Social isolation and loneliness are among top concerns for older adults. Feelings of loneliness are linked to health concerns including depression and cognitive decline, and unfortunately, health issues that many seniors experience like mobility challenges or hearing loss can exacerbate loneliness. In fact,
research shows that loneliness is just as unhealthy as smoking 15 cigarettes per day.
This is a vicious cycle all too many older adults are experiencing – the National Poll on Healthy Aging found and one in three older adults say they lack regular companionship. Findings from a recent survey conducted by Lively support this – with 52% of older adults ages 65+ experience feelings of loneliness a few times a year, 14% reported once a week, and
21% feel lonely every day.
Lively, in partnership with Laurie Orlov of Aging in Place Technology Watch, has compiled the latest research and emerging solutions to address social isolation in effort to increase awareness of this global issue. The research, titled
“Fighting Social Isolation Among Older Adults” shows:
- Social isolation is linked to poorer health outcomes and higher healthcare costs, adding an additional $6.7billion in health-related spending, according to AARP
- Social isolation and loneliness are more prominent in the US than the UK or Japan (The Kaiser Family Foundation)
- A range of solutions to combat social isolation are emerging in the US and abroad. For instance, the AARP Public Policy Institute now encourages health professionals to screen for loneliness, and we’re seeing more and more intergenerational programs connecting older adults with young people. Abroad, Bloomberg Philanthropies has partnered with cities in the UK and Spain to create apps that connect seniors with friends and family. While many of these are successful in communities, none has emerged as scalable.
- Technology is emerging as a solution, particularly voice technology, as simply talking with a device can produce positive emotion that helps combat loneliness.
You may be wondering, “How can I help my older family members feel less lonely”?
Our survey found that the answer may be simpler than we think – older adults are truly seeking connection, and it is crucial that their family members and friends are reaching out and putting in effort to maintain connection.
Findings show:
- 55% said phone calls with family and friends has made the biggest impact in helping them feel less lonely
- 50% said that having a community or family that plans activities would be most helpful in maintaining social connections
- Of those experiencing loneliness and depression, 34% choose to talk to a friend about it over a family member or doctor
While technology tools like phones and video chatting can help – as nearly 30% think a cellphone would help maintain social connections – it’s clear that older adults are just looking for a meaningful connection with another human being.
Off-setting feelings of loneliness with entertainment can also provide a benefit. A majority of respondents said that watching TV or a movie, or reading a book or magazine, helps them feel better if they’ve been feeling lonely. This is closely followed by staying active – getting out of the house and going for a walk or taking an exercise class. Programs such as those in community centers, intergenerational connections and lifelong learning institutes provide support across the country.
The first step to combatting loneliness is recognizing the feelings of loneliness. From there, it can be as simple as a phone call to a friend to start feeling better.
To gain deeper understanding of the global problem that is social isolation, and efforts made across the world to combat this serious issue, visit our report,
“Fighting Social Isolation Among Older Adults”.
Hi, my dad lives near Anderson Indiana. Would he be able to get this service or is it only in UK?
Hi Becky, Our products operate on GreatCall plans, which are powered by the nation’s largest and most dependable wireless network (Verizon), and are available in most areas across the USA. Here is some more information about our coverage: https://www.greatcall.com/coverage
I have Verizon for my cell phone and they are the worst service I have had.
I agree about Verizon. Have had numerous problems with them,
I have had Verizon for almost 8 years. I’ve never had a problem with them. Their service reaches so much better than some of the other big companies. I’ll stay with them.
I agree, Barbara, I’ve had Verizon for many years now and I’ve had NO problems with them.
I love Verizon. Only service that will pick up in remote areas. No problems at all with Verizon.
Best service I ever had!
I love Verizon. I have been able to get a signal even when my friends with other carriers have not.
I’m very surprised to see that comment. My entire family uses Verizon, & we are all very satisfied with them (except for their rates, of course!). My son travels a lot & says he has never had a dropped call.
