I'm feeling very lonely?

Question

I never married and got no children and very few friends still alive. Feel lonely and depressed and it isn't easy to go out when you are old. I feel life is finished and this is just a waiting time. Any suggestion to cheer up?

Answer 1

We all feel like this from time to time, but believe me it will get better. If you have managed on your own for so long it means that you are strong, you have to be strong to live alone. Don't feel that your life is over, there are still a lot to do. Have a good think about what you could do to improve your life. A holiday? Someone that you haven't seen for a long time, but never forgotten? Fear is the only thing that stops us from achieving what we want. Don't let it get you down, conquer it instead.

Answer 2

I've been lonely before too. I'm sorry you're going through this. What I did was to make a list of things I wanted to do and a list of things I enjoy doing. As I began to proceed through my list, I found that I met people with similar interests as me and made some new friends. While I know it might not be easy to get out much, is there a senior center you go to? Sometimes they provide transportation and have quite a bit of activities which would be interesting and fun. It's a great way to make new friends and gives something to look forward to. Also, if you live in an apartment complex, invite some of the other tenants (or people from your neighborhood if you live in a home) over for a weekly coffee and perhaps even a book club. Start by writing down ways you can meet new people and things you enjoy doing.

Answer 3

I'm not a doctor, but it sure sounds to me like you're suffering from isolation and depression. You might want to check with your physician about getting some therapy and/or medication to help you.

And I don't care how old you are. . .you're never too old to make friends and be important to someone else. Do you live in a flat? Maybe there's a single mom who'd love to have a volunteer grandparent to spend time with her kids. Or how about bringing some cookies or a casserole to the person next door who may be just as lonely as you are?

There are also plenty of senior citizen groups who take day trips, get together for lunch, and just have a good time in each other's company. If you don't drive, some organizations have buses to pick you up, or else maybe another person could come get you.

I'm disabled, and I get out a lot, no matter how much pain I'm in that day. I do volunteer work, visit with friends, and enjoy my life to the fullest. I hope that you can overcome the loneliness and have the same active, happy life that I do.

But the first step has to be yours. . .and I know you can do it! :-)

Answer 4

You should never think that you are too old, because you don't know how long you are going to live. You could have many many years ahead of you. And never give up. Everyone at every every age at one time or another feels the way you have. Don't feel that you are alone. Your not. And your never to old to go out and have a little fun, and feel good about yourself. There has to be something that makes you feel good. Going out to the movies? traveling? anything like that? go and do it!! You can go on group tours of places and it is a great place to meet other people, and maybe even spark a relationship up, you never know :) Just remember to never give up. If your alive that means that God has a special plan for you that you haven't done yet. Maybe take this time and become closer to Him. If you get that, you will never feel alone or lonely or depressed. Good luck to you.

Answer 5

Feeling lonely is a common problem among people of many ages, but it doesn't have to be a permanent situation for you. There are so many organizations that require volunteer help, and would require you to work closely wiht people you would bond with and most likey form friendships. There are also classes you can take that will get you involved and also bring you together with other people.

Go to your local community centre, or YMCA, they always have programs running, join a swimming, laugh excercise class do anything. The trick to fighting off loneliness i to keep the obdy and mind busy. You have many things to be grateful for, you are alive, and I'm assuming have some health in you.
Friends are things you can always make more of..
If you email me, then perhaps we can have a conversation if you really feel like you need some one to speak to.
Good luck friend.. Alisa

Answer 6

I feel similar to you also, except that I'm married. My only real friend is my sis-in-law that lives 4 hours away! I don't know if you are religious, but you could try going to church. Do you have a dog? I've noticed that since I got one a year ago, people love to start conversations with me while I'm out walking him. It is hard to meet people the older we get, especially if you don't like going to bars or are naturally a quieter person such as myself. Do you have family nearby to hang out with? You could try volunteering somewhere to meet people too. Good Luck. I saw a sign today while driving by a church that said 'Every day is a gift. Spend it wisely.' I'm sure you will figure something out.

Answer 7

I think it's an all too comon feeling which is often difficult for people to admit to. The amount of lonely people who are talking about it on the net shows how widespread it is. The advice to make an effort to meet likeminded people is good. You have to perserver as it can take a while to cultivate new friendships. I have come across a website which is useful for discussing this kind of thing. It is at www.uncommonforum.com
There's lots of interesting stuff on there about psychology, useful advice and people who understand lonelyness.
Good luck.

Answer 8

If you are lonely you have a problem that plagues 90% of the population of the planet. Don't feel alone you are in the majority.
Being old and depressed takes away your desire and interest in any and everything, so the first thing is to see a doctor for your depression. Believe me, there are magic pills that increase your endorphins, and once your depression is taken care off, you will automatically become interested in your hobbies, dancing,ladies, and start enjoying nature. Defeatist attitudes are a sure sign of serious depression,do something about it and you will not regret it. My friend, I have been there!

Answer 9

I feel very sad reading your question. Please don't feel you're alone. One suggestion is go to your supermarket or if you have a department store in your area. I work in retail and meet so many lonely people who come in for a chat. Always pick a store that is customer friendly because then it will help build your self confidence. Good luck mate x

Answer 10

There are a lot of option you can do. You can check your city or county agencies' website for volunteer opportunities, this will enable you to help and meet people, there are a lot of places needing volunteers like you. You can also join local and civic groups.

As previously suggested, you can start a hobby, the one you are very interested in. Or you can start writing a book, painting, pottery making, or whatever it is that will take your time away.

Another option is to check your local community college for non-credit courses, other colleges offer food preparation/preservation courses and other arts-hobby oriented classes. You can also check your areas state university, they offer extended education or lifetime learning for "mature" people who wnats to refresh their intellects.

Or better yet travel around or visit other countries. You will meet a lot of lonely people like you on cruises.

There are a lot of things to do, you just need to choose from the lists.

I hope that helps. Have fun and good luck.