I freaking love this article! Stopped me in my tracks today for a few reasons, but mostly because it is the way I am too. I am perfectly happy when I don't go anywhere and stay home and write or paint.
Well said! After a lifetime of taking care of others in homelife and worklife, and this, that and the other thing, running around like a chicken with its head cut off, I cherish the option to do nothing - alone. A long time ago there was a program geared toward children, and I encouraged my no longer kids with it. “Free to be You and Me.” What else is there to say? You know that phrase about noses…
…and I learned from you here that Uber has special programs for seniors. I haven’t had a need for it yet (sold my car about 6 months ago), but I’ll look into it to tuck the info into that storage corner of my brain for such things, for when I need it. I’m 78. Context doesn’t hurt. Not having a car after ~60sh years of having one is also a new experience, and not a bad or restrictive one at all. Road rage is no longer a concern for me - others’ road rage. Nor breakdowns or car repairs or insurance or the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Also, I live in a small house with a yard, with little to no help - there is PLENTY to do. No time for feeling isolated! …and there are birds, squirrels, other critters, my 17 year old dog.
Having been born in 1948, my early programming is also different, I believe. Much more settled, calm for the most part. It’s easier to just be. So, those young’uns that supposedly fear for our sanity have no clue about how sweet so-called isolation, aloneness, stillness, can be. I sorta feel bad for them.
This is such an important article. What a pleasure! I was surfing the Substack sea during one of my 3 AM all nighters just me and my rabbit and I love it. I love being with my night owl self. There’s no one around. I don’t live in the city. I live in the sticky suburbs right now. And the quiet and the reading and the writing and looking at the garden by myself. I cherish time by myself. And though I may be very concerned and a bit fearful about where I stand for my future. I won’t be taken care of. I know that. Things are rough for a lot of people.
It’s the impositions that piss me off. And, you said it! All the telling of how we should be and what we should do and the yada yada. There should be more education/exposure regarding the mental health benefit of learning to enjoy your own company. That was a long sentence. Thank you for this!❤️
I too live alone and it is a constant exhale into peace. I am interactive often with so many more people now, than during my working life. It is not in person, however, it is just as meaningful, if not more so.
Isolation is being in the same place with no input from anyone but self. Perhaps taking in information from the internet, but no intellectual or physical contact with other humans. It can be unhealthy if it goes on for too long as we are created to be social beings.
‘Too long’ is different for everyone. I also have Major Depressive Disorder. When it is bad, Isolation is ones go-to. It hurts and is decidedly not a place anybody wants to live. You are literally in a dark place waiting for symptoms and pain to lessen so you can function again, like a migraine episode only it takes days or weeks or months to feel better.
Living by yourself is a lifestyle choice. It is a beautiful thing for those who are introspective and at one with nature. I feel it mandatory to have animal(s) around, not human beings. Being around humans now and then is a choice too. Having the freedom to choose who, when, and where to engage is a gift.
I have lived alone, well with my pets, most of my life, never married and I DO NOT feel isolated or lonely if I want company I go out if not a stay home. I am 78 and very happy. I expect the people saying the the older generation are isolated spend most of their lives on their phones let them get a life and leave us alone
Thank you! I’ve always thought that, ever since I lived alone for awhile in my twenties. I’m now in my 70s, and long for the days when I could just be alone to live my life an
I’m a homebody as well. I’m also an introvert, so I can only take so much socializing. I enjoy my home. Puttering around, being creative, reading and learning new things. I go out, but I always love coming home.
Thank you Monica, I appreciate your rant and agree. I like being by myself and having a quiet day. I talk to myself and keep me company. Not nuts just comfortable in myself.
People who write about “the elderly” as if we all have the same needs and desires irritate me. I do what I want, when I want, and see people when I’m ready. Commercials have no impact on me. I use the mute button.
I freaking love this article! Stopped me in my tracks today for a few reasons, but mostly because it is the way I am too. I am perfectly happy when I don't go anywhere and stay home and write or paint.