I disagree about Verizon, I left the big Bell and love Verizon, best service I’ve had, ever. I’d love to know how to use this service. I’m pretty active but sometime find I feel older and longer when around complaining people my age. I isolate to stay away from negativity.
You are wise.
WhatsApp It’s great. It allows you to talk to anybody anywhere from your phone. The calls can be video as well. I speak to my family in Italy this way all the time.
Is the Jitterbug phone volume any louder than speaker phone on a regular cordless phone? My mother is locked down in assisted living and I don’t think her ears are being as promptly flushed out or her hearing aids as promptly cleaned, therefore she can’t really hear conversations over the phone. My brother wants to get her one of these but I think she just needs to have her ears and hearing aids cleaned and I can’t get in there to do it! I don’t think that she is capable of learning to text on her own and really do believe family needs to show her rather than relying on staff.
Excellent article ! Look forward to more in the future! Thanks…
Easiest cell phones for elderly to use. Nearly blind
Verizon may advertise as “nation wide”. However many of us are limited to only 1 service that is reliable n in my travels know for a fact it is great service from east to west coasts and north to south!!!…Verizon isnt.
Could it be your plan? I am on Verizon and I can call the entire US plus Canada and have never had a problem unless you are in an area where there is no cell service and that affects all vendors.
Bonnie, I don’t know where you live, but here in San Jose, CA, there is an organization called Vista, which works with the blind. They actually train clients who are blind on how to use cell phones. I would imagine somewhere in your area they have a service like this. I believe there’s an agency called something like Center for the Blind that could help you with this. Just do a Google search. Or have a family or friend help you. Good luck to you, Bonnie!
So glad to see this concern for the elderly and giving all the impute was just what we all can use. Thankfulness for caring people.
I had your great call medical device for 6 years then my battery died and was sent a new one, in April 2019 a month later I received a recall notice & had to send it in- I called for months to see when I cold get a new device– never did– poor customer service & very disappointed in Great Call
We’re sorry to hear that. Would you please give us a call so we can look into this together? We are available at 1-800-733-6632, 5am to 10pm PT, 7 days a week.
My device doesn’t even hold the charge all day, thinking about giving it up! Had one years ago it stayed charged for 3 days. It finally went , got this one and not as good. I charge every night, in the middle of the day, it beeps, battery low. What good would it be in an emergency.
We’re sorry to hear that. Would you please give us a call so we can look into this together? We are available at 1-800-733-6632, 5am to 10pm PT, 7 days a week.
Very much needed by many
The older person can use a smart phone to connect with family members as often as they want. Texting, sending simple pix, usually will generate a response and often lead to “techy” conversations! This is so much fun! The young people working at the phone co. offices are generally eager to help you learn how to use the phones. My phone is my lifeline to connect kids, grands, etc!
I did not find any of this helpful.
I learned cell phone, texting, FB, taking pix & then texting them as friends & family pestered me to do as I had been resistant. Send them all “text letters” weekly & clip art decorated holiday greetings for all holidays. I learned all in my late 70s but not a whole lot of response & older friends refuse to learn texting. Tel calls – now wait for them to call, always too busy if I call. Am interested in sooo many things from politics, music, art, gossip….don’t understand why? Don’t accept that they don’t want to talk to “losers” or that they are “too busy” but I guess that is it, huh?
You can lead a horse to water but u can’t make em drink. So sad to be lonely do realize change is hard. God Bless!!👍🌹
My older friends won’t learn texting, sending photos etc. I just became semiretired and had to use texting etc. for my job. Actually prefer textover a phone call as you can share pics etc.
plus…..if someone is too busy to reply right away…that makes it much better than a phone call.
I text my sister and ask when a good time is to call here and often use video chat with her on FB messenger.
Wish more seniors would use their brains a little more!
try being old 72and lving in a rural area..no family..no cell phones work! i’m legally blind from a stroke..and now can’t drive anymore. I don’t remember when I last laughed. Feel like I’m just waiting till the end. I hope I see my wonderful husband when I die
Whatever. I would like to be part of my son and his family’s life. I don’t get to see or hear fro my grandchildren. Do you realize how heartbreaking that is to a grandparent.
