I’m living with a family of 5 but I get a really strong sense it’s in my future as well. Currently I always wish I could be alone. Probably when I am I will wish to have company.
I am 62. I dont see anyone, I live alone. If I see a neighbor while taking trash to the dumpster we say "hi" and that's it. I text a few family. I used to be ok with it, but it's getting harder as I age. Thx for the video Allison ❤
I remember growing up in Chicago in the 50s and early 60s. All the aunts/uncles lived pretty near each other. The grandparents lived in a big house with relatives. Lots of big family get togethers on holidays and the lake in summer. All the neighborhood kids played outside till dark. Those days are long gone. I am very grateful to have these warm memories 💖
Yes :) As we kids grew up we all moved to different states. California...Arizona...Washington. It's sad because families now can only afford to see each other maybe once a year. You grow apart with time. It's a very different world since the early 60s. Many seniors end up alone now for the most part. ❤
My grandparents had lots of kids, I had lots of aunts and uncles and holidays were great. Mostly still close to the same hometown, and some drove far or flew to visit... Now I don't expect kids or nieces or nephews, grandparents long gone, aunts and uncles who seemed strong and stable are starting to get dementia or go, cousins largely estranged and some starting to go. Nostalgia just makes me sad. Old memories pop up and seem meaningless. I wouldn't mind if a doctor told me I had 6 months left. I'm tired. I work, but I'm not handy enough at what I do. My partner hasn't contributed much in years...
One observation: I find that I can tell when an older woman has lost her husband…she is more prone, more willing, most available and eager to talk to others when she is out and about doing her shopping, getting hair done, going to cleaners…every outside encounter she can find, she needs conversations. I think we as humans need others to engage with in order to survive this life-thing.
I am very isolated. I am 77 years old and retired and am at home alone almost 100% of the time. I don’t have family or friends with whom I can interact physically. Yesterday I went out and got some cash from an ATM and bought some coffee and then went and paid my phone bill. Before I left home I paid a couple of bills by phone. In all of that I never had to speak to anyone and no one spoke to me. Paying bills by phone is a simple process of pushing buttons in response to recorded instructions so there is no human interaction. I do worry about my own mental and emotional health and I feel more and more disconnected as time goes by.
@@sami-i6hawe no...I try to keep busy with my chores and hobbies; like cooking, gardening and studying,... people have become far too judgemental and demanding.. it's exhausting to keep giving up parts of yourself
And while we are talking gloom and doom, let’s not forget recent political events in that so called great nation to our south.Here we have the likelihood of a black female prosecutor running against a 34 times convicted felon as President if the United States.
Now almost 70, I would like to have a couple of friends to go have coffee with now and then but after knowing people it's better to be alone. In reality people bring problems. Being on my own with my dog it's peace and happiness.
@@masterlegend1 Exactly, they are built in exercise coaches as well as companions and sometimes protectors. And, when it comes to loyalty, there is no comparison!. Never saw a dog dump its human in a Care Home, but plenty of humans sentence their loyal animals to death at a pound, without a second thought!
@@sjordan7085 I just watched a daughter throw her mom in nursing home a few months ago and she died a month later. I told her that would happen. very sad how the selfish treat people that done everything for them or a doggy crying in dog pound awaiting the death too because master gets tired of the dog. real sad.
@@elizabethk3238 I love Trader Joe's, but yesterday, when I was there on a holiday weekend, it was as though I was gasping, too many people in every direction, and the sound was deafening amid the chaos. I couldn't wait to get out of there. As I said, I normally, love Trader Joe's.
I find making friends very difficult also - even joining clubs and pushing my comfort zone - I have had to meet many people I didn’t connect with just to find a small handful of friends. I have come to realize that many people actually find it difficult - I think it’s a lot more normal than we may think. Also, I think good friendships can take time to discover x
Have u tried meetup groups or online platforms like Facebook groups , Meetup, Eventbrite, library adult programs, community ed classes, etc....some ways to meet people with like interests. I am in S Texas. There are many events here. Just takes effort to get out of your comfort zone or isolation and do it. I haven't done much since Covid, but have made plans to try and engage more this month. Best,
@@AbigailLamb you are right but if you attend events, clubs, groups of interest then it isn't a wasted effort. I met a really fun gal pal a few years ago on a large Meetup dining out group. Sadly, she passed away but we had so much fun attending other events of shared interest together. So I found the diamond in all the .... whatever that saying is.
I must be fortunate; I am alone but do not feel lonely. It may be because I am mobile and relatively fit, even though I should lose a chunk of weight. I like to see people and go out from time to time. I enjoy a pint, and like many people, a few drinks make me feel relaxed and more sociable. It must be terrible to feel lonely, and I hope it never darkens my door. I live in Spain, which is lovely, but I yearn for the English countryside and to be with people with whom I have a cultural connection. I enjoy listening to this show. It's so enlightening.
I live in rural Cornwall, my car was in the garage ,I live near a very busy road so cannot walk or even cut through fields high hedges , so no food I had to ask the car mechanic to bring me fish and chips and milk , So I think you are lucky ,My driving is getting worse as well xxxuk
Yes , but also I find most of these videos depressing 😔 😮💨 I think they’re more for self councilling & getting the msg across to the one that needs to hear it ?! 😟 Jmo
@@evapavlou5296, I am sorry you feel a little sad. I look at these videos to compare each other's problems and try to look on the bright side. I know. That's easy for me to say because I am fortunate to have enough to get on with.
@@carolmiles7474@carolmiles7474 Good evening, fellow Brit,, Yes, I am aware of how well-off I am. I rely on my car and have a motorhome to take me and the dogs away on various tours, including home twice a year. My driving is still good, and I can drive on both sides of the road and travel at night if it's called upon,
I wish I could see how to make it to your age. I'm tired and worn out, and don't see having kids or nieces or nephews. I wouldn't mind a terminal diagnosis. I'm spent
@@WaryofExtremesWhat would help you not feel like this? I ask myself something similar on occasion. Sometimes it's easy like read a good book. Bake. Take a class at the library. Join in a Zoom class. I hope you find something to lift you up.
@kimr3755 nothing will fill the void of knowing my mom will never see grandkids by my sibling or me. I try to distract myself a bit. I try to do a passable job at work. Nothing means much to me. I don't honestly smile or laugh anymore, for months now.
I retired from a factory of 3,000 employees and I don't miss people at all. For 38 years I had to deal with hearing about others problems or people trying to pry into my life. I love to get a cup of coffee and sit on my front porch and watch the cars drive by.
@@eldergal Whenever I sit outside and drink coffee I think about all the Gloom and Doom I read about on RUclips about how bad the economy is, yet I see these huge pickups and SUV pulling boats, campers, and trailers with mowers or big boy toys ! If the economy is that bad , where are people getting all their money ?
Exactly, they love and appreciate us for who we are, no strings attached. I live alone, but do not feel lonely, how can one when surrounded by the beauty of nature? The older I become the more I realize how much more peaceful life becomes when one chooses to be very selective in who one associates with. There is no need to socialize just for the sake of doing it, in fact, as a introvert I find it draining.
Although there are enormous numbers of seniors who are both lonely and isolated...but what I want to point out is that I hear people of ALL AGES feeling alone, lonely and isolated; it seems like this is not simply a by product of modern life but a socially engineered agenda for a desired myriad of deadly outcomes for humanity....
I tend to agree Cecilia! That's why I did not discuss this just in the context of seniors. EVERYONE is experiencing increasing isolation in the world. Thanks for watching!
@@eldergal I just felt compelled to mention that seniors absolutely have extra impediments that the general population do not have to deal with....I am experiencing them first hand!
True. My siblings don't keep in touch with my mom, only me. I don't understand it. She was in the hospital and they didn't visit or even send a care package.
I do see in my neighborhood that a lot of people don’t leave their house very much. I don’t want to stay in the house all day. During pandemic, I still went to my stores.
I’ve all but eliminated that ‘loneliness’ feeling. I will not allow myself to become ‘isolated’ and it’s been work. Mostly, I follow my dreams and have ongoing projects of all kinds. I practice being present every moment. I was determined. I’ve had to look at loneliness from a health perspective.
Yep. I spent 3 years in isolation due to the pandemic and chemo. I couldn't afford to be around others. I am still working on being comfortable around other humans now.
@@judithcharvit7982 True. People used to be so much more trusting of one another. People need to be cautious and careful these days but look at the price we pay. 🤔
@@microtyger and therefore I am selective too and choose to bring closer people who can understand things differently and are still able to be good and identify good and honest people. the cleverer will get this and still be open to love and interaction.
Android keyboard glitch (seems a way to push us to buy latest 🙄 -- I'm resisting 🌻cut off my comment & posted it, incomplete. There's the frozen keyboard. Sometimes a comment says it's posted but disappears. Noticed more interference with comments shortly after news that AI is being used to go through text and scan for the words / phrases of interest to whoever programs it. Before very lately it was slow and expensive hiring humans to do surveillance. Now, a company / group can very cheaply & quickly read every word. Recently I was on a pre pared ness or current events site and soon as I entered a phrase, the System marked it in bold with a color block. First time ever, odd 🤔. A sense of being watched, judged, somewhere a server farm, burning coal plants supplying the massive computer power use for servers, transmission, add Bitcoin mining. Some guy somewhere imposed his belief system on 100% of us. I'll never get to discuss with him how the 🌎 🌍 is now. What I've learned from the Internet about the flagged / marked and / or suppressed phrase, comment. We are, some of us out here, working together to get OUR tribe - one person coming across another and speaking up. Then you have the assurance someone else thinks / feels like you about something that matters. We interact in a positive way, that's the essence of a tribe. Can be very different in almost every way except what we have in common. Regenerative farming (I define as one plant that DOES something, food, scent, attract beneficial insects, on up to the full owner occupied "family farm". Inclusive can work when you use it IRL, not the d e I belief system being used by ruling class now. Seeing more news of companies dropping that as they work to survive $, like most of us. This got long, just thought some of you have these things happen on the media systems, and notice how things are changing. Kno
Good to have this conversation....just want to mention that so many seniors do not or have not knowledge or training to even access the internet for a whole bunch of reasons so they do not even have tech to interact. Isolation IS at the heart of loneliness, for sure.
