I regularly interact with people of other ages in church, community centers and various volunteer efforts. I would miss it if I didn’t have it. My best friends remain my two daughters and now their husbands, daughters and sons and finally a new great grandson! My heart grows bigger with each new association and there is always that bittersweet sadness that goes with the possible loss (my only son died a year and a half ago with cancer and I still ache from that loss), but I would not trade the heart-stretching for a going-without life. I encourage anyone who misses the interaction to find some passion to follow and an avenue to follow it socially (teaching, taking lessons, volunteering, etc). I am, by nature a loner, so I enjoy my solitude also, but the balance is important!
Making Connections by Joan Morris
March 4, 2013 by ElderChicks
I thoroughly enjoy being with younger people or all ages and I think it is very important for all of us “of a certain age” to have younger friends. I have one particular younger friend who just happens to be the daughter of a dear college friend. The daugher and I have many shared interests and we enjoy doing things together —movies, lunch out or just a visit and a cup of tea. I love hearing her views on all sorts of topics and she enjoys mine. I am very fortunate to have the lovely young woman as one of my close friends.
I also enjoy all different ages at the church I attend, even the really little ones. Perhaps this is because i formerly taught school. Enjoying people of all ages has made me think long and hard about whether I want to move to a continuing care facility or not one day in the future. Having just people of a “certain age” as my constant companions may not be the right thing for me. I need some young folks around, they certainly liven things up.
Thank you Joan. I apprieciate your being so open with us.