As a retired widow (I don’t like that word. Makes me feel like I’m asking for sympathy) I can relate to so many of these comments. I have children and grandchildren but they are always so busy that if they come by, I’m lucky if they stay 20 minutes. Sometimes I feel like saying don’t bother because they don’t sit down or they’re checking their phones. I also have a lot of guilt because I now recognize how lonely my mother was the last years of her life. We lived 500 miles apart and when I called we never had much to say to each other since I had lived away for 50 years and I didn’t know her friends and she didn’t understand my life. We couldn’t talk work because she retired early from her factory job and my job was in a fast paced deadline oriented business. I don’t like talking on the phone because I wear hearing aids and at one time part of one of my jobs was like a customer service position and most of the time when I answered, the person on the other end was unhappy. I find myself watching too much television and tend to be “stiff” when I get up. I know where this is headed because I have an aunt that has sat so much she’s become very unstable. I strugle with depression and can’t seem to make myself to even go for a walk knowing that would make me feel better. I can’t sem to get my doctor to understand I need a diferent depresion med. Her response is always I’m on the highest dose. I’ve been taking the generic for Welbutrin probably over 20 years having seen 5 doctors during that time period due to insurance or the doctor leaving because the group wanted him to spend less time with patients. Sory for rambling. Guess I neded to “talk” to someone.
Yes, I do! My grands, 4 of them, live 4 hours away. My daughter home schools them so I know she is busy so I don’t call her. She rarely has time to call me either. The children aren’t on facebook, etc. on their on so it’s very rarely that I hear from them.
Oh, how well I know what you said about grandchildren. I have 1 greatgrand son who just turned 1 still have not seen him another one will be here in june. Probably won’t see that one either. Like you I am so heartbroken.
Unfortunately, many of us (Older Citizens) have the same problem.
So sad to read these. My husband is gone and now and I don’t feel connected. My kids are grown and one tries to keep up but when she can’t I understand, but I feel alone. I wish we could all get in touch and maybe it could help all of us. I don’t feel part of anything like I did when my husband was here. There seems to be a need to be connected to something or someone. Empty and alone are hard feelings to deal with. No one to call me or no one that cares. You’re just on the outside looking in. The kids have families and ppl they love. Why when you get older do people not see you as valuable anymore.
Yes, the same thing happened to me, after my husband died, its like I died too. I was always there for my children,holiday, birthdays,Sunday dinners, always made food for them all, they don’t even bother to see if I have eaten much less invite me to eat at their houses. Its sad that when you get old our children,just dont give a dam.
Yes,I understand where you are coming from, when my son comes it is about 10 minutes
I pray ,I cry ,I know God heard me and one day I will be with God and I will never be lonely again
Have a great evening ..Martha
Cell hones aree great but what is really needed is face to face family or friend time. One older friend complains of loneliness but won’t get out. My family always includes me but I’m courteous because they work and also need some private time. A cell phone doesn’t replace people.
I’m in my nineties … couldn’t live w/o my Facebook and email! Not to mention utube … every morning I get up … let the dog out … make my tea … then open up to grandchildren and other tech savies like myself for incoming humor … love … friendship and news.
Excellent.
Yes, Patsy I am 80 and my facebook and emails are what I look forward to everyday. Even though I live in the same house with family their lives are so busy that it is mostly hi and goodbye and I need something or where is something. We rarely do meals together and when we do most of the time I cook. I have an older daughter and she calls a couple of times a month to check on me and invites me to come and stay but it is hard to find a time that her and her husband are not out with friends or traveling. It is what it is as they say. I also keep busy with handwork when the fingers permit. We have to make our own lives.
Your comment is inspiring. I am 71 and love technology. I live alone though and get pretty lonely. I am an introvert so people don’t understand why I feel lonely. Just because you are not comfortable in a large crowd does not mean you wouldn’t like someone around for a little while each day or so. Hope I can still use my computer and phone when I am your age. Carry on sweet lady!
