What if you had no one? | Loneliness in older people

[aquaman]

My wife went home to our Heavenly Father Jan.4, 2021 and I cried every day for….and still. More so maybe, than I want to admit, the loneliness feels like it’s killing me. My cat keeps me somewhat sane. Tried going to church….the people there, in my opinion, were fake. Interesting how many views are there are on this little small channel. I’m most certainly not alone. people hide their loneliness well, I think

[silvermica]

This describes me. I'm in my 50s now. I have no family, no parents, no kids, no love, and no close friends. I spend every Christmas alone. If I were to disappear tomorrow only the bill collectors would notice.

[irenehunter]

This is so me, sadly it does not only affect the elderly 😢

[EagleRockers]

My husband died in September 2023. All family and friends have moved far away years ago, although I stay in contact with them by phone. This was my first Thanksgiving, birthday, Christmas and New Year's alone. I'm still grieving and so very alone at 72.

[amywhite]

Since my dad died two years ago, I'm my 94 year old grandma's care giver. Dad was her last living child and he took care of her. 2 of my cousins take turns with me staying at night but other than that, I'm basically on my own. I do all doctor appointments, grocery shop, help her cook 3 days a week including Sunday, laundry, roll her hair, do all the house work and try to spend time with her. The others show up late and leave early. Yes I'm absolutely exhausted but i get to spend time with her. I'm the winner here. Several of my cousins do nothing ever. The funny part is that the pastor of the family rarely shows his face. Lives closer than any of us and does nothing while the drinkers and wilder ones of us do. I truly hate him and a few others. Not because i have to do so much but because it hurts grandma. She's not only my Gma but my very best friend.

[theharshtruth]

I've felt more alone in relationships than I ever did being alone.
The one thing you learn about being alone is how to be strong.

[marythompson]

I've been alone For years it's just that way

[coyotedust]

I'm 62 disabled live in a very rural area and married but it's very lonely. No kids.

[a.s.a]

Awww i wish i could give every lonely person above 80 a big hug 😢

[Dogsnark]

For me, it’s not what if, it’s, I am alone, in all those ways. I have mostly always been alone. I’m 78 and never married, no kids, no close friends. I’m used to the aloneness, but sometimes that becomes loneliness. I’m more frequently depressed and have lost most of the interests that I used to have. One day is much like the last, same old same old. I’m thinking of moving to a retirement community, but I’m so used to being alone that I wonder if I won’t just continue to be alone there too. I guess I’m a loner and maybe that’s just how I’ll always be. But it does hurt sometimes.

[nemo]

A wise teacher told our class back in 1959 that the best way to have a friend is to be a friend. Helping other people is very good for each of us. I'm 85 and lost my wife of 57 years in January of 2024. I just remembered what the teacher said: "You can find yourself by losing yourself in other people."
My comment just now triggered a memory of a story on youtube. The story on youtube was about a person who wanted to reconnect with people from his/her past but it was late at night. Called anyway and connected with an old friend who was about to take several pills to end his life. We never know when we may save someone . . .

[marylouirick]

The senior's center are nice, u meet a lot of nice ppl. I got a friend he call me and l go visit him once a week . We talk stuff we don't tell our kids. My grandson live with me. He is glad l still talk and happy with my friend 💕. My husband died 20 yrs ago and his ex wife died 2 yrs ago so we free
2 be free. I glad God let us enjoy ourselves. Praises GOD!

[StamperWendy]

Volunteer! You'll meet people.

If you have a car, deliver meals for Meals on Wheels, serve food at a homeless shelter, walk dogs at an animal shelter, watch someone's child for an hour to spell them, take a walk, volunteer at the senior center, library or community center, take an art class, teach a class at a senior center, library or community center, don't just sit there!

[MrMkayultra]

It hurts so bad ! My grown kids always go out of town or on vacation during the holidays. I sit here with my cat and cry on Christmas! I'm a widow and moved half way across the country to be with my adult kids and grandkids . They have no time for me, or to include them in their exotic trips over the holidays

[l.]

I am 65, female, and totally alone. Wasn't't supposed to be like this but after 23 years of marriage, husband wanted to be single and play the field. We had no kids. All my family is dead. His family is huge but stick by him. So, I got a job in a supermarket part time because lots of lonely seniors come in daily just for interaction. And it gets real busy around Christmas, right when you could feel really blue. Christmas Day can be I watch lots of movies that day but NO sentimental Christmas mysteries or comedies.

[vincestone]

There's absolutely no need to feel lonely at all as long as you are conversant in using the Internet!!!
It will not only keep you company but also widen your knowledge about everything.
Just put me alone anywhere on earth with a computer equipped with Internet and I'll be happy!!

[buckshot]

Parents think they should give kids everything they ask for and be the BFF, it doesn't work. If you raise brats you will end up alone because they're just going to be selfish forever.

[stargazeronesixseven]

We are borned alone & we will depart alone someday ... Everything is just manifestations of our Karma ... So be Good Person & to Do Good Deeds with Wisdom now to create Good Manifestations for our future ... 🙏🕯🌷🌿🌎💜🕊

[lizardme]

You have yourself. People can be bothersome and annoying. A cat for your lap or bed is often enough.

[CloudContainer]

In my late 20's and I have no one.