Lucky for me I don't live alone.... but have you thought about volunteer work rhianne? Even visiting and cheering up folks in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Residents love to see visitors, someone to interact with, play card games, etc. Keep it light and use a little humor... they'll love it!
Just a thought....
You brighten someone's life.... they brighten yours...
I live alone, have family near but they are busy. Weekends are the worst,the children work and just want to relax at their home all weekend. I have friends ,I live in a Senior community and see people during the day, but it does get lonesome.
I don't know what to tell you, I mostly like to be alone, when I don't I go walk around some stores, udually see people I know and talk with them.. i go for walks in my neighborhood, every day..
Volunteering would be helpful, at least there would be people to talk to.. Even if you just did something at a hospital a few hours a week. Also ,I belong to Curves, a for women gym, lots of friends to meet and Curves is good for older people like me. Some at my gym are 80 and 90.. Still keeping "up"...It takes time ,but I hope you can get into something that will help..
I might be odd. I'm not sure.LOL. I've always enjoyed my own company, reading, (not sas much now, ye, still purchase books/magazines. It can results from my childhood, being one of the youngest. I had to make up games, enjoyed reading, got in trouble, cutting up mom sheets to make things.
I then married my husband who was a career military man. Again, taught myself how to sew, took classes, learned to type in High school. I took sec training after high school. Ran around the country w/ him made friends etc. He was killed in actions. my life then were busy w/ them.
volunteered, in schools, community, church as I taught school.
After the children left, I ran up and down the road, grandma sit. yes, also found dating had changed. Had to forget that.and enjoyed family, friends and relaxing.I do write poetry, enjoyed my digital camera, as I'm still learning the many features of this computer, photography, and just begun to sew again.
I suggest take bus trips there are tours throughout the year.Never stop bonding w/ those grands, you are important to them, you are still important to your children. think back when you were their age how busy
you and your husband were. enjoy one moment at a time.they will call you when they need you. smile. Volunteer at schools. they need the help w/ project, PTA and get a group going at the school who might can't afford
curve and other excercise groups, that goes for your church as well. Lets not political group in your town. go back to college or take an enrichment class. tutor children either at your church or some organization. You seems to enjoy yard work.Join a flower group.
You will be so tired at night thinking, "Oh I forgot my appointment!" or someone birthday. Get a list of children at school or a college near you and bake a birthday cake, if they live out of town.
You wil do just fine. Nothing will take the place of that specialperson, Keeping busy certainly will help. and steer away illness.
Because of arthritis I must use a walker or cane so I am limited with volunteering. You would be surprised how cautious people are when one is somewhat less mobile. Am usually told"no" because of their danger of being sued[ a sign of our times] I do thank you for all the suggestions and will try again...LOL
Bus trips sound nice. I will check on some soon.
As far as college courses, I have 2 degrees, but it wouldnt hurt to try for a third....right???
Again I do thank you for the suggestions.
Actually, Curves is great for arthritis !!It's low-impact exercise and they help you to do it right for you.. Just need an okay from a doc.. It's not expensive either..
Rhianne,
Good topic. I became a widow a little less than 3 years ago. This is the first time I have EVER lived alone. I am very fortunate though. Most of my "couples" friends in other parts of the country are still very attentive and supportive. I was even invited to go on a trip with one this last spring. She was not able to do much walking but we still had a great time. It takes time to adjust to this part of life. A friend and I are going on a bus trip in two weeks. This will be my first and I am very excited about my "Christmas in the Smokies" journey.
Everybody is different. I am active in church and also play the piano for school choirs & a Community choir. I have made NO personal friends here but people are friendly and speak when we run into each other shopping or whatever. I have two WL (Widow Lady) friends and we do some things together. One is going on the trip with me, You might start out with a short 1 or 2 day trip and move on from there.
You have a lot of friends here. Possibly you can get acquainted with some more local. Does Eon's have an Ohio" group? You might check into that or starting one. You could also get more active in EON's. (Group Manager, etc)
Check into what is available in your area. Some schools like having Seniors listen to children read or even some sort of tutoring.
My computer is a wonderful companion when it is late or bad weather but I know what you mean about a voice to listen to.
Take care friend and you will make it.
Ditto to all the suggestions - plus - have you tried bridge? There are live groups on the web and learning groups too - if you hadn't played much in the past - I've been "alone" for 23 years and in my 70's and 80's traveled with Grand Circle and had some wonderful trips (and not too expensive)...now, I visit my seven kids who live out of state and also grandkids - I do a lot of drawing and sketching - and a LOT of reading - reading takes you right out of the mundane, boring situation and before you know it you're totally absorbed!.....taking something at anything near you - junior colleges - helps too!
thank you for this post...it is something that I have been thinking about a lot lately. My situation is a tad different in that I am not a widow. Up to now I have been quite active and mobile...but my eyesight is not what it was and my aches and pains are getting more debilataing. I am no longer able to play tennis my greatest passion and have been looking for "other" things to do . My husband is not a joiner and quite happy with that. Ive looked at seniors groups and have not been entranced with them. Maybe I need to look again. But these suggestions have been good and I will consider them all.
I hope you find something that gives meaning to your life..please tell us of your adventures. I for one will be very interested.