About help….i was sent away when I asked for help. Was told they only SELL the phones. att WAS my favorite.
Not much help when you have family and husband that done not communicate with.
These ideas are nice…but when you have no family or friends…then what?
yes, mom has outlived all her friends and most of her relatives . . . the other siblings have no interest in “wa$ting” their time & money on a mom who “has an attitude”!? (when they do not understand the physiology of the situation). I try my best to spark her interest in SOMETHING . . . Surely with all our current technology someone could invent a SCAMMER-FREE phone 🙂 Mom has been $cammer free for 2 years (but she has lived without a phone / computer for those 2 years).
Join a group. Libraries frequently have program. Also community centers
Garden clubs any subject of interest
Usually has a group
Affiliated with it .
Some time it does not matter if you have family, if they don,t communicate with you. Being lonely is the pits. If you are single and everyone else has a mate, they find you boring, and don,t have time for you.
My husband passed five months ago and have never been this lonely, family lives in different state, all friends have passed. I have C O P D and on oxygen and do not drlve, My niece comes in three days a week to clean and take me shopping, it’s the nights and weekends that I get lonely and depressed, just would like someone to talk to that is in the same situation as me .
I understand your feelings of loneliness, the loss of parents and friends giving a sense of disconnect, and the feeling of not having someone that you can talk to and share your lives and experiences whether they be past or present. I think that eating at regular times, taking a nap if your tired, getting exercise, talking to friends just to say hello, taking care of your health, reaching out to connect and not giving up go a long way to combating loneliness.
Larry, maybe you could send me a message.
True. Some of us are approaching 90, not in the best of health, getting ready to leave one’s abode is usually exhausting, some of have few outfits except sweat pants and tee-shirts since Katrina, and some of us have never been ‘joiners. Many/most of our friends are dead, many of those alive don’t choose to use texting or email. Yes, sometimes we do feel lonely and isolated, usually for different reasons. If our loved ones would just realize that a short call, text message or texted fotos lift our spirits tremendously.
I agree with your comment. I am 71, living alone, unable to drive and without family and only one friend who lives out of state. Community centers and the like are fine, but if you are on a fixed income, the expense of hiring a ride ($20-$30) to go anywhere prohibits me from leaving my apartment. I’m not sure what the solution is, but there should certainly be one. This is the kind of thing one never thinks about when one is young. It takes getting to this stage in life to see that life can be very lonely and depressing. There are too many of us without a support system. Human interaction isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity!
Thoughts and prayers to all who are in a similar situation!
Nice article glad to see that people still care about the older folk of which I have become
Many of us are really not lonely, our longtime friends have passed and for me anyway I need to save my energy for my family and small circle of friends left , my dog and cats.
Not interested in the get together and parties like in the past
Enjoy reading , t v, social media and naps
Love not having to go to work anymore
As mine was a job not a profession, but tight money so can’t afford many social things, glad to be content at 75 in april
Sara, Wanted to borrow your words with your permission.
Nice article glad to see that people still care about the older folk of which I have become
Many of us are really not lonely, I still have many long-time friends doing well. For me anyway, I need to save my energy for my family and a small circle of friends I have now.
Not interested in the get-together and parties like in the past
Enjoy reading, tv, social media and naps
Love not having to go to work anymore
Though my job was a profession, I hated the commute and politics. I miss the challenge and the satisfaction I got from my profession. Money is tight so can’t afford many social things, glad to be content at 78 in Sept.
Trying to keep healthy in itself is time-consuming.
Currently living in a CCRC Independent living, is involved in some committees and I have plenty of opportunities for volunteer work and cultural activities.
So what do you do when your family seems not to care you are lonely and are too busy to call or text. I could call them if they answer but the one way contact hurts. We travel because of my husband’s work so can’t really get involved with others to the point of real friendships.
You’re lucky to still have a husband. I don’t have anyone that really loves me. When your husband dies peope leave..afraid you might latch on to their husband.
