Thanks so much for sharing that — I just read your piece, and it really resonated. The term “elder orphans” is such a powerful (and heartbreaking) way to describe what so many are going through. It’s something we don’t talk about enough, but your writing helps bring it into the light. Glad we're both shining a spotlight on this — the more voices, the better.
Thanks for sharing - it's always good to be reminded of the small things we can do to make our lives a bit less lonely. A small effort can make a big difference in our lives and those of others.
Such communities are wonderful for all the reasons you say. My husband will be 64 in December, and I am still a pretty young chick at 56. We’ve looked at such communities as a possibility for us in the future. However, I imagine many are out of financial reach for far too many seniors. So more social/communal living options are sorely needed. Also, a concept we never heard of until moving to Albuquerque: multigenerational and senior community centers. For a nominal $20 annual fee, they offer everything from card, bingo, and board-game playing to tai chi, weightlifting, swimming, ceramic painting, crafts, and day trips. As generations are living longer and loneliness continues to shadow the many (even younger people), such centers can be jewels in any community. Best wishes.
Totally agree — thank you for sharing this. Multigenerational and senior community centers like the ones in Albuquerque sound amazing, and honestly, every city should have something like that. It’s such a smart, affordable way to bring people together, keep them active, and help fight that creeping sense of isolation. You're right — more accessible options are crucial, especially with so many seniors priced out of those high-end communities. Love hearing about places that are actually doing it right.
I have a feeling loneliness is worse for men as we so often retreat into our cave to solve a problem. At least that's what I've and others I know have done. Anyway, I'm 79 and my wife died 2 1/2 years ago. She was my social director, even arranging activities with my friends. So when she died, much of my social life disappeared. Now I live in an over 55 community with lots of people in their 70s and we have lots of group activities that help tremendously with getting me out of my apt and into the world. A great solution to the loneliness problem for me
Thank you for sharing this. You're right about men often retreating instead of reaching out. And losing someone who was the "social connector" in your life? That’s such a tough shift. I’m really glad to hear your 55+ community has been such a support — those group activities sound like a lifeline. It’s encouraging to hear what’s worked for you, especially for others who might be facing a similar loss. Appreciate your honesty — it matters.
Thanks for posting this. You are correct about the seriousness of loneliness for the elderly.
I also called attention to the problem by writing about “elder orphans”: https://open.substack.com/pub/eldervibes/p/elder-orphans-challenges?r=g361w&utm_medium=ios.
Thanks so much for sharing that — I just read your piece, and it really resonated. The term “elder orphans” is such a powerful (and heartbreaking) way to describe what so many are going through. It’s something we don’t talk about enough, but your writing helps bring it into the light. Glad we're both shining a spotlight on this — the more voices, the better.
Thanks for sharing - it's always good to be reminded of the small things we can do to make our lives a bit less lonely. A small effort can make a big difference in our lives and those of others.
Absolutely—many times it’s those little gestures. A quick “hello,” a smile, even a small check-in can brighten someone’s day (and ours too).
Such communities are wonderful for all the reasons you say. My husband will be 64 in December, and I am still a pretty young chick at 56. We’ve looked at such communities as a possibility for us in the future. However, I imagine many are out of financial reach for far too many seniors. So more social/communal living options are sorely needed. Also, a concept we never heard of until moving to Albuquerque: multigenerational and senior community centers. For a nominal $20 annual fee, they offer everything from card, bingo, and board-game playing to tai chi, weightlifting, swimming, ceramic painting, crafts, and day trips. As generations are living longer and loneliness continues to shadow the many (even younger people), such centers can be jewels in any community. Best wishes.
Totally agree — thank you for sharing this. Multigenerational and senior community centers like the ones in Albuquerque sound amazing, and honestly, every city should have something like that. It’s such a smart, affordable way to bring people together, keep them active, and help fight that creeping sense of isolation. You're right — more accessible options are crucial, especially with so many seniors priced out of those high-end communities. Love hearing about places that are actually doing it right.
I have a feeling loneliness is worse for men as we so often retreat into our cave to solve a problem. At least that's what I've and others I know have done. Anyway, I'm 79 and my wife died 2 1/2 years ago. She was my social director, even arranging activities with my friends. So when she died, much of my social life disappeared. Now I live in an over 55 community with lots of people in their 70s and we have lots of group activities that help tremendously with getting me out of my apt and into the world. A great solution to the loneliness problem for me
Thank you for sharing this. You're right about men often retreating instead of reaching out. And losing someone who was the "social connector" in your life? That’s such a tough shift. I’m really glad to hear your 55+ community has been such a support — those group activities sound like a lifeline. It’s encouraging to hear what’s worked for you, especially for others who might be facing a similar loss. Appreciate your honesty — it matters.