My isolation is such that I do daily sing-alongs with RUclips to lift my spirits and maintain my voice, which was growing raspy from disuse. But, as to the future of our culture, perhaps isolation will become the norm with most connection occurring through the intermediary of technology. Social and communication skills will continue to erode, which will reinforce the desire to isolate. I rarely leave my home (in wheelchair) and have only a handful of real-people relationships and most of them are primarily maintained via online or text communication. Most of my day is spent online and each day seems full. It’s funny… for most of my life home was where I went when there was nowhere else to go. Now, at 80, it is the only place I want to be.
Im so glad to hear you say you sing w youtube🎉. I play a lap instrument w music online 😊. I sing also. I have sang in churches all over America and a little TV also. Gotta keep my musical heart happy too. Bless you❤
I am a 65-year-old window here, and I haven’t talked to anyone for months, maybe my neighbor when I’m returning from getting my mail. That’s about it. I’ve made peace with being alone, and I’m fine. I panic when I have to leave to go to the grocery store.
For the lonely out there, most Americans are very lonely with only a TV or pet for company. We're a large community of good people who should connect with each other. Loneliness is a health hazard. Elder gal's wisdom and courage is a wonderful comfort.
I am pushing myself to get involved with my church. It is difficult as I am an introvert, but I've seen the decline in my mental /emotional and even physical health over the past 2 years. It isn't an option anymore, sometimes we really just have to force ourselves to act on healthier behavior. I believe there is always hope because of my faith in God. Thank you for your videos! :)
I agree with you, I'm 67 semi retired nurse, live alone with no family input. Feeling lonely has really effected my mental health. I'm going to get involved with the homeless I have to force myself out of the house.❤
Hi Allison .... Gotta tell you....between my career and all the disappointments and heartbreaks from those I considered family & friends, my self-imposed isolation is my salvation. I am alone....but I am not lonely. My dog is my best friend and the only soul i trust. In this day & age... especially with the state of the economy and lack of facilities for the mentally ill, every time you leave the protection of your home, you are taking your life into your own hands. Shootings, assault & robs, scams, kidnappings, sexual assaults, car jacking and just being in the wrong place at the wrong time and getting killed by a stray bullet.... it's not worth it. You can't trust anyone - bottom line. Romantic relationships, friendships, working relationships ... you never know who you're dealing with. It's dismal but it's our reality now. Im glad I'm 65 and have had my 'good ol' days'..... and I dont still have decades left of this uncivilized madness.
Yes, that is how I feel also. The only place I feel safe now is my own little house. My family lives in 5 hours driving time and they are upset that I don't come to visit them as often as I used too. Unfortunately, that is how it is going to be from now on. I don't want to take the risks and gamble with my life - not much left and it is the only what I have got. They are young and don't understand or don't want to understand. They think that I simply don't love them any longer.
I was afraid to write exactly what you said here for fear of sounding too pessimistic but this is my experience too. Many a heartbreaking experiences from friends and family.. took care of my mom who was me best friend and supporter for years and she just died. I am a loner but I do miss HER and I don’t long for someone else. It’s so dangerous to walk around certain parts and wrong place wrong time can really get you hurt. Just look at all the Fourth of July incidents. People trying to have fun getting blown up or run over by drunk drivers
@@ДругаяИрина .... what a crock that they think you no longer love them. Are they making the effort to come and see you more often? Don't let them guilt you into anything you're not comfortable doing.
@@barbandsarge thank you so much Barb. Yes I have a lovely bird who is my good friend. I have a good routine going with him, he’s very smart and so fun. I’m also lucky to be a trained musician, classical pianist so it helps to practice a lot and exercise. I really relate to what you said. Being kind can get you really taken advantage of in this world.
Moving to florida when I was in my late 60s. Really taught me how many friendships were made at work! Even if you work at this age ,,the work force is generally much younger making friends at work is not really option anymore
Great subject Allison. I am a loner and enjoy being that way. I do get lonely but I got lonely when I mixed more as well. I do have friends and we chat on the phone regularly, which satisfies my need for contact, but I don't see them a lot. We meet up every few months and I really have to force myself to do even that. Once I lived in a house for 5 years and never ever met my neighbors.
I go out several times a day walking in stores to get steps. I wouldn’t say I am lonely, but wouldn’t mind some company sometimes. But sometimes the lack of connection was my choice.
As an old person, I don't think old people should be left alone day after day. You start to see quite a bit of the futility of things, it's discouraging. Children are told by the media to ignore parents, families are broken. People don't do anything out of duty, they do what they feel like doing. This leaves the old person who can't do what they used to do without much hope.
@@FrancesRobinson-yn2ks Allison is a prime example of it. All popular psychology pushes and glamorizes total estrangement. I don't drink or take drugs and I cope just fine. What I'm saying is that old people shouldn't be forced into a situation where they're trying to figure out what other people take for granted. If we have limited mobility, limited money, why are we reduced to pathetic status! We lived a whole life and gave plenty.
I think raising this subject and talking about the issue is an important step to positive change - even if it seems a small step. Thank you for making these videos. Science Fiction has often served as a warning - but sometimes isolation can exaggerate our fears and make the world seem much more hostile than it is. Sometimes just a little interaction - if possible - can make a big difference to how we feel about the world. Small talk - however trivial - can be so important in lifting a person’s spirit but perhaps the skill is being lost in a world where youngsters can have everything delivered to their door without even speaking to a human.
Life is so strange. I love being alone, but i can tell it's affecting me. I saw that same movie recently. I'm a 65 yr F who also loves apocalypse movies!
😡 We couldn't have dogs when we were little because our mom was allergic to them so we had parakeets instead. Super messy but super fun and their chirping was so cheerful.
Hello Allison. I find myself mesmerized by every one of your pod casts that I watch. It's the combination of your interesting/important content and one of the sweetest voices I've ever heard. I always look forward to hearing what you have to discuss. I'll always wish for you the best of happiness dear lady. Sincerely.
Put your faith in God, and you will have no need for worry. You'll always have companionship with him. Also, go outside in nature even if you have to go to your yard- get grounded by taking your shoes off and breathe Just Breathe. And ask God for wisdom and thank him for the new day and watch what happens to you. Your soul will get brighter and happier. God bless you and keep moving forward each and every day❤❤❤
I'm agoraphobic as hell going months at a time not talking to others except online, getting groceries delivered to my door..but it pales in comparison to some of my neighbors, who are literal "ghosts." For example my neighbor across the hall - I haven't seen her in over two years ...since the last time our entire building was "forced evacuated" by the fire department for a suspected gas leak.
@@FrancesRobinson-yn2ksI appreciate your concern...It's called "Hikikomori" also known as severe social withdrawal... as far as I know there is no cure for it. But that doesn't stop so called doctors from treating it with dangerous psych meds which always come with a boat load of side effects. So you would be trading one problem in for another problem or set of problems. Then you run into the problem of being unable to function without the so called medicine over time, which is addiction or dependency. Most people, as you know self medicate with booze and drugs..I don't do that. I just embrace the loneliness, realizing Im not alone particularly as we get older. It is sad to realize the only human interaction you get is from people who are "paid to deal with you"... apartment mangers, counselors, the check out clerk at the grocery store, the nurse at the hospital ,...but do they really care about you ...notsomuch. You say you have friends...are they really friends? Can you count on them for anything? Your family has abandoned you..I know you feel the sting of loneliness, as well. Now I can turn the question around and ask have you seen a doctor? But I'm not going to because you're not going to find a cure for loneliness in a bottle of prescription drugs or counseling...
I love apocalyptic movies too and books. Read “One Second After”. I’m 68 and live on a hobby farm. We are in one of the highest taxed states in the nation. Trying to be extremely frugal in our old age. Hubby is 70 and still working full time driving a grain truck. We raised 6 beautiful children and all are professionals and have children. 14 grands and one great grand. But they live all over the country to the West Coast. So we only get to see them once a year if that. We continue on the farm because that’s what keeps us going. I have a huge garden and we raise chickens, grass fed beef, and pork. I can all summer and eat cheap in the winter. I am alone a lot except for my animals. 3 dogs too.😉. It’s work but it keeps my mind busy and great exercise. I’m never lonely even when hubby is gone a lot. It business keeps him motivated and young. We know someday it will end but for now we absorb as much of the farm as we can. I also go fishing ….. we have a small pond. So you can have a big family but still not see them. They are just all very very busy. And so are the grandchildren.
I'm 67 single live alone. My family don't really want to know. I feel uncomfortable around people always feel I have to make a big effort. I feel very lonely which causes depression. Feeling alone also effects your self esteem.
Introverts: resist the temptation to covet just a handful of friendships, which are often of 30-50 years' endurance. When you reach your 70s and 80s, friends die or are otherwise unavailable to you. You don't need scores of friends, but you do need to cultivate one or two fresh friends. I am down to three old friends, two of whom are likely to leave the world soon. Within the last three years, I am glad to have been adopted by a vigorous 72-year-old in our rural community. After a tornado caused minor tree damage in late May, he appeared at daybreak with truck, trailer and chainsaw to check on me. The partner of my late college roommate lives in a nearby town. We are drawn together by memories that are important to us. We don't communicate often, but we do share meals and conversation.
Hello from a new subscriber from Ireland. I live alone am ok it with sometimes but don't like being alone all the time so i joined some meetup groups which gets me out now and then. I certainly don't want to rely on screens and internet fgor friends and company i am bad enough. Isolation is not for everyone and not all the time. That pod idea is a nightmare scenario who want to live like that. I enjoy getting to walk in nature and mostly alone.