A pet is the best solution to a lot of loneliness.faye
Not all of us can have pets anymore. A great loss . I live in a care facility with. About forty other residents. Have a beautiful small apartment . Nice dining room . Adequate meals. Seem to spend much of my time alone ,with tv. Puzzles, books. Retired social worker, interested in people. Lonely. Useless. That’s the worst. Useless.
I am well aware of the resources available to seniors in Florida. Big state with an over abundance of seniors looking and needing services. Sad but true resources are not available. Only to those who have $$$. The rest will never get help when needed. Funds are invested by our govt. to other priorities.
Moved to florida, u will see lots of friends
That is so true I loled. My marriage taught me what lonely can be. This, being autonomous, is not it.
Would if I’m looking for an older person to call and visit in my area , I’m 61 and don’t have any older family here , would like to be there for an older person ,Columbus Ohio ,Brenda Caldwell
Brenda, I live in Dublin and would enjoy a telephone friend. I’m 77 and not particularly lonely, but friends have died or drifted away. I have a great husband and children plus grands and greats, however, someone new might offer new thoughts and perspectives and laughter…..
No family left. No friends in area. All alone except for my dog. Medical problems keep me housebound most of the time. I’m 69 and health no longer allows me to work. Very lonely. I read a lot. Watch some tv.
I am like you. No family and no friends who want to do anything interesting…or else couples. I was a third wheel so lost alot of friends when my hubby died in 2010. One of the commenters indicated she needed to save energy for family and dog, and not interested in social functions.
Maybe I now understand why its so hard to find friends when retired!
where where do you live??????Let me know and I will gladly get in touch with you. I will have time to visit. I live in Reynoldsburg,Ohio I am a born-again Chrisiantian I would love to pray for you and with you.
I like just being home with the TV on and my cell phone available. Don’t want “forced socialization”. Leave me alone. Just need groceries and trips to doctors. 4 adult children and 7 adult grandchildren and phone doesn’t ring except for scammers and oeopke I don’t know asking for money. Am I happy? Probably not but not necessarily lonely, either. Just leave
me alone. I’m content
You most likely have a lot of time on your hands. Why not volunteer? Then if you form friendships while volunteering you, most likely, will want to join them for occasional meals at restaurants, possibly even a movie.
I guarantee you will say it is beneficial in a short while.
I have received two “Obama” phones. The first one did not work right out of the box: it would not charge at all, but neither the cable or the power adapter was defective.
After just over a year of trying to obtain a replacement, they finally gave me a 3-G) unit (Nov. of 2019).
I can’t understand how to use it- it is an Android. I asked if there was a way to get even a refurbished I-Phone- (perhaps an I-6 or an i-7?) perhaps by my paying a fee. I was told “no”.
I just can’t seem to get a usable cellphone.
It takes all but $30 of my entire Social Security income to pay the monthly rent for the small room in which I live, and that doesn’t include food or utilities.
My disabilities keep me bedbound for most of each week.
I have no surviving Family, other than my Church, so I am so very Blessed to still have them in my life. Although it takes 45 minutes of driving each way (as long as there is no traffic), I am Thankful to have Low-Cost Gr8 ParaTransit Transportation that allows me to be with my Church Family on Sunday mornings.
I tried for a few years to get the hang of the smartphones!! I don’t consider myself slow, demented or stupid, just don’t have someone to sit with me while I learn.
Now, I bought the phone at Best Buy for $75.00 (Rite Aid Pharmacy sells them too) and have Great Call which runs about $32. per month. It is simple and I seldom run into problems. Best move I could make.
I don’t have any hobbies and only a very few friends most of them do not live anywhere near. I don’t really have any interest I’ve always been the type of person that was led by other people. Now in retirement with not a lot to do, I wish I knew a way to get out and meet other people.
Is have always been a “follower” also. Now alone with out a leader I have to try hard to get out on my own. Look in the paper to see what is going on. But it is not so much fun as going with someone.
I can see myself in that same boat if my husband dies before I do. I’m thinking I’ll hopefully have activities that will get me out of the house and around people. I know it will be hard for me to make friends with those people tho.
I find my Brattleboro senior center has saved the day.
