some examples:
The silence is only impending if you choose it. But you do have a choice.
Good luck!
Im only ⅔ of the way there but human nature issues fascinate me. I think you need to find purpose and be content in yourself. I’m old enough to realise some folk have big old skeletons in their closet but you can always try to be a better person. Take pride in your appearance and give yourself achievable goals. Try and learn something, make something or volunteer if you don’t have any hobbies. You could use your age to offer advice / life coaching? I’d probably do that if i was older single and poor, try and get some change advising, dog walking etc. Loneliness is a common issue don’t worry, concentrate on filling time in a good way good luck.
Older guy here. I join groups of likeminded people and find new friends there. For example I just found a little songwriter-group with cool people (I am playing the guitar and start to write songs).
66 here and I feel the same way. I have found that getting involved in the lives of those around you will make up for the emptiness. I have been adopted by a six year old boy of a single mother. I have conversation with a 16yo about what his behaviors are going to affect his future. Getting involved with those who could use your age acquired wisdom to help and guide the younger people is a rewarding and fulfilling activity leading to new friendships and familial type relationships.
There’s nothing I can really do. I can’t force people into my life.
I’m there too. Very difficult to make new connections at this age with very little in common with my age group who all at least have kids or grandkids and are at least paired up.
I’m still learning the ropes off a life alone too.
After spending 5-6 days a week at work surrounded by people, i need my time off of work not having to deal with people. I’ll see what happens after i retire and actually have an abundance of time where I’m not forced to be around people for most of my waking hours.
Volunteer, find something you enjoy and volunteer to help do it . You will meet similar people who are passionate about it and will make new friends. Bicycle repair or assembly for homeless or students, community craft fairs need tents set up, art festivals need people to work ticket booth, charity marathons , and more.
You are only alone because that is what you want.
You prefer it to the possible stress of doing any of the suggestions people give you to meet others.
Fear is controlling you.
Find a fraternal or civic organization that meets in your area. For instance the ancient order of Hibernians, or Knights of Columbus or masons or the Rotary or Moose Lodge. It’s pretty low impact commitment and get involved as much as you want. Typically a meeting once a month and they do events whether it’s a fundraiser, or the groups annual picnic, food drives,. Most of the groups have committees you can join. I’ve met some of my closest friends through that
These groups are welcoming because they really want members.
These groups usually have a website or some contact information you can find out online. Or they advertise open meetings and you just show up.
It’s usually good people looking to do some good deeds