Thank you for your words of wisdom. Both my wife and I are well pass 70 Yrs. and alone! No real friends, no family and no real social connection. So we have to find creative ways to keep our daily sanity. Because of what we have gone through over the years and now we are forced to work on the issues of the heart and find that inner peace. Then out of that peace we can get clarity to avoid as much as possible the landmines of depression and other destructive emotions or habits. Some days it is one hour, one day at time. So yes it is a daily challenge to deal with the personal issues as well as seeing our civilization unravelling around us. Write late.
Thanks Bill! Finding inner peace is a worthy vocation as we get older. And I know what you mean about the dysfunction in the world. Appreciate you watching!
The rugged individualism of the United States… A fantastic nonfiction book I highly recommend, that is historically accurate about homesteaders in the 70s in Alaska… Talks about that kind of loneliness. Highly recommend. It’s called “The Great Alone”.
Hello again, there is something called Meetup that you can find online. And you pretty much enter any interest that you have there’s a group for it in your area. And if there isn’t one, you can host it. Lot of these groups are online now, due to the recent global event we all endured, so if you’re unable to leave your house or your interest isn’t represented in your geographical area, you can still connect with people virtually. There was a particular topic of interest for me and I love the group I found online. Everyone’s in my time zone and we have a sister group in the UK. I urge people to check it out.
@@marianfrances4959 You are not limited to the groups in your own city. Many of them are Internet-based and you could join from anywhere. You are also able to start your own, that does interest you.
Thanks for the suggestion. I didn't realize meetups could be virtual as well. I was familiar with them years ago when I lived in a larger city. Appreciate you sharing this!
Virtual groups defeat the whole point of having friends. It’s like Facebook or other social media, there is no real human connection in virtual anything. Virtual is the problem, rather than solving the problem. We need face to face contact. We need human touch. We need real people. Just my 2 cents.
Lonely is the night When you find yourself alone Your demons come to light And your mind is not your own Lonely is the night When there's no one left to call You feel the time is right Say the writin's on the wall, yeah It's a high time to fight When the walls are closin' in Call it what you like This time you got to win Lonely, lonely, lonely Your spirit's sinkin' down You find you're not the only stranger in this town
I don't relate to feeling lonely or isolated but according to others, I'm both. The world is endlessly fascinating to me and I don't need others to experience its joys. I also think people are more bored than they are actually lonely and their challenge is to find activities that are fun and/or productive without causing harm or figure out why others don't want to be around them and take action to overcome personality disorders and/or trauma. As for isolation--unfortunately, our tribes (aka our families, states, countries) don't value preventing isolation and instead promote the opposite--independence. For me, it's impossible to feel isolated with access to the internet so I really don't get it when people say they feel so isolated unless they mean they need physical assistance or human touch/interaction to a degree that I apparently don't. Interesting topic, thanks for sharing.
Hi Allison ~ I’ve been binge-watching your videos since discovering your channel the other day and find what you have to say so relatable, pertinent and heart-warming. I’m a somewhat quirky introvert too and close to your age (71), living alone, trying to navigate the aging process and often feel lonely. I love your advice and how you stress a point by repeating it, such as “Embrace what you still have.” That's going to be my new motto. You are truly wonderful and so appreciated ~ thank you!
Thanks so much for your kind words and support paisleygirl! Glad that phrase spoke to you. I really believe in focusing on what I can still do, and not what I can't. Thanks again!
We have to be a little brave to get out and interact with others. Fear keeps people behind locked doors. Fear of being vulnerable. Fear of being rejected. Fear of being used. Even if it makes me a little uncomfortable sometimes, I just go out and participate. The alternative is isolation.
I'm not sure if someone has answered your question about the film, but I believe it is a Canadian sci-fi film from 2016 entitled Darwin. I'm a sci-fi fan from way back in the 60s. On feeling isolated. I feel that the advent of the internet started us toward being alone, and the pandemic put a big seal on that. People were afraid of contact for 3 years, and Covid is still out there. I had a tendency to be a loner before the pandemic, and now I'm firmly entrenched. I even go so far as to call myself a hermit, although technically, I live with my daughter and DIL. I have my own space, and they have theirs, so there's no constant interaction. I do love living with them and our traveling very much. I've been married all my life since age 17, took care of my siblings before that, have 3 children, 2 grands, and one great grand. I've been a busy nurse manager in my career, which entailed taking care of others. When I divorced in my mid-50s, that was when I took the time to work on myself. I learned to nourish myself instead of looking elsewhere for needs to be met. I don't know that I ever feel truly lonely because I have made the choice to be by myself for 16 years now. I'm having the best time taking care of myself and traveling all over the US. Love the discussion always. Thank you so much. ❤🦋
I am 58 and we chose (me and my partner) to not engage much outside much except when we eat out or go in tour not because we like to but it is to protect us from many thing outside. It is frightening with so many bad elements outside. Better be safe than sorry.
Hi Allison. Great video today. You make a great point. The less reliant people get on each other, the more isolated they become. That is why closed societies such as the Amish never experience isolation. They always have each other. We are victims of our own design and making in some ways. For others, isolation is an uninvited and unwelcome guest. That condition can only be combatted by other people who are giving, caring, loving, feeling, sharing and daring. These are the marks of the faithful. All our identity rests in the knowledge of who we're created to be, Allison. Take care and take comfort. Not all is lost.
Thanks John! I truly hope not all is lost for humanity. I agree with you about the Amish and similar societies. Hoping for the best. Appreciate your input!
So many different perspectives/stories. Same here though I chose isolation through not seeking out friends when existing friendships ended some 20 years ago. Isolation was as close to nirvana as I ever got in life w/ the pandemic feeling like my personal Olympics. I lived my whole life training for that period. Unfortunately isolation has resulted in dire straits, resources all but depleted and quite literally nothing on the horizon in terms of a helping hand. As a result I’m choosing to eliminate life sustaining medical care related to congestive heart failure. I won’t be replacing my pacemaker/defibrillator battery in a few months time. Medications will also be eliminated in order to allow nature to take its course. I do wish I had understood these things when I first made the choice to submit to open heart surgery a decade ago. It’s only in interrogating the evidence that the necessary outcome has become crystal clear. Interesting topic, well wishes to all. Thanks for creating a video where discussing this is allowed.
At 63 I don't feel isolated. A short drive (20 minutes) from my home there are many pubs and cafes that I enjoy frequenting. It's more a matter of energy. Do I feel like going out? Will some of my friends be there? But things happen on a regular enough basis when I can go somewhere almost any night I choose and find something going on. Mobility and affordability are the only things I need to consider. This may change, but I see folks ten or more years my senior going out and hanging with a crowd so I feel like that day is still a ways off! I have a long time friend who is a musician. When you know a musician, you'll meet LOTS of people!
Thanks for sharing your experience hodenkat! As someone who plays music and has musician friends, I know what you mean. Musicians tend to band together (no pun intended!)
My husband & I are quite isolated, no family and very few friends nearby, but we do talk to people. We make a point of taking an interest in the people who work in our coffee shop, the courier driver & so on. I can't imagine taking to no one. But help in an emergency, no... This is such an interesting talk & I appreciate the anthropological angle.
I can relate with you Allison. I’m introvert but to be around humans I took a part time job 2 days a week but being around co workers that are younger and very negative I think I rather be alone . You tube has given us so many options. And like you I don’t have to around people all the time . I busy myself. Thank you and aloha .
I consider myself an elder orphan. I do have a close relationship with my son (in fact he is my only close relationship) but he has his own life and does his own thing much of the time.The rest of my family is either dead or estranged. I don't drive due to partial blindness and hearing loss, so I depend on my son to be my chauffeur whenever I go anywhere. Anything beyond necessary outings feels like an imposition on the routine he has set for himself so I rarely ask to go anywhere just for fun. In the past I've joined various groups, clubs, congregations, and associations in hopes of developing some friendships with likeminded people, but what I have repeatedly found is that, like my son, everyone has their own lives, with friend and family circles already established. They don't have time, energy, or desire to make room for anyone else to join their circle. I've also found that when a person does seemingly invite you into their circle, it isn't because they want a friend, but because they want someone to take advantage of. To be honest, I find most people to be duplicitous, controlling, manipulative, avaricious, selfish, cruel, bigoted, and generally unkind. Thus I don't enjoy people-ing. As a result of my repeated negative experiences with most people, I have learned I'm much happier not reaching out to others. I enjoy my own company and the peace and comfort to be found in solitude. I have many hobbies and interests, among them fiber craft, sewing, music, reading, and fitness. I have my little dogs and my internet "friends". i rarely feel lonely or sad. I'm more often frightened for the younger generations of people having to deal with the increasingly appalling state of the world. But I'm content in my individualism. Isolation is tranquil. Bring on the technology-powered pod living! I'll be fine.
For Bible believers, can you see how one by one God's commands are being turned upside down? Everything He says is good is being destroyed and everything He says is sin is being promoted.
I dont like on line shopping for many reasons. But one reason is that i like the people contact in store. But the society is really pushing this on line shopping. Also, people like to text you instead of calling , sometimes they want long conversations via sms. This feels isolating too as you can't even have that pleasure of hearing their voice. People seem so busy that they want to multitask in their homes as they are texting you, with long gaps of time between messages. People dont visit anymore as they can just text you! I dont know what the answer is. There are so many lonely isolated people. We need to connect somehow, even if it means using technology.
I am happily estranged from my toxic, mischief and trouble-making family. Don't miss what doesn't exist (love, respect, loyalty). My true friends I can count on one hand. We stay in regular contact. I volunteer one morning/week cooking at our local Soup Kitchen. I also go out once per week for shopping and errands and will meet and visit with former work colleagues and acquaintances while doing that. I go out for 1 meal per month with a friend. That is enough socialization for me. I prefer the quiet, my own company, my 3 rescue dogs and my garden work. I feel that keeps me balanced and just enough out there to know what's going on. I avoid most weddings and funerals.