There is a connection between hearing and isolation. Make sure the elder person sees an Audiologist.
Good point!
Facebook helps me socially. I find groups who share my interests and people who enjoy sharing with me. I am 86.
My Mother died, 5 years ago. On the last day, of December 2014. I moved back, to the last of homes I was raised in, Oregon. From, Hawai’i.
I’m a, “Momma’s boy.” Fortunately, I had lovely closure with her, before she left. However, she seemed to isolate herself, in the last couple of years. Just being plain ornery, at times. Dementia? I never questioned, her integrity. But when she asked my partner, to leave her house. I followed. What a lonely way, to go. Now, I am lonely for my Mother, @ 66 years of age, come January. I now have a heart, full of compassion. I have always enjoyed socializing with people, older than myself. Now, more than ever, I want to help others.
Thank you for, the informative article. It touched, my heart,
Many communities have Senior Centers, which are a wonderful way to connect with other older people. My husband and I started going to ours last summer and have made some new friends we treasure.
I’m 71 but still look and feel 20 yrs younger. Due to a serious foot infection I moved to be near my son and dil 3 years ago. I’m perfectly healthy now. We live in the same house but I have my own little efficency apartment space. Sometimes we go weeks without seeing or talking. I don’t know a soul here and have no car. The only time I leave the house is to go to the doctor or to take my dog to the vet. I’d love to make a few good friends in my area. I live in Gainesville Tx.
Nothing beats being included in your family.
need phone calls from children.
Ditto. My wife divorced me after I was diagnosed with cancer. My kids, who used to say I was the best Dad ever, never call no matter how often I ask them to. My ex-wife’s family bad mouth me. Can hardly believe I’m 73 and in this situation.
I am almost 70 and can’t say that I’m lonely. I have a large circle of friends. My problem is that I am not anyone’s “have to”. I have no children and no siblings. My significant other has dementia. As I said, I have a large circle of friends to socialize with but most of them are up to their eyeballs in family obligations so for example I can’t see any of the agreeing to be my “in case of emergency please notify” I haven’t a clue what to put in that box. There is no one I know who would drop everything because I happened to be taken to the ER. Also no one does anything for my birthday Maybe a FB post or a card. As I said, most of my friends, between children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws, blended families, and such have so many birthdays, christenings, graduations, and anniversaries to worry about they are not going to do anything for a casual platonic friend. And the ones without obligations are always traveling. I don’t feel lonely but I do feel orphaned. When my significant other dies, for example, I will be all alone on Thanksgiving.
Does anyone know if Skype helps?
In Schertz Texas USA we have the Schertz Senior Center. It’s 50 and over to join. The cost is $36.00 a year to join. I work for the YMCA and in conjunction with the city of Schertz we help run the center and have certified instructors from the Y teach classes designed for our senior citizens. We offer meals on wheel lunch program at no cost. Our seniors can sit and chat, our they can be involved with our many activities throughout the day. We also offer day field trips at a minimum cost throughout the year in our San Antonio and Texas hill country area.
As a part time YMCA employee and senior myself I definitely understand the importance of caring for our seniors. I hope other cities and towns across our great nation would have the ability to serve their seniors as we do in Shertz Texas.
I live in Colorado and go to the City of Wheatridge Active Adult Center for Silver Sneakers chair yoga and other exercise classes. I have met many friends there. The AAC has free movies, dominoes, bunko and dinners for holidays. It is fun and keeps me busy 5 days a week. We just started a chair volleyball class that is also fun. Not only do I feel better for exercising, but it is great for my social life.