I am happy to be isolated. Peaceful life finally
Well said! After a lifetime of taking care of others in homelife and worklife, and this, that and the other thing, running around like a chicken with its head cut off, I cherish the option to do nothing - alone. A long time ago there was a program geared toward children, and I encouraged my no longer kids with it. “Free to be You and Me.” What else is there to say? You know that phrase about noses…
…and I learned from you here that Uber has special programs for seniors. I haven’t had a need for it yet (sold my car about 6 months ago), but I’ll look into it to tuck the info into that storage corner of my brain for such things, for when I need it. I’m 78. Context doesn’t hurt. Not having a car after ~60sh years of having one is also a new experience, and not a bad or restrictive one at all. Road rage is no longer a concern for me - others’ road rage. Nor breakdowns or car repairs or insurance or the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Also, I live in a small house with a yard, with little to no help - there is PLENTY to do. No time for feeling isolated! …and there are birds, squirrels, other critters, my 17 year old dog.
Having been born in 1948, my early programming is also different, I believe. Much more settled, calm for the most part. It’s easier to just be. So, those young’uns that supposedly fear for our sanity have no clue about how sweet so-called isolation, aloneness, stillness, can be. I sorta feel bad for them.
isolation and loneliness are two different things . you could live with people and be lonely
This is such an important article. What a pleasure! I was surfing the Substack sea during one of my 3 AM all nighters just me and my rabbit and I love it. I love being with my night owl self. There’s no one around. I don’t live in the city. I live in the sticky suburbs right now. And the quiet and the reading and the writing and looking at the garden by myself. I cherish time by myself. And though I may be very concerned and a bit fearful about where I stand for my future. I won’t be taken care of. I know that. Things are rough for a lot of people.
It’s the impositions that piss me off. And, you said it! All the telling of how we should be and what we should do and the yada yada. There should be more education/exposure regarding the mental health benefit of learning to enjoy your own company. That was a long sentence. Thank you for this!❤️
I too live alone and it is a constant exhale into peace. I am interactive often with so many more people now, than during my working life. It is not in person, however, it is just as meaningful, if not more so.
Isolation is being in the same place with no input from anyone but self. Perhaps taking in information from the internet, but no intellectual or physical contact with other humans. It can be unhealthy if it goes on for too long as we are created to be social beings.
‘Too long’ is different for everyone. I also have Major Depressive Disorder. When it is bad, Isolation is ones go-to. It hurts and is decidedly not a place anybody wants to live. You are literally in a dark place waiting for symptoms and pain to lessen so you can function again, like a migraine episode only it takes days or weeks or months to feel better.
Living by yourself is a lifestyle choice. It is a beautiful thing for those who are introspective and at one with nature. I feel it mandatory to have animal(s) around, not human beings. Being around humans now and then is a choice too. Having the freedom to choose who, when, and where to engage is a gift.
Well said: “ a constant exhale into peace”
Thank you for sticking up for me and my fellow hermits.
I have lived alone, well with my pets, most of my life, never married and I DO NOT feel isolated or lonely if I want company I go out if not a stay home. I am 78 and very happy. I expect the people saying the the older generation are isolated spend most of their lives on their phones let them get a life and leave us alone
Yes love yes 💕
👍👍👍👍
Thank you! I’ve always thought that, and I think you’re my sister 😍.
Thank you! I’ve always thought that, ever since I lived alone for awhile in my twenties. I’m now in my 70s, and long for the days when I could just be alone to live my life an
I’m a homebody as well. I’m also an introvert, so I can only take so much socializing. I enjoy my home. Puttering around, being creative, reading and learning new things. I go out, but I always love coming home.
Thank you Monica, I appreciate your rant and agree. I like being by myself and having a quiet day. I talk to myself and keep me company. Not nuts just comfortable in myself.
Vitamin D
Been taking Vit. D for 40 years
People who write about “the elderly” as if we all have the same needs and desires irritate me. I do what I want, when I want, and see people when I’m ready. Commercials have no impact on me. I use the mute button.
well, I almost ordered that soap!
Thank you for your message I really needed that!
I like being isolated sometimes too, actually, I LOVE it. I write, read and do whatever the heck I want.