People are different in their upbringing, in their tastes, even in their looks. But all people do have one thing in common: we're all heading towards the same end. With the exception of Bryan Johnson, maybe.
Still, we're all aging, whether we like it or not. And with aging comes social isolation; according to a 2024 Medicare report, 57% of adults aged 65 and older report feeling lonely.
The users of Quora recently tackled this problem when one person wrote: "I'm 63 years old and so lonely. Does it matter to anyone?" Many older people rushed to the comments to share their stories, highlighting the sad realities they face today.
Bored Panda sought the expertise of the anti-ageism activist Jacynth Bassett, Founder and CEO of Ageism Is Never In Style about how important social connections are to us as we age. We also spoke with her about the right terminology when referring to older people and how we can all spot ageist attitudes in ourselves.
#41
It matters to you but no one else.
This is a problem only YOU can solve. You need to do something that gets you involved with other people. Volunteer work is a great way to do this. Another is to look into resources for the aging in your community. Many towns and cities have senior centers or similar gathering places and they can be a great source of opportunities to meet people.
You’ll likely find that once you get involved with one group it may well lead to other opportunities.
Don’t sit around feeling sorry for yourself, that won’t help and will only make you feel worse.
This is a problem only YOU can solve. You need to do something that gets you involved with other people. Volunteer work is a great way to do this. Another is to look into resources for the aging in your community. Many towns and cities have senior centers or similar gathering places and they can be a great source of opportunities to meet people.
You’ll likely find that once you get involved with one group it may well lead to other opportunities.
Don’t sit around feeling sorry for yourself, that won’t help and will only make you feel worse.
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6points
#42
I’m 67.
My advice is take charge of your life. Get busy. Start doing some volunteer work - whatever appeals that you can physically do. Join some clubs or hobby guilds - lots of them get together regularly. There are even walking clubs. Get involved in your faith community. Start inviting people over or out - meet old friend you haven’t seen for a while for coffee. Take some classes in something interesting or to learn a new skill.
You need activity and social interactions - and to be meeting people rather than sitting alone feeling sorry about your situation.
It might be uncomfortable at first - especially if you are shy - but you can make choices that will pay off to make your life less lonely and more meaningful.
My advice is take charge of your life. Get busy. Start doing some volunteer work - whatever appeals that you can physically do. Join some clubs or hobby guilds - lots of them get together regularly. There are even walking clubs. Get involved in your faith community. Start inviting people over or out - meet old friend you haven’t seen for a while for coffee. Take some classes in something interesting or to learn a new skill.
You need activity and social interactions - and to be meeting people rather than sitting alone feeling sorry about your situation.
It might be uncomfortable at first - especially if you are shy - but you can make choices that will pay off to make your life less lonely and more meaningful.
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5points
#43
Your never alone when you choose to live your best life. The only reason folks feel so alone is because of the restrictions that they place upon themselves. They get too shielded from the outside world, because they don't want to get hurt by anyone. They're usually internally afraid that they'll open up to others and get judged, then left alone worse off than before.
That being said, it's okay to be open to others, just as long as you do keep your guard up a little bit. Don't be so overguarded that you will seem like a hermit, but don't open up fully until you know them enough to feel that they are safe to open up to them. Slow steps is the key, and eventually you'll know how to handle any situation, and you'll be an open book. Then you will attract more and more people who want to be around you, and you'll be so busy that you won't feel alone every again.
I've been through so many different situations in life, that I had to learn all these things myself. The problem was, I learned them all the hard way. I'm actually thankful that I learned that way through, because I not only have openness with others, but I also know safe limitations to how much I'll share, and when to share it with others. Age makes no difference, I'm 46 and still make new friends. I'm almost never lonely because of the way I am. I've lost a lot of people in my life, but I'll never stop living.
The only way to get away from loneliness, is to keep living, and learning. You can still be the life of the party if you just keep pushing through life, never give up and have fun. I hope this helps you and you get out there and make some friends.