My suggestion to those seniors who do not have dementia at the minute—-relatively healthy, old people should be able to socialize, at least, with middle-aged people assuming interests and emotional intelligence are present. Once a person is passed 30 it is possible to be “friends” with those 35 years older—-an adult becomes an adult by a certain age. Inter-generational fun can occur, since often age is but a number. Active old people might be loneliest on weekends when those who have mates or are in a relationship do not like a single person in their lives then. In my view, this situation can be solved. An older person can attend a movie, theatre, museum exhibition, sports events with a younger couple, but go home after the event, so that the younger couples have their own private time after the main event attended together. Young and old can learn from each other, enjoy each others’ company, be open to each others’ views. Old age is NOT catching like the flu; many will get old and face the same issues old people face now. Many young and middle-aged people believe senior living facilities are the answer. This is an individual choice for each individual senior to make. Colleges and Universities offer continuing adult education, but many a time the transportation to avail oneself of such a program becomes an issue. Those of us who are interested in improving the situation ( all ages) perhaps should get together working on implicating change and attitude.
YOU CAN TALK ABOUT CELL PHONES BUT WHEN ALL FRIENDS HAVE DIED YOU CAN GO A WEEK WITHOUT TALKING OR SEEING ANOTHER PERSON. LIFE ALERT BUTTONS NICE BUT IF YOU HAVE NO MEMORY FROM STROKE WHAT IS THE BUTTON FOR. a CALL ONCE A WEEK WORTHLESS IF HAVE BEEN ON FLOOR NOT ABLE TO REACH YOUR BUTTON, YOU ARE ALREADY A VEGETABLE. SENIORS ARE BULLIED BY FAMILY A LOT. THEN THERE IS SPOUSE FRIENDS, FAMILY WHO HAS Taken ALL your money so you can’T TAKE pride in yourself or home. YOU DRIVE 20 YR CAR AND CAN’T AFFORD DENTAL. WORSE THING IS GENERATION ARE HELICOPTER PARENTS. NO TIME FOR PARENTS. MY ONLY SUPPORT IS MY WONDERFUL DOCTOR WHO SHAKES HIS HEAD IN DISGUST.
Please tell Kenneth Bissett to contact me.
Kenneth Bissett, we share the same problems. Would like to hear from you. I am 86 years old and need an elderly man to talk to. Cartergramcy @ yahoo.com.
When I lived in Virginia there was a wonderful Senior Center that I belonged. They had wonderful trips. I moved to Florida and have gone two two of the Centers here and they aren’t the same at all. A lot of people thin of “old people that can barely move” when you mention a senior center but they are all not like that. I am less active then I was in Virginia but like Sara I am content. My son is on me all the time to get out and do things and I do go with them on the weed end to activities but that is all I need. I have old friends that Message or text me a d my family and grandchildren. And then there is Facebook that is could be on for hours. I am cotent.
I appreciate this site or communication.
Skype is one way to visit with family and friends. You keep in touch and is free. susy
We need more interest groups on facebook seniors might enjoy. I see a lot of posts about RVing, not too many from relatives. If these seniors who are lonely can learn facebook if they don’t already know, they might meet friends online and have chat videos on fb.
Yes, I am SO lonely. My husband died in 2018. He was my best friend. We were married 47 years and I loved him with all my heart. My son and his wife live with me because he has a health problem that prevents him from working right now. No grandchildren and there will be none. It breaks my heart. He is 43 and I never say anything to him about it. But, we do not get along. He is very disrespectful and treats me like I’m a big bother. I WANT them to move out because living this way just too hard. I have family 5 hours away but never hear from them. My husband’s family has never cared. I joined a nice senior center and do go to their exercise classes, movies and special events. It is so far away though I can’t go often because it’s taking too much gas. I have called my sister but she says I keep her on the phone, kid around too much..etc…..so, I no longer hear from her. She will message me from time to time with “Hope all is well” but I quit answering her because that’s all I get. I pray on this and pray family and former friends will remember me. I only hear from one friend. Everyone thinks because my son lives with me I am fine but I’m not. I want to be included in things but I just don’t exist anymore. This is happening to my son too. He has had some very serious surgeries but no one has ever called him or even sent a card. It just baffles me.
I know what you mean I have the same problem want I go to my son house
I live in Va and feel we need more social networks on fb for seniors.
What about reaching out to other lonely people? In so doing, you might make some really good friends. The way to make friends is to be one!
I am the loneliest person on the earth…. I have no friends to talk to .