I’m not often lonely. I have always enjoyed my own company. I’ve spent most of my life looking for people I really resonate with because I am a quality, not quantity type of person. There are all kinds of people I could hang out with, but I’d rather be alone, than have shallow or uninteresting interactions. Yes. In many ways, thank God for the Internet. I have still never joined Facebook, but when the global incident that shall not be named occurred a few years ago, I did start meeting like minded people online. Many of them I have since met in person. Sadly, we’re all spread out across the world, so we have to make the best of online conversations. It would be fabulous if we all lived near enough to get together on a regular basis, but it’s better than nothing.
As an older person I don't mind being alone. But people under 40 that r without friends or partners are in real mental problems. They don't want to be alone but r and r losing the ability to make lasting relationships. I am alone but young people it's bad
While it's true that isolation can be a significant concern in our increasingly digital world, it's also essential to recognize the incredible opportunities we have to foster connection and community. Technology, while sometimes creating physical distance, also allows us to bridge gaps and build relationships in previously unimaginable ways. No one can truly predict the future, but one thing is sure: it will change. I enjoy science fiction, too, but I see it more as entertainment and food for thought. If I took it too seriously, I might get anxious about some of it! Best to you, Elder Gal.
Unfortunately loneliness fueled my gambling addiction. I believe the casinos are full of lonely people. I've ruined my marriage & finances. I've finally got a handle on the addiction. I'm a 64 year old woman that should be retired but have to keep working. Here's to better days ahead. Thank you ❤
It brings memories of movie Logan's Run for me. Purpose in life, sacrifice is foreign word, instant gratification,, lost belief, critical thinking, Hollywood plastic culture and i can go on. Building small communities of like minded people of all ages, May be to much to ask, but i am an idealist.
Downtown Denver has areas in which people ride bikes. Moved away from these areas and missed it so much! Im back now and rode the bus. I call this area 'the shire,' as its covered by trees. Busy at rush hour but other times these streets are empty and so enjoyable. I just joined a bible study at my church and it helps so much as the women talk and discuss all angles of the lessons. Very fun. This would be a low-key goal of everyone. Working at a home for the elderly, i enjoyed visiting but it was hard because some people were in pain. Start networks !
Elder gal, in my semi-retirement apartment block, it is easy to tell those who are alone way too much. When they speak they voice an unintelligible drone. They don't realize they aren't enunciating. in their minds they are saying sentences but are so lacking interpersonal communication there's no realization they are only uttering an indiscernable noise until they do finally talk to somebody who can only reply "What? What?" I know since it also happens to me.
People can seek to make friends with like-minded peers. Join a group of hikers, book lovers, knitters, card players, dancers, whatever makes you happy. Or volunteer. It's work. Maintaining friendships is work. It's a tradeoff.
It's a conundrum of sorts. The concept of getting together with people and having laughs and meaningful conversation is very attractive. However, the reality is keeping the ball rolling with "friends" takes a lot of time, energy, and the stress of scheduling meeting times. And new friends can end up being needy, bossy, politically angry and radicalized (left and right) , etc., etc. In the end, you are often sorry you ever got involved and are stressed trying to get rid of these new friends. So, a lot of people go back into transactional friendships or totally into isolation where it's at least peaceful.
I think the right connection(s) take work. I joined a dining out groups on Meetup and met people. One person became one of my best gal pals. We shared the same interests snd attended events together. Sadly, She passed away a few years ago. But I have some great memories .So it is possible to meet people by getting involved in groups, clubs of interest. It just takes some time and getting out of your shell. I have a disability so my ability to take part in activities is limited but I stay engaged within my limits.
I have lived in my own bubble since aged four. It is the only place I feel like myself, moreover; free- Artist, writer, reader with a tagline: An artist with an attraction to all things uncertain. No doubt about why my child says "you are Kakfaesque"
Really enjoyed this video. Im an introvert and an INFJ so I need a lot of time alone but at the moment I am incapacitated and for 4 months have been in isolation in my apt. I never see or hear anyone. I do have a woman come in and do laundry etc for one hour a week but she's hateful and a thief. I am aware that I'm losing a lot of intellect. The isolation not lonliness is starting to scare me.
Sorry you are so isolated right now starseed! Hope the situation will change. Even for an extreme introvert, it can be difficult to be isolated for so long. Hope you feel better soon!
Morning Allison. Another very interesting topic to listen to whilst having my breakfast. Must say, our schools here from primary onwards place a lot of emphasis on team participation, if my grandchildren's schools are anything to go by. Also, when I was working there was also that same emphasis. Sadly, when the grandchildren can "google it" they no longer come to me for advice, etc. and neither do they want to have any of my large book library which I thought I was saving for them! The fact that people have access to almost any information due to technology means they don't turn to one another for help which is very sad.
I agree, the design of our world creates isolation. I honestly believe our tolerance for other people's personalities etc is also causing this. I work with couples and the wives especially throw around words like narcissistic and gas lighting and that just destroy the marriage. We need to learn to compromise, forgive etc.
So true Gladys! Marriages are breaking down more, families growing apart more - in today's society. Intolerance for others is increasing. Thanks for sharing!
You are right, elder gal, in all you have said. Last night, I watched a robot being programmed to interact with lonely people. Talk about science fiction! We would have laughed at that 50 years ago. Not so now. Personally, I find pets a life saver.
Wow. I really like this video. Very thought provoking. Things i had not noticed. I would like to know the name of that movie you were mentioning. It would be interesting and make me wonder. This is quite deep thinking. As always I enjoy your videos. Thank you for all you do.
Been watching videos on loneliness. Getting different perspectives from people. Really if you are depressed is when it is a problem. I go out for walks and chat with people I see on my walks.
I have accepted my isolation and loneliness. The internet is a godsend.
It is. I also read more books than before.
Yes, I count on it like a bestie!!
Same here. I enjoy playing scrabble and crosswords etc, Pinterest also takes up a lot of my time as well.
I’m living with a family of 5 but I get a really strong sense it’s in my future as well. Currently I always wish I could be alone. Probably when I am I will wish to have company.
I wish I were old and alone, instead of middle aged and trying to make it to old age alive...
I am 62. I dont see anyone, I live alone. If I see a neighbor while taking trash to the dumpster we say "hi" and that's it. I text a few family. I used to be ok with it, but it's getting harder as I age. Thx for the video Allison ❤
@@FrancesRobinson-yn2ksthank you Frances ❤❤❤❤
Thanks for sharing your experience graveyardghost!
You’re a part of a huge family.
Please find human contact. Where do you live?
Allison, you DO have the solution! End the isolation. Thank you!
I remember growing up in Chicago in the 50s and early 60s. All the aunts/uncles lived pretty near each other. The grandparents lived in a big house with relatives. Lots of big family get togethers on holidays and the lake in summer. All the neighborhood kids played outside till dark. Those days are long gone. I am very grateful to have these warm memories 💖
Yes :) As we kids grew up we all moved to different states. California...Arizona...Washington. It's sad because families now can only afford to see each other maybe once a year. You grow apart with time. It's a very different world since the early 60s. Many seniors end up alone now for the most part. ❤
My grandparents had lots of kids, I had lots of aunts and uncles and holidays were great. Mostly still close to the same hometown, and some drove far or flew to visit...
Now I don't expect kids or nieces or nephews, grandparents long gone, aunts and uncles who seemed strong and stable are starting to get dementia or go, cousins largely estranged and some starting to go.
Nostalgia just makes me sad. Old memories pop up and seem meaningless.
I wouldn't mind if a doctor told me I had 6 months left. I'm tired. I work, but I'm not handy enough at what I do. My partner hasn't contributed much in years...
Yes, they are good memories Sandy! Thanks for sharing!
I grew up in a town of 13,000 in SE Minnesota on the Mississippi River. It was Norman Rockwell. I'm now soon 66. This is not the same America.
One observation: I find that I can tell when an older woman has lost her husband…she is more prone, more willing, most available and eager to talk to others when she is out and about doing her shopping, getting hair done, going to cleaners…every outside encounter she can find, she needs conversations. I think we as humans need others to engage with in order to survive this life-thing.
Being rejected is even more painful than being alone.
True
@@ToniWilson-c4qyes been rejected abused too many times
Not in the long run imo
I am very isolated. I am 77 years old and retired and am at home alone almost 100% of the time. I don’t have family or friends with whom I can interact physically. Yesterday I went out and got some cash from an ATM and bought some coffee and then went and paid my phone bill. Before I left home I paid a couple of bills by phone. In all of that I never had to speak to anyone and no one spoke to me. Paying bills by phone is a simple process of pushing buttons in response to recorded instructions so there is no human interaction. I do worry about my own mental and emotional health and I feel more and more disconnected as time goes by.
Praying for you abd for all of us in the same boat🙏❤️❤️
@@sami-i6hawe no...I try to keep busy with my chores and hobbies; like cooking, gardening and studying,... people have become far too judgemental and demanding.. it's exhausting to keep giving up parts of yourself
@@clarencehammer3556 I think I understand. ❤️
And while we are talking gloom and doom, let’s not forget recent political events in that so called great nation to our south.Here we have the likelihood of a black female prosecutor running against a 34 times convicted felon as President if the United States.
@@sami-i6hor for salvation depending upon how we look at it.
Sometimes we can get too used to being lonely and lose the confidence to be around others.
Now almost 70, I would like to have a couple of friends to go have coffee with now and then but after knowing people it's better to be alone. In reality people bring problems. Being on my own with my dog it's peace and happiness.
I know what you mean acal!
I tell people to go to dog pound and get a doggy friend. best thing I could have done.
@@masterlegend1 Exactly, they are built in exercise coaches as well as companions and sometimes protectors. And, when it comes to loyalty, there is no comparison!. Never saw a dog dump its human in a Care Home, but plenty of humans sentence their loyal animals to death at a pound, without a second thought!
@@sjordan7085 I just watched a daughter throw her mom in nursing home a few months ago and she died a month later. I told her that would happen. very sad how the selfish treat people that done everything for them or a doggy crying in dog pound awaiting the death too because master gets tired of the dog. real sad.
@@masterlegend1 Too true!