That being said, it's okay to be open to others, just as long as you do keep your guard up a little bit. Don't be so overguarded that you will seem like a hermit, but don't open up fully until you know them enough to feel that they are safe to open up to them. Slow steps is the key, and eventually you'll know how to handle any situation, and you'll be an open book. Then you will attract more and more people who want to be around you, and you'll be so busy that you won't feel alone every again.
I've been through so many different situations in life, that I had to learn all these things myself. The problem was, I learned them all the hard way. I'm actually thankful that I learned that way through, because I not only have openness with others, but I also know safe limitations to how much I'll share, and when to share it with others. Age makes no difference, I'm 46 and still make new friends. I'm almost never lonely because of the way I am. I've lost a lot of people in my life, but I'll never stop living.
The only way to get away from loneliness, is to keep living, and learning. You can still be the life of the party if you just keep pushing through life, never give up and have fun. I hope this helps you and you get out there and make some friends.
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5points
#44
If you give up, then you will definitely not matter and no one will care. But if you continue fighting and pushing, then maybe someday (it might be even very soon) you are in a situation in which you can affect, change, influence someone’s life, including yours. As you might know (probably much better than myself) life is unpredictable, and in today’s dynamic even more. Don’t pressure yourself with such questions, just go out (however you can) and be proud of being able to say I am 63 and I am still here, despite all that life has thrown at me.
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5points
#45
I can't speak for everyone, but it certainly matters to me. Perhaps because I'm lonely too. It's hard living alone, not having anyone to share life with. And especially hard not having the touch of a woman after knowing that touch before.
I know what it is like to be lonely, and if it were possible I would end your loneliness for selfish reasons. Because ending yours would be ending my own.
I know what it is like to be lonely, and if it were possible I would end your loneliness for selfish reasons. Because ending yours would be ending my own.
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5points
#46
It should and the first person should care is you. Kindness and self love should be the motor of your dessisions. Do things to please yourself not others. To give, first you need to love yourself. Focus on all the good things that sorrounds you and feel gratitude. Gratitude is the most powerfull switch to transform your perspective about life. So if your body still let you do what ever you enjoy, start with it, if not, start repairing your mobility, Yoga Helps a lot but there are many techniques to improve it. Remember this: we came alone and we will let this life alone. Its our personal journey; others will just be a good companion on our way. There are 4 things that will let you feel better: nutrition, exercise, a good community that sorrounds you, and porpouse in life. If you can add a spiritual way, much better.
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4points
#47
The one person it should matter to, is you. When you decide not to be lonely anymore you will reach out to others. Part time work, volunteering or just walking around talking to people.
The people that were in your life will not know how lonely you are unless you tell them.
The people that were in your life will not know how lonely you are unless you tell them.
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4points
#48
I'm 68 with plenty of interests to be involved in. I'm not shy so if I want to speak to someone I do. Granted not everyone responds the same positive way when I do this but then I don't need to talk to everybody. I meet some super nice people at times just by being willing to start a conversation. If you have no where else to go head to a local senior center and make some friends. If you're lonely it's because you're not taking responsibility for making your life what you want it to be. Trust me, nobody else is going to do it for you.
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4points
#49
The world is now a lonely place because people are becoming too selfish and careless, I am having a share of it.. I have to drive to the beach breath in some Ocean breeze and relax. Florida is becoming something you can not explain.
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3points
#50
The only one who matters to you is you! I am amazed at how youth is revered and old age is despised. I will be 63 years old this year and I am in the prime of my life. How ever much time is left to me will be used wisely and without regret. We matter! Our hopes and dreams are not dashed because we are now over 60. We have lived full and prosperous lives. It is rich with wisdom and stuffed full of ideas and knowledge that can be used for our own benefit or the benefit of others. Get out and make friends if you want. Join some clubs or seek out your local church to volunteer. Get a hobby. Foster a child or a pet. I’ve even seen older people adopt a child or a pet or volunteer in charitable organization endeavors around the world. It is our time to pour out now. No more of this “woe is me and nobody cares about me”. You have to care about you. and there are people, places and things that need our attention. SHIFT! You are still in the land of the living and until the dirt is thrown over us, we matter! My best to you in all your endeavors! Now get out there and live out your golden years with power and purpose!
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3points
