Lonliness

They were talking about this on the radio today, and it made me wonder. Who do you think finds it most difficult to live alone when older, men or women?

Re: Lonliness

Judging by the single people I know, I would say men find it most difficult. They seem to become more of a recluse than a woman living alone does.

Of course there are exceptions - it depends on the individual really..

Re: Lonliness

I heard a man on the radio talking about being lonely this morning, it was quite sad.

I would guess in general men find being alone more difficult than women do .

Re: Lonliness

I agree, many of them have been taken care of by women and don't know how to take care of themselves

Re: Lonliness

Speaking as a man who has lived alone for over 20 years im going to disagree, never feel lonely, i have all my interests to keep me going but can enjoy living in my man cave without the need for company spoiling my down time. I think its down to the individuals own needs, so loneliness or comfortable solitude is a state that can affect all. I have a very independent personality, made so by my upbringing, so no need for company except when i choose it.

Re: Lonliness

I also heard the man talking on the radio. He is 93 so presume he has
been married to the same wife all that time. He will feel lonely now she
has gone. I do agree that the recluse seems to be a male more than a
female. The thing about todays generation of young people is that they
have moved away more than say 40 years ago when you still lived
near your parents than they do now. My Dads brother lived 2 doors away
my Gran and Grandad lived about 2 miles away. His Aunties lived down
the road. That seems to have changed over the last decades.
My Grandkids live in France so I cant get on a bus to go see them every week. I tend not to feel lonely as I have my cats. Plus I am not
ashamed to talk to myself. I also am not afraid of going out by myself.
I travel around the country by myself. I meet very interesting people doing
so. I think if you can get out of the house more often and talk to the
shop people, talk to people on the bus, train etc. You get some feeling
that you are not alone all together. I suppose it depends on whether you
can gab like me. Plus its good to smile.
I feel sorry for people who are lonely and I would imagine its more intense
when you cannot get out of the house.
They have at last got a befriending service for lonely people its called
Silver Talk and you can find them on google for a local one to phone.
Its funded by the lottery.

Re: Lonliness

I feel very sad for anyone who is lonely, particularly those who can't get out of the house. I also think it's a good thing if you and your partner both have your own friends, as well as mutual friends. Also, your own interests. To be totally dependent on each other makes it more difficult when the other goes. Then you won't be totally alone because your friends will still be there for you, at such a difficult time.

Re: Lonliness

I'm going to give this a try - thanks for the info .....
It wont put me out to chat to someone .......

Re: Lonliness

Sadly my Mother found her cousin who lived alone deceased in his bed a few days ago.
The neighbours hadn't seen him and were concerned so the police were called to break in.
He never married and had been alone since his Father passed away many years ago.
He just had his dog for company and she was lying by his side when they found him.
He was a very quiet and shy person socially and lived in a remote area of the countryside.
There are so many people just living out their days all alone.

Re: Lonliness

Oh dear, how very sad. I have to ask, what happened to the poor dog?