I love being alone. Introvert here. Being detached from the world is freedom.
Me too. Introvert here. My two dogs are my joy!
@@mtbroca hi there, u might laugh & enjoy it while young but as U get older it’s terrible people are going madd, it’s 😢
hi there, u might B ok with it now cause Young but people R going Maddie terrible pets can only help so much😢
Me too... So glad I don't need people. In fact they are the source of all my stress.
@@elizabethk3238 I love Trader Joe's, but yesterday, when I was there on a holiday weekend, it was as though I was gasping, too many people in every direction, and the sound was deafening amid the chaos. I couldn't wait to get out of there. As I said, I normally, love Trader Joe's.
🌿 I wish I had friends to just hang out with. I find lots to do but it would be so much more fun with other people.
I find making friends very difficult also - even joining clubs and pushing my comfort zone - I have had to meet many people I didn’t connect with just to find a small handful of friends. I have come to realize that many people actually find it difficult - I think it’s a lot more normal than we may think.
Also, I think good friendships can take time to discover x
Have u tried meetup groups or online platforms like Facebook groups , Meetup, Eventbrite, library adult programs, community ed classes, etc....some ways to meet people with like interests. I am in S Texas. There are many events here. Just takes effort to get out of your comfort zone or isolation and do it. I haven't done much since Covid, but have made plans to try and engage more this month. Best,
@@AbigailLamb you are right but if you attend events, clubs, groups of interest then it isn't a wasted effort. I met a really fun gal pal a few years ago on a large Meetup dining out group. Sadly, she passed away but we had so much fun attending other events of shared interest together. So I found the diamond in all the .... whatever that saying is.
I must be fortunate; I am alone but do not feel lonely. It may be because I am mobile and relatively fit, even though I should lose a chunk of weight. I like to see people and go out from time to time. I enjoy a pint, and like many people, a few drinks make me feel relaxed and more sociable. It must be terrible to feel lonely, and I hope it never darkens my door. I live in Spain, which is lovely, but I yearn for the English countryside and to be with people with whom I have a cultural connection. I enjoy listening to this show. It's so enlightening.
I live in rural Cornwall, my car was in the garage ,I live near a very busy road so cannot walk or even cut through fields high hedges , so no food I had to ask the car mechanic to bring me fish and chips and milk , So I think you are lucky ,My driving is getting worse as well xxxuk
Yes , but also I find most of these videos depressing 😔 😮💨
I think they’re more for self councilling & getting the msg across to the one that needs to hear it ?! 😟
Jmo
@@evapavlou5296, I am sorry you feel a little sad. I look at these videos to compare each other's problems and try to look on the bright side. I know. That's easy for me to say because I am fortunate to have enough to get on with.
@@carolmiles7474@carolmiles7474 Good evening, fellow Brit,, Yes, I am aware of how well-off I am. I rely on my car and have a motorhome to take me and the dogs away on various tours, including home twice a year. My driving is still good, and I can drive on both sides of the road and travel at night if it's called upon,
@@kevinsavage808 Ahhh!! Perhaps THAT'S the secret! You're in a different culture than the USA.
Thank you so much for this episode!! I am 64 and have no friends except my coworkers. Being so isolated actually causes panic attacks sometimes.
I wish I could see how to make it to your age. I'm tired and worn out, and don't see having kids or nieces or nephews. I wouldn't mind a terminal diagnosis. I'm spent
@@WaryofExtremesWhat would help you not feel like this? I ask myself something similar on occasion. Sometimes it's easy like read a good book. Bake. Take a class at the library. Join in a Zoom class. I hope you find something to lift you up.
@kimr3755 nothing will fill the void of knowing my mom will never see grandkids by my sibling or me.
I try to distract myself a bit. I try to do a passable job at work. Nothing means much to me. I don't honestly smile or laugh anymore, for months now.
@@FrancesRobinson-yn2ks nothing to do with that. I didn't have kids. I just work
I know what you mean - take care!
I retired from a factory of 3,000 employees and I don't miss people at all. For 38 years I had to deal with hearing about others problems or people trying to pry into my life. I love to get a cup of coffee and sit on my front porch and watch the cars drive by.
I love watching the world go by while sitting outside as well! Thanks for your comment Dennis!
@@eldergal Whenever I sit outside and drink coffee I think about all the Gloom and Doom I read about on RUclips about how bad the economy is, yet I see these huge pickups and SUV pulling boats, campers, and trailers with mowers or big boy toys ! If the economy is that bad , where are people getting all their money ?
I prefer to be with animals than people.
Exactly, they love and appreciate us for who we are, no strings attached. I live alone, but do not feel lonely, how can one when surrounded by the beauty of nature? The older I become the more I realize how much more peaceful life becomes when one chooses to be very selective in who one associates with. There is no need to socialize just for the sake of doing it, in fact, as a introvert I find it draining.
@@sjordan7085 Exactly my thoughts!
I go for days on end and speak with no one.
You sound like me!
Although there are enormous numbers of seniors who are both lonely and isolated...but what I want to point out is that I hear people of ALL AGES feeling alone, lonely and isolated; it seems like this is not simply a by product of modern life but a socially engineered agenda for a desired myriad of deadly outcomes for humanity....
I agree. I'm lonely and alone now and I can't imagine making it to senior age and still being the same way.
💯
I tend to agree Cecilia! That's why I did not discuss this just in the context of seniors. EVERYONE is experiencing increasing isolation in the world. Thanks for watching!
I totally agree, Cecilia, that it seems to be a part of a socially engineered agenda that is not in favor of humanity.
@@eldergal I just felt compelled to mention that seniors absolutely have extra impediments that the general population do not have to deal with....I am experiencing them first hand!
It’s not the same with families any more too. Adult children don’t want much to do with their parents.
Totally agree 👍
True. My siblings don't keep in touch with my mom, only me. I don't understand it. She was in the hospital and they didn't visit or even send a care package.
I do see in my neighborhood that a lot of people don’t leave their house very much. I don’t want to stay in the house all day. During pandemic, I still went to my stores.
Stores are not much fun anymore.
I’ve all but eliminated that ‘loneliness’ feeling. I will not allow myself to become ‘isolated’ and it’s been work. Mostly, I follow my dreams and have ongoing projects of all kinds. I practice being present every moment. I was determined. I’ve had to look at loneliness from a health perspective.
Yep. I spent 3 years in isolation due to the pandemic and chemo. I couldn't afford to be around others. I am still working on being comfortable around other humans now.
I hear you on that Betty!
With all that is happening in the world, people are irritated and suspicious towards others and lose their capacity for empathy.
yes, how sad
@@judithcharvit7982 True. People used to be so much more trusting of one another. People need to be cautious and careful these days but look at the price we pay. 🤔
@@microtyger and therefore I am selective too and choose to bring closer people who can understand things differently and are still able to be good and identify good and honest people. the cleverer will get this and still be open to love and interaction.
Studies have found an inverse correlation between screen time andetime quantified 😮
Android keyboard glitch (seems a way to push us to buy latest 🙄 -- I'm resisting 🌻cut off my comment & posted it, incomplete. There's the frozen keyboard. Sometimes a comment says it's posted but disappears.
Noticed more interference with comments shortly after news that AI is being used to go through text and scan for the words / phrases of interest to whoever programs it. Before very lately it was slow and expensive hiring humans to do surveillance. Now, a company / group can very cheaply & quickly read every word.
Recently I was on a pre pared ness or current events site and soon as I entered a phrase, the System marked it in bold with a color block. First time ever, odd 🤔. A sense of being watched, judged, somewhere a server farm, burning coal plants supplying the massive computer power use for servers, transmission, add Bitcoin mining. Some guy somewhere imposed his belief system on 100% of us. I'll never get to discuss with him how the 🌎 🌍 is now. What I've learned from the Internet about the flagged / marked and / or suppressed phrase, comment.
We are, some of us out here, working together to get OUR tribe - one person coming across another and speaking up. Then you have the assurance someone else thinks / feels like you about something that matters. We interact in a positive way, that's the essence of a tribe. Can be very different in almost every way except what we have in common. Regenerative farming (I define as one plant that DOES something, food, scent, attract beneficial insects, on up to the full owner occupied "family farm". Inclusive can work when you use it IRL, not the d e I belief system being used by ruling class now. Seeing more news of companies dropping that as they work to survive $, like most of us.
This got long, just thought some of you have these things happen on the media systems, and notice how things are changing. Kno
I live along and I love it. I'm along but I'm not lonely
Good to have this conversation....just want to mention that so many seniors do not or have not knowledge or training to even access the internet for a whole bunch of reasons so they do not even have tech to interact. Isolation IS at the heart of loneliness, for sure.
My isolation is such that I do daily sing-alongs with RUclips to lift my spirits and maintain my voice, which was growing raspy from disuse. But, as to the future of our culture, perhaps isolation will become the norm with most connection occurring through the intermediary of technology. Social and communication skills will continue to erode, which will reinforce the desire to isolate. I rarely leave my home (in wheelchair) and have only a handful of real-people relationships and most of them are primarily maintained via online or text communication. Most of my day is spent online and each day seems full. It’s funny… for most of my life home was where I went when there was nowhere else to go. Now, at 80, it is the only place I want to be.
Thanks for sharing bluemoon!
Im so glad to hear you say you sing w youtube🎉. I play a lap instrument w music online 😊. I sing also. I have sang in churches all over America and a little TV also. Gotta keep my musical heart happy too. Bless you❤
I am a 65-year-old window here, and I haven’t talked to anyone for months, maybe my neighbor when I’m returning from getting my mail. That’s about it. I’ve made peace with being alone, and I’m fine. I panic when I have to leave to go to the grocery store.
@@FrancesRobinson-yn2ks
Oh wow, I don’t think I could go into Walmart again. That’s scary
For the lonely out there, most Americans are very lonely with only a TV or pet for company. We're a large community of good people who should connect with each other. Loneliness is a health hazard. Elder gal's wisdom and courage is a wonderful comfort.
