FEELING ISOLATED AFTER MOVING

[BIBLIOPHILE45S]

It has been more than a decade since I was last active on AARP Community. During my absence I managed to stay busy; occupied with my sons and their family, attending book clubs, writing reviews, posting commentary on news journals, and I also began painting with acrylics. During ten of those years, I lived in a senior community where I enjoyed the amenities and socializing with other seniors from diverse backgrounds. Then, five years ago, my sons pressured me to move to be closer to them. Although my new home is in a very nice building, the amenities and activities are for the majority of residents who are gen x and millennial professionals. I am among only a handful of seniors who reside here.

 I no longer travel as often, and I have very little social interaction with anyone, except when family visits.  As such, I spend too much time alone. Granted, I have always been an avid  reader, also I continue to paint.  Feeling isolated, I recall how much I enjoyed the AARP community years ago sharing commentary, and hope to resume participating in social, cultural, and political forums. 

[Winter2025VA · Accepted solution]

Well @BIBLIOPHILE45S , alot has changed ON THIS SITE dear friend. AARP deleted their Politics Forum & NO politics allowed on this site. Traffic to site has decreased. Anyway, back to you. [1] Have you thought of CREATING what you are missing. IF you can get to anything LOCAL (drive, uber, bus), maybe "suggest" some of the things you were doing to others. Libraries now have authors stop by frequently, book clubs, FREE classes/seminars and so on. [2] Yes, I agree - being isolated is NOT good as we AGE. Facing the same issue at age 67 & have "tried" various volunteering and felt so "stressed out", nope. Lol, it seems NO matter WHERE, there has to be rules & bossy folks. Left that behind when I retired. [3] Hmmm, commentaries. Is there any LOCAL MEDIA in your area. I bet they would welcome your skill. Maybe reach out & see what they need. I am sure your writing & reading skills would come in handy. [3] Lastly, do you have a pet. I do. A VERY SPOILT cat named Mister. Take care, Nicole!

[Winter2025VA · Accepted solution]

Well @BIBLIOPHILE45S , alot has changed ON THIS SITE dear friend. AARP deleted their Politics Forum & NO politics allowed on this site. Traffic to site has decreased. Anyway, back to you. [1] Have you thought of CREATING what you are missing. IF you can get to anything LOCAL (drive, uber, bus), maybe "suggest" some of the things you were doing to others. Libraries now have authors stop by frequently, book clubs, FREE classes/seminars and so on. [2] Yes, I agree - being isolated is NOT good as we AGE. Facing the same issue at age 67 & have "tried" various volunteering and felt so "stressed out", nope. Lol, it seems NO matter WHERE, there has to be rules & bossy folks. Left that behind when I retired. [3] Hmmm, commentaries. Is there any LOCAL MEDIA in your area. I bet they would welcome your skill. Maybe reach out & see what they need. I am sure your writing & reading skills would come in handy. [3] Lastly, do you have a pet. I do. A VERY SPOILT cat named Mister. Take care, Nicole!

[BIBLIOPHILE45S · Accepted solution]

GREAT SUGGESTIONS, THANK YOU!

No, I don’t have a pet. I am an attentive“Plant Mom”. 

I don’t drive outside my neighborhood because I don’t have vision in my left eye, and wear a patch when driving. For this reason, I have attended a few daytime library book clubs I my neighborhood, yet these book clubs near me are very cliquish, attended by long-time senior regulars who are not friendly to new comers. Generally, evening book clubs are further away. Depending on the book, I use Lyft or Uber.  Sad to admit, the book clubs are my only social solo outings. *Luncheons, theatre, museums other outings are infrequent, when my sons, relatives, or friends visit.

The reason I left AARP community years ago was because the vitriol on some of the current events and politics group discussions became too toxic leading up to, and during the 2008 election.  Worse, some of the divisive discussions spilled over to other groups. Even though I enjoyed creation and facilitating the PBS programming group, some of the members lacked courtesy, posting inappropriate comments on News Hour stories.

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR SUGGESTIONS!

Maizie

[Winter2025VA]

You are welcome Maizie!!!  💛  Yes, that is WHY the Politics Forum was deleted April 2021. I hope you can find what brings you JOY my friend. Yes, I know about the cliques & I avoid them. Take care, Nicole!

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@BIBLIOPHILE45S wrote:

GREAT SUGGESTIONS, THANK YOU!

No, I don’t have a pet. I am an attentive“Plant Mom”. 

I don’t drive outside my neighborhood because I don’t have vision in my left eye, and wear a patch when driving. For this reason, I have attended a few daytime library book clubs I my neighborhood, yet these book clubs near me are very cliquish, attended by long-time senior regulars who are not friendly to new comers. Generally, evening book clubs are further away. Depending on the book, I use Lyft or Uber.  Sad to admit, the book clubs are my only social solo outings. *Luncheons, theatre, museums other outings are infrequent, when my sons, relatives, or friends visit.

The reason I left AARP community years ago was because the vitriol on some of the current events and politics group discussions became too toxic leading up to, and during the 2008 election.  Worse, some of the divisive discussions spilled over to other groups. Even though I enjoyed creation and facilitating the PBS programