1.
“I gave up doing my own art when I was about to give birth, and spent the next 30 years raising kids, working as a teacher, and generally caregiving to others. I am so happy to be done with those fulfilling but exhausting years. I live alone, spend my days exercising, doing art, gardening, and I am deeply content. Fortunate, I know. I have lots of friends in my community and around the country in all the places I’ve lived. And I am still making new ones. I disagree that it’s hard as you age. I have more time and patience now. I am a nicer person because I am not stressed out all the time like I was when I had no time to myself.”
2.
“I’m 94, live alone, have my apartment cleaned, and have a food service for my meals. I’m blessed to be able to do all this. I’m not interested in listening to the complaints of people who have had so much given to them and expect more. I walk my dog three times a day, take naps with my cat, and read instead of watching TV.”
3.
“I retired six years ago, and I’m 69. My interactions with service staff are almost always positive and engaging. I give myself some credit for that because I sincerely engage with them. If they have a name badge, I use their name, look them in the eyes, and smile. I rarely get indifference or ‘attitude.’ I truly believe you ‘get what you pay for’ in life, and that does not just apply to products.”
4.
“I retired 6 years ago. Even though I was very social as part of my job, by nature, I’m introverted. I enjoy my alone time, but I do get lonely sometimes. My husband golfs and hangs with his golf buddies most days. I think things would be perfect if I could find someone who just wants to hang out, go thrifting, and occasionally day drink. You know, a bestie. I have friends here in our retirement community, but they like to be busier than I do. So it’s down to lunch once a month. I have found, though, if you want to make friends in a retirement community, you have to be a joiner.”
5.
“At 73, I enjoy my alone time and sometimes need a nap. I have too many medical appointments, but I focus on gratitude rather than rejecting the opportunity to relate to my fellow humans. I do not isolate myself from friends or family. Yes, I am a bit slower, but I love being in nature and have weekly visits outdoors with a cluster of neighbors on my street. We love, share, and depend on one another. I am also happy that my larger friend group includes people of all ages. Rather than rejecting the music and interests of young people, I enjoy quite a lot of it. They seem to appreciate my openness and look forward to seeing me. I hope being engaged with an older person helps their self-esteem and view of adults.”
6.
“I’m getting close to retirement and planning on moving to Arizona, where I grew up. My wife died about a year ago, and my daughter, my only child, died three years ago. I’m my grandson’s guardian, and once he graduates high school next year, I’ll be able to focus on my wants and needs after decades of caring for and supporting others.”
7.
“Having spent the bulk of my years raising my kids and teaching other people’s kids for 35 years, I really do enjoy life alone in a 620 square-foot cabin by the ocean. I make art out of driftwood and follow no schedules except my own whims. In many ways, these are my best years ever. I am aware of the privilege of my life, good health, and am grateful for it all.”
8.
“I love solitude so much now. I live close to great restaurants, the theater, and an active Arts Center. My days start with an hour walk along the lake, an afternoon of gardening, and a stroll to the library. At the end of the day, I cook dinner for one and then read with my puppy on my bed. I am content and relish each solitary moment.”
9.
“I am 73 years old. I worked for 38 years and raised three children. I don’t have any desire to join the chaos anymore. My knees are painful, and that causes quite a slowdown. Socialization doesn’t seem as important anymore. I’ve always been a homebody and enjoy being at home, where it is quiet and no one is judging me. My animals keep me company. My husband still works, but we have plenty to do around the house when he is off work. We see our kids and grandkids about every six weeks, and that is enough excitement until the next time.”
10.
“I can’t help but remember a quote: ‘In solitude is where I’m least alone! In nature is where I find I’m least alone!'”
11.
“My husband died. I have advanced progressive osteoarthritis. I can’t afford a car or insurance. I fall now and then, sustaining broken bones, torn ligaments, and tendons. No gardening for me. I have discovered a senior center and go once a week when I can get a ride. There are people there who are just like me. We all like to talk and visit. No judgements, just human interaction. Isolation is not the answer for all of us.”
12.
“Feeling lonely is a feeling that comes and goes throughout life, even when you don’t live alone. Feelings aren’t facts.”
13.
“I have never been totally alone. I was either raising my son or with a couple of husbands. I split with my husband about a year and a half ago, so I’m finally totally alone. It’s the first time in my life that I don’t have to consider anyone else’s wants or needs. It’s fabulous! I do what the fuck I want, watch all the TV I want, clean when I want. Being alone makes me so happy! Maybe I might get out to a couple of concerts now that summer is coming, but my yard is pretty nice too, with no assholes to ‘harsh my mellow.’ 😂”
14.
“I’ve been alone since my husband passed 13 years ago, and, at 82, I don’t expect to meet someone new. It’s not so bad. I come and go as I please, eat when I want, and stay up late as late as I want. I’ve started taking short walks during the day, which I enjoy, and I’m moving into a one-bedroom apartment that I bought on Long Island. Overall, ife is good 😊.”
15.
“I’m 73, retired at 70. I live on 20 acres and get a lot of enjoyment and peace from just sitting in front of the barn watching the antics of my chickens and watching the world go by. Don’t care much for most people. I’ve had an active life and now am happy with my own company.”
16.
“I’m 75 and have been retired for six years. There are no more mountains left for me to climb. I’ve reached a summit beyond my wildest dreams. Now, with time on my hands, I spend it with my wife of 52 years. Both my daughters have their own lives to live. We enjoy our freedom to do whatever our heart desires. Life is good.”
17.
“I traveled for work for over 30 years. I’ve seen some great places and stayed in lovely fancy hotels. But I was gone all the time. Now all I want to do is stay home with my pets. I have a lovely garden and I have no desire to travel.”
18.
And lastly: “Positive attitude makes all the difference in the world. Volunteering is a wonderful feeling. I moved across the country, away from family and many lifelong friends. One son and his family followed. Here I am at 75. I live alone and love my home. I belong to a book club, have my doggie friends, have my retired group friends, and my volunteer friends, one of whom I recently traveled with to Africa. There are young and elderly people in each of these groups. I see each of them at least once a month, if not more. You can let your ailments rule your life, or you can embrace what God has created. It is your choice.”
Turns out, there is a lot to look forward to as you age!
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