I am pushing myself to get involved with my church. It is difficult as I am an introvert, but I've seen the decline in my mental /emotional and even physical health over the past 2 years. It isn't an option anymore, sometimes we really just have to force ourselves to act on healthier behavior. I believe there is always hope because of my faith in God. Thank you for your videos! :)
I agree with you, I'm 67 semi retired nurse, live alone with no family input. Feeling lonely has really effected my mental health. I'm going to get involved with the homeless I have to force myself out of the house.❤
Hi Allison ....
Gotta tell you....between my career and all the disappointments and heartbreaks from those I considered family & friends, my self-imposed isolation is my salvation. I am alone....but I am not lonely. My dog is my best friend and the only soul i trust.
In this day & age... especially with the state of the economy and lack of facilities for the mentally ill, every time you leave the protection of your home, you are taking your life into your own hands. Shootings, assault & robs, scams, kidnappings, sexual assaults, car jacking and just being in the wrong place at the wrong time and getting killed by a stray bullet.... it's not worth it. You can't trust anyone - bottom line. Romantic relationships, friendships, working relationships ... you never know who you're dealing with. It's dismal but it's our reality now. Im glad I'm 65 and have had my 'good ol' days'..... and I dont still have decades left of this uncivilized madness.
Yes, that is how I feel also. The only place I feel safe now is my own little house. My family lives in 5 hours driving time and they are upset that I don't come to visit them as often as I used too. Unfortunately, that is how it is going to be from now on. I don't want to take the risks and gamble with my life - not much left and it is the only what I have got. They are young and don't understand or don't want to understand. They think that I simply don't love them any longer.
I was afraid to write exactly what you said here for fear of sounding too pessimistic but this is my experience too. Many a heartbreaking experiences from friends and family.. took care of my mom who was me best friend and supporter for years and she just died. I am a loner but I do miss HER and I don’t long for someone else. It’s so dangerous to walk around certain parts and wrong place wrong time can really get you hurt. Just look at all the Fourth of July incidents. People trying to have fun getting blown up or run over by drunk drivers
@annabanana50 .... so very sorry for your loss. Do you have, or are you able to adopt a pet? My 6 year old dog is my best friend.
@@ДругаяИрина .... what a crock that they think you no longer love them. Are they making the effort to come and see you more often? Don't let them guilt you into anything you're not comfortable doing.
@@barbandsarge thank you so much Barb. Yes I have a lovely bird who is my good friend. I have a good routine going with him, he’s very smart and so fun. I’m also lucky to be a trained musician, classical pianist so it helps to practice a lot and exercise. I really relate to what you said. Being kind can get you really taken advantage of in this world.
Moving to florida when I was in my late 60s. Really taught me how many friendships were made at work! Even if you work at this age ,,the work force is generally much younger making friends at work is not really option anymore
Great subject Allison. I am a loner and enjoy being that way. I do get lonely but I got lonely when I mixed more as well. I do have friends and we chat on the phone regularly, which satisfies my need for contact, but I don't see them a lot. We meet up every few months and I really have to force myself to do even that. Once I lived in a house for 5 years and never ever met my neighbors.
Thanks for sharing this Kirbygal! I think many of us are in a similar boat nowadays.
I go out several times a day walking in stores to get steps. I wouldn’t say I am lonely, but wouldn’t mind some company sometimes. But sometimes the lack of connection was my choice.
I hear you on this leisure! Thanks for sharing!
I am also desperately lonely
Hi....sending hugs
me too and isolated.
@@ruthie600 Hi...sending hugs to you
Same here.
I am sorry so many good people feel lonely. It's not right or fair.
As an old person, I don't think
old people should be left alone day after day. You start to see quite a bit of the futility of things, it's discouraging. Children are told by the media to ignore parents, families are broken. People don't do anything out of duty, they do what they feel like doing. This leaves the old person who can't do what they used to do without much hope.
@@FrancesRobinson-yn2ks Allison is a prime example of it. All popular psychology pushes and glamorizes total estrangement. I don't drink or take drugs and I cope just fine. What I'm saying is that old people shouldn't be forced into a situation where they're trying to figure out what other people take for granted. If we have limited mobility, limited money, why are we reduced to pathetic status! We lived a whole life and gave plenty.
Yes, this is what is happening more and more. Thanks for sharing Donna!
I think raising this subject and talking about the issue is an important step to positive change - even if it seems a small step. Thank you for making these videos.
Science Fiction has often served as a warning - but sometimes isolation can exaggerate our fears and make the world seem much more hostile than it is.
Sometimes just a little interaction - if possible - can make a big difference to how we feel about the world. Small talk - however trivial - can be so important in lifting a person’s spirit but perhaps the skill is being lost in a world where youngsters can have everything delivered to their door without even speaking to a human.
Life is so strange. I love being alone, but i can tell it's affecting me.
I saw that same movie recently. I'm a 65 yr F who also loves apocalypse movies!
Yup ,,,,I’m alone ,,no support system ! I cant even have a dog! I cant afford it ! Its tough !
Hi...sending hugs
😡 We couldn't have dogs when we were little because our mom was allergic to them so we had parakeets instead. Super messy but super fun and their chirping was so cheerful.
Love from a wet miserable part of uk 🇬🇧
We are here for you
@@TOGETHERFOREVER875 🧡🧡
I certainly feel it. I also live with physical pain that limits me, but I get so lonely for true connection..
I am desperately lonely
❤
@@FrancesRobinson-yn2ks I wish all of us lonely people could meet and hang out.
I think you’ve come to the right place here - there is a meeting of minds at least x
@@FrancesRobinson-yn2ks Hi....sending hugs
Kelsey, my name is Ayşegül Karataş. You can find me on FB. We can talk.❤ 💕
I love solitude because I don't like people at all.
I am nervous driving now ,is that normal .
yes, it's part of losing confidence from less contact with other people. I have it, too.
Hello Allison. I find myself mesmerized by every one of your pod casts that I watch. It's the combination of your interesting/important content and one of the sweetest voices I've ever heard. I always look forward to hearing what you have to discuss. I'll always wish for you the best of happiness dear lady. Sincerely.
Thanks as always for your support Claude!
Put your faith in God, and you will have no need for worry. You'll always have companionship with him. Also, go outside in nature even if you have to go to your yard- get grounded by taking your shoes off and breathe Just Breathe. And ask God for wisdom and thank him for the new day and watch what happens to you. Your soul will get brighter and happier. God bless you and keep moving forward each and every day❤❤❤
Amen 🙏🏻
I really enjoy your channel. Thank you. ☺️
Thanks so much for watching clee!
Great subject, Allison. I'm glad you covered it. It's one of those subjects not enough is talked about.
I'm agoraphobic as hell going months at a time not talking to others except online, getting groceries delivered to my door..but it pales in comparison to some of my neighbors, who are literal "ghosts." For example my neighbor across the hall - I haven't seen her in over two years ...since the last time our entire building was "forced evacuated" by the fire department for a suspected gas leak.
@@FrancesRobinson-yn2ksI appreciate your concern...It's called "Hikikomori" also known as severe social withdrawal... as far as I know there is no cure for it. But that doesn't stop so called doctors from treating it with dangerous psych meds which always come with a boat load of side effects. So you would be trading one problem in for another problem or set of problems. Then you run into the problem of being unable to function without the so called medicine over time, which is addiction or dependency. Most people, as you know self medicate with booze and drugs..I don't do that. I just embrace the loneliness, realizing Im not alone particularly as we get older. It is sad to realize the only human interaction you get is from people who are "paid to deal with you"... apartment mangers, counselors, the check out clerk at the grocery store, the nurse at the hospital ,...but do they really care about you ...notsomuch. You say you have friends...are they really friends? Can you count on them for anything? Your family has abandoned you..I know you feel the sting of loneliness, as well. Now I can turn the question around and ask have you seen a doctor? But I'm not going to because you're not going to find a cure for loneliness in a bottle of prescription drugs or counseling...
I am largely utterly alone!
I am sorry....that hurts a lot
I love apocalyptic movies too and books. Read “One Second After”.
I’m 68 and live on a hobby farm. We are in one of the highest taxed states in the nation. Trying to be extremely frugal in our old age. Hubby is 70 and still working full time driving a grain truck. We raised 6 beautiful children and all are professionals and have children. 14 grands and one great grand. But they live all over the country to the West Coast. So we only get to see them once a year if that. We continue on the farm because that’s what keeps us going. I have a huge garden and we raise chickens, grass fed beef, and pork. I can all summer and eat cheap in the winter. I am alone a lot except for my animals. 3 dogs too.😉. It’s work but it keeps my mind busy and great exercise. I’m never lonely even when hubby is gone a lot. It business keeps him motivated and young. We know someday it will end but for now we absorb as much of the farm as we can. I also go fishing ….. we have a small pond. So you can have a big family but still not see them. They are just all very very busy. And so are the grandchildren.
I'm 67 single live alone. My family don't really want to know. I feel uncomfortable around people always feel I have to make a big effort.
I feel very lonely which causes depression. Feeling alone also effects your self esteem.
Yes it does Nora - sorry your family is not there for you. Take care!
I have three dogs not too lonely. I’d like to have someone to chat with from time to time
Introverts: resist the temptation to covet just a handful of friendships, which are often of 30-50 years' endurance. When you reach your 70s and 80s, friends die or are otherwise unavailable to you. You don't need scores of friends, but you do need to cultivate one or two fresh friends. I am down to three old friends, two of whom are likely to leave the world soon. Within the last three years, I am glad to have been adopted by a vigorous 72-year-old in our rural community. After a tornado caused minor tree damage in late May, he appeared at daybreak with truck, trailer and chainsaw to check on me. The partner of my late college roommate lives in a nearby town. We are drawn together by memories that are important to us. We don't communicate often, but we do share meals and conversation.
Thanks for sharing this laddie!
Oddly, it's a comfort to realize how many of us are going through this. Your talk is a source of encouragement, Thank you.
Thanks so much Lisa! Glad it helps! Take care!
Hello from a new subscriber from Ireland. I live alone am ok it with sometimes but don't like being alone all the time so i joined some meetup groups which gets me out now and then. I certainly don't want to rely on screens and internet fgor friends and company i am bad enough. Isolation is not for everyone and not all the time. That pod idea is a nightmare scenario who want to live like that. I enjoy getting to walk in nature and mostly alone.
Thanks so much for subscribing, Linda! I share a lot of your views here. Hope to see your lovely country someday! Appreciate your support!
Thank you for your words of wisdom. Both my wife and I are well pass 70 Yrs. and alone! No real friends, no family and no real social connection. So we have to find creative ways to keep our daily sanity. Because of what we have gone through over the years and now we are forced to work on the issues of the heart and find that inner peace. Then out of that peace we can get clarity to avoid as much as possible the landmines of depression and other destructive emotions or habits. Some days it is one hour, one day at time. So yes it is a daily challenge to deal with the personal issues as well as seeing our civilization unravelling around us. Write late.
Thanks Bill! Finding inner peace is a worthy vocation as we get older. And I know what you mean about the dysfunction in the world. Appreciate you watching!
The rugged individualism of the United States… A fantastic nonfiction book I highly recommend, that is historically accurate about homesteaders in the 70s in Alaska… Talks about that kind of loneliness. Highly recommend. It’s called “The Great Alone”.
Hello again, there is something called Meetup that you can find online. And you pretty much enter any interest that you have there’s a group for it in your area. And if there isn’t one, you can host it. Lot of these groups are online now, due to the recent global event we all endured, so if you’re unable to leave your house or your interest isn’t represented in your geographical area, you can still connect with people virtually. There was a particular topic of interest for me and I love the group I found online. Everyone’s in my time zone and we have a sister group in the UK. I urge people to check it out.
We have that in my city of 1.6M and there are very few groups! Plus, none of them interest me.
@@marianfrances4959 You are not limited to the groups in your own city. Many of them are Internet-based and you could join from anywhere. You are also able to start your own, that does interest you.
Thanks for the suggestion. I didn't realize meetups could be virtual as well. I was familiar with them years ago when I lived in a larger city. Appreciate you sharing this!
@@eldergal That was always the case until lockdowns. 😕
Virtual groups defeat the whole point of having friends. It’s like Facebook or other social media, there is no real human connection in virtual anything. Virtual is the problem, rather than solving the problem. We need face to face contact. We need human touch. We need real people. Just my 2 cents.
Lonely is the night
When you find yourself alone
Your demons come to light
And your mind is not your own
Lonely is the night
When there's no one left to call
You feel the time is right
Say the writin's on the wall, yeah
It's a high time to fight
When the walls are closin' in
Call it what you like
This time you got to win
Lonely, lonely, lonely
Your spirit's sinkin' down
You find you're not the only stranger in this town
Thanks for sharing the poetry maxprivate! It's great!
@@eldergal Thanks, but it's actually this song:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonely_Is_the_Night
I don't relate to feeling lonely or isolated but according to others, I'm both.
The world is endlessly fascinating to me and I don't need others to experience its joys.
I also think people are more bored than they are actually lonely and their challenge is to find activities that are fun and/or productive without causing harm or figure out why others don't want to be around them and take action to overcome personality disorders and/or trauma.
As for isolation--unfortunately, our tribes (aka our families, states, countries) don't value preventing isolation and instead promote the opposite--independence.
For me, it's impossible to feel isolated with access to the internet so I really don't get it when people say they feel so isolated unless they mean they need physical assistance or human touch/interaction to a degree that I apparently don't. Interesting topic, thanks for sharing.
Hi Allison ~ I’ve been binge-watching your videos since discovering your channel the other day and find what you have to say so relatable, pertinent and heart-warming. I’m a somewhat quirky introvert too and close to your age (71), living alone, trying to navigate the aging process and often feel lonely. I love your advice and how you stress a point by repeating it, such as “Embrace what you still have.” That's going to be my new motto. You are truly wonderful and so appreciated ~ thank you!
Thanks so much for your kind words and support paisleygirl! Glad that phrase spoke to you. I really believe in focusing on what I can still do, and not what I can't. Thanks again!
We have to be a little brave to get out and interact with others. Fear keeps people behind locked doors. Fear of being vulnerable. Fear of being rejected. Fear of being used. Even if it makes me a little uncomfortable sometimes, I just go out and participate. The alternative is isolation.
Nah. We don't have to be brave. :-P
I’m not lonely . I deeply enjoy my own company 💕 however though I do understand where you’re coming from
I'm not sure if someone has answered your question about the film, but I believe it is a Canadian sci-fi film from 2016 entitled Darwin. I'm a sci-fi fan from way back in the 60s. On feeling isolated. I feel that the advent of the internet started us toward being alone, and the pandemic put a big seal on that. People were afraid of contact for 3 years, and Covid is still out there. I had a tendency to be a loner before the pandemic, and now I'm firmly entrenched. I even go so far as to call myself a hermit, although technically, I live with my daughter and DIL. I have my own space, and they have theirs, so there's no constant interaction. I do love living with them and our traveling very much. I've been married all my life since age 17, took care of my siblings before that, have 3 children, 2 grands, and one great grand. I've been a busy nurse manager in my career, which entailed taking care of others. When I divorced in my mid-50s, that was when I took the time to work on myself. I learned to nourish myself instead of looking elsewhere for needs to be met. I don't know that I ever feel truly lonely because I have made the choice to be by myself for 16 years now. I'm having the best time taking care of myself and traveling all over the US. Love the discussion always. Thank you so much. ❤🦋
I think it is Darwin, kimdolly, but I believe it has another title for American audiences. Thanks for your comment!
I am 58 and we chose (me and my partner) to not engage much outside much except when we eat out or go in tour not because we like to but it is to protect us from many thing outside. It is frightening with so many bad elements outside. Better be safe than sorry.
Hi Allison. Great video today. You make a great point. The less reliant people get on each other, the more isolated they become. That is why closed societies such as the Amish never experience isolation. They always have each other. We are victims of our own design and making in some ways. For others, isolation is an uninvited and unwelcome guest. That condition can only be combatted by other people who are giving, caring, loving, feeling, sharing and daring. These are the marks of the faithful. All our identity rests in the knowledge of who we're created to be, Allison. Take care and take comfort. Not all is lost.
Thanks John! I truly hope not all is lost for humanity. I agree with you about the Amish and similar societies. Hoping for the best. Appreciate your input!
@@eldergal You're welcome. Thank you, Allison. Take care always.
So many different perspectives/stories.
Same here though I chose isolation through not seeking out friends when existing friendships ended some 20 years ago.
Isolation was as close to nirvana as I ever got in life w/ the pandemic feeling like my personal Olympics.
I lived my whole life training for that period.
Unfortunately isolation has resulted in dire straits, resources all but depleted and quite literally nothing on the horizon in terms of a helping hand.
As a result I’m choosing to eliminate life sustaining medical care related to congestive heart failure. I won’t be replacing my pacemaker/defibrillator battery in a few months time.
Medications will also be eliminated in order to allow nature to take its course.
I do wish I had understood these things when I first made the choice to submit to open heart surgery a decade ago.
It’s only in interrogating the evidence that the necessary outcome has become crystal clear.
Interesting topic, well wishes to all. Thanks for creating a video where discussing this is allowed.
Thanks for sharing what must be a difficult decision in some ways, scapegoat! Concern but also respect for your decision here. Take care!
At 63 I don't feel isolated. A short drive (20 minutes) from my home there are many pubs and cafes that I enjoy frequenting. It's more a matter of energy. Do I feel like going out? Will some of my friends be there? But things happen on a regular enough basis when I can go somewhere almost any night I choose and find something going on. Mobility and affordability are the only things I need to consider. This may change, but I see folks ten or more years my senior going out and hanging with a crowd so I feel like that day is still a ways off! I have a long time friend who is a musician. When you know a musician, you'll meet LOTS of people!
Thanks for sharing your experience hodenkat! As someone who plays music and has musician friends, I know what you mean. Musicians tend to band together (no pun intended!)
My husband & I are quite isolated, no family and very few friends nearby, but we do talk to people. We make a point of taking an interest in the people who work in our coffee shop, the courier driver & so on. I can't imagine taking to no one. But help in an emergency, no...
This is such an interesting talk & I appreciate the anthropological angle.
Thanks so much for your comment Brenda! Running a coffee shop sounds so interesting; you must meet all kinds of people! Appreciate you watching!
Thank you Allison
Thanks for watching Judie!
I can relate with you Allison. I’m introvert but to be around humans I took a part time job 2 days a week but being around co workers that are younger and very negative I think I rather be alone . You tube has given us so many options. And like you I don’t have to around people all the time . I busy myself. Thank you and aloha .
Having no family is very hard as is coming from a screwed up family situation. ❤❤❤❤❤ Thank you for making these videos.
Thanks for watching Tracy!
@@eldergal here is my newest video. You are inspiring me
ruclips.net/video/Wh_J5rgxeL8/видео.htmlsi=m_kqZ3xrE3324jcB
♥Blessings...
I consider myself an elder orphan. I do have a close relationship with my son (in fact he is my only close relationship) but he has his own life and does his own thing much of the time.The rest of my family is either dead or estranged. I don't drive due to partial blindness and hearing loss, so I depend on my son to be my chauffeur whenever I go anywhere. Anything beyond necessary outings feels like an imposition on the routine he has set for himself so I rarely ask to go anywhere just for fun.
In the past I've joined various groups, clubs, congregations, and associations in hopes of developing some friendships with likeminded people, but what I have repeatedly found is that, like my son, everyone has their own lives, with friend and family circles already established. They don't have time, energy, or desire to make room for anyone else to join their circle. I've also found that when a person does seemingly invite you into their circle, it isn't because they want a friend, but because they want someone to take advantage of. To be honest, I find most people to be duplicitous, controlling, manipulative, avaricious, selfish, cruel, bigoted, and generally unkind. Thus I don't enjoy people-ing.
As a result of my repeated negative experiences with most people, I have learned I'm much happier not reaching out to others. I enjoy my own company and the peace and comfort to be found in solitude. I have many hobbies and interests, among them fiber craft, sewing, music, reading, and fitness. I have my little dogs and my internet "friends". i rarely feel lonely or sad. I'm more often frightened for the younger generations of people having to deal with the increasingly appalling state of the world. But I'm content in my individualism. Isolation is tranquil. Bring on the technology-powered pod living! I'll be fine.
Thanks for sharing your experience with this muddpie! What you describe is too often the norm now. Thanks for watching!
For Bible believers, can you see how one by one God's commands are being turned upside down? Everything He says is good is being destroyed and everything He says is sin is being promoted.
I dont like on line shopping for many reasons. But one reason is that i like the people contact in store. But the society is really pushing this on line shopping. Also, people like to text you instead of calling , sometimes they want long conversations via sms. This feels isolating too as you can't even have that pleasure of hearing their voice. People seem so busy that they want to multitask in their homes as they are texting you, with long gaps of time between messages.
People dont visit anymore as they can just text you! I dont know what the answer is. There are so many lonely isolated people. We need to connect somehow, even if it means using technology.
well said
💯
Yes, Ruthie, ironically one of the things that creates the isolation is also a lifeline when we are isolated (ie the internet). Thanks for sharing.
I am happily estranged from my toxic, mischief and trouble-making family. Don't miss what doesn't exist (love, respect, loyalty).
My true friends I can count on one hand. We stay in regular contact.
I volunteer one morning/week cooking at our local Soup Kitchen. I also go out once per week for shopping and errands and will meet and visit with former work colleagues and acquaintances while doing that. I go out for 1 meal per month with a friend.
That is enough socialization for me. I prefer the quiet, my own company, my 3 rescue dogs and my garden work. I feel that keeps me balanced and just enough out there to know what's going on. I avoid most weddings and funerals.
Thanks for sharing this! Sounds like you have created a peaceful life for yourself. Take care!
I’m not often lonely. I have always enjoyed my own company. I’ve spent most of my life looking for people I really resonate with because I am a quality, not quantity type of person. There are all kinds of people I could hang out with, but I’d rather be alone, than have shallow or uninteresting interactions. Yes. In many ways, thank God for the Internet. I have still never joined Facebook, but when the global incident that shall not be named occurred a few years ago, I did start meeting like minded people online. Many of them I have since met in person. Sadly, we’re all spread out across the world, so we have to make the best of online conversations. It would be fabulous if we all lived near enough to get together on a regular basis, but it’s better than nothing.
Thanks for your comment!
As an older person I don't mind being alone. But people under 40 that r without friends or partners are in real mental problems. They don't want to be alone but r and r losing the ability to make lasting relationships. I am alone but young people it's bad
I hear you on this, ohkay! Younger people are really feeling more isolation in some ways. Thanks for sharing this!
While it's true that isolation can be a significant concern in our increasingly digital world, it's also essential to recognize the incredible opportunities we have to foster connection and community. Technology, while sometimes creating physical distance, also allows us to bridge gaps and build relationships in previously unimaginable ways. No one can truly predict the future, but one thing is sure: it will change. I enjoy science fiction, too, but I see it more as entertainment and food for thought. If I took it too seriously, I might get anxious about some of it! Best to you, Elder Gal.
Thanks Cinnamon-girl! I know what you mean - there are also potentially good things, but it will be a difficult transition.
Thanks Allison. Definitely an important topic. Love your live streams. ❤
Thanks so much drue!
Brilliant! Thank you, Allison.
Thanks for watching Johnny!
Unfortunately loneliness fueled my gambling addiction. I believe the casinos are full of lonely people. I've ruined my marriage & finances. I've finally got a handle on the addiction. I'm a 64 year old woman that should be retired but have to keep working. Here's to better days ahead. Thank you ❤
So glad you were able to overcome the gambling! Believe me, I understand! Thanks for sharing this, peace!
It brings memories of movie Logan's Run for me. Purpose in life, sacrifice is foreign word, instant gratification,, lost belief, critical thinking, Hollywood plastic culture and i can go on. Building small communities of like minded people of all ages, May be to much to ask, but i am an idealist.
Downtown Denver has areas in which people ride bikes. Moved away from these areas and missed it so much! Im back now and rode the bus. I call this area 'the shire,' as its covered by trees. Busy at rush hour but other times these streets are empty and so enjoyable. I just joined a bible study at my church and it helps so much as the women talk and discuss all angles of the lessons. Very fun. This would be a low-key goal of everyone. Working at a home for the elderly, i enjoyed visiting but it was hard because some people were in pain. Start networks !
Thanks for sharing this info about Denver. Good to know there are likely walkable areas in many cities. Thanks for watching!
Great video!
Elder gal, in my semi-retirement apartment block, it is easy to tell those who are alone way too much.
When they speak they voice an unintelligible drone. They don't realize they aren't enunciating.
in their minds they are saying sentences but are so lacking interpersonal communication there's no realization they are only uttering an indiscernable noise until they do finally talk to somebody who can only reply "What? What?"
I know since it also happens to me.
Thanks for sharing thexpax! Isolation does strange things.
Bonjour ! J'aime vos vidéos, merci . Friendship from France !
Bonjour and merci Dalila! Thanks for watching from France!
With all the reported lonely people out there, why are we not finding one another to be friends with?
People can seek to make friends with like-minded peers. Join a group of hikers, book lovers, knitters, card players, dancers, whatever makes you happy. Or volunteer. It's work. Maintaining friendships is work. It's a tradeoff.
Because no one will get out and go anywhere or join in!
It's a conundrum of sorts. The concept of getting together with people and having laughs and meaningful conversation is very attractive. However, the reality is keeping the ball rolling with "friends" takes a lot of time, energy, and the stress of scheduling meeting times. And new friends can end up being needy, bossy, politically angry and radicalized (left and right) , etc., etc. In the end, you are often sorry you ever got involved and are stressed trying to get rid of these new friends. So, a lot of people go back into transactional friendships or totally into isolation where it's at least peaceful.
I think the right connection(s) take work. I joined a dining out groups on Meetup and met people. One person became one of my best gal pals. We shared the same interests snd attended events together. Sadly, She passed away a few years ago. But I have some great memories .So it is possible to meet people by getting involved in groups, clubs of interest. It just takes some time and getting out of your shell. I have a disability so my ability to take part in activities is limited but I stay engaged within my limits.
Thanks for sharing this MS! Glad you were able to make a good friend through Meetup (and sorry she passed away). Appreciate you watching!
Good presentation and very insightful. Thank you!
Thanks so much soclof!
I have lived in my own bubble since aged four. It is the only place I feel like myself, moreover; free- Artist, writer, reader with a tagline: An artist with an attraction to all things uncertain. No doubt about why my child says "you are Kakfaesque"
I like the term Kafkaesque! Thanks for sharing this, SoulePoet!
Really enjoyed this video. Im an introvert and an INFJ so I need a lot of time alone but at the moment I am incapacitated and for 4 months have been in isolation in my apt. I never see or hear anyone. I do have a woman come in and do laundry etc for one hour a week but she's hateful and a thief. I am aware that I'm losing a lot of intellect. The isolation not lonliness is starting to scare me.
Sorry you are so isolated right now starseed! Hope the situation will change. Even for an extreme introvert, it can be difficult to be isolated for so long. Hope you feel better soon!
@@eldergal thank you for your kindness and your wonderful videos 💙
Morning Allison. Another very interesting topic to listen to whilst having my breakfast. Must say, our schools here from primary onwards place a lot of emphasis on team participation, if my grandchildren's schools are anything to go by. Also, when I was working there was also that same emphasis. Sadly, when the grandchildren can "google it" they no longer come to me for advice, etc. and neither do they want to have any of my large book library which I thought I was saving for them! The fact that people have access to almost any information due to technology means they don't turn to one another for help which is very sad.
Such a good point weirdfish! Yes, people don't need to ask one another for info or some kinds of help anymore. Thanks for your comment!
Not going to live in some pod! But, you're right. People are isolated and the country is polarized.
I agree, the design of our world creates isolation. I honestly believe our tolerance for other people's personalities etc is also causing this.
I work with couples and the wives especially throw around words like narcissistic and gas lighting and that just destroy the marriage.
We need to learn to compromise, forgive etc.
@@FrancesRobinson-yn2ks oh yeah nothing is ever that simple. There are multiple layers to a problem this wide spread.
So true Gladys! Marriages are breaking down more, families growing apart more - in today's society. Intolerance for others is increasing. Thanks for sharing!
thank you for sharing ❤❤
Thanks for watching Rola!
You are right, elder gal, in all you have said. Last night, I watched a robot being programmed to interact with lonely people. Talk about science fiction! We would have laughed at that 50 years ago. Not so now. Personally, I find pets a life saver.
Thanks for sharing this Eleanor!
Thank you this was a great video to ponder on.
Thanks luvmycountry!
As I’m an introvert, I actually thrive in solitude.
…but that’s just me.
🤷🏻♀️♥️
Remember the song by the Beatles "Eleanor Rigby"? That song brought tears to me when I was still young!! haha.
I was thinking about that song too when I was making this video! Thanks Cathy!
Wow. I really like this video. Very thought provoking. Things i had not noticed. I would like to know the name of that movie you were mentioning. It would be interesting and make me wonder. This is quite deep thinking. As always I enjoy your videos. Thank you for all you do.
Thanks for your comment Beth! I think the title of the movie was "Darwin" - a Canadian film Appreciate you watching!
So true thank you
Been watching videos on loneliness. Getting different perspectives from people. Really if you are depressed is when it is a problem. I go out for walks and chat with people I see on my walks.
Apparently the problem is the hermits that stay inside all day with little social interaction
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Thanks for sharing this hatchet! Good that you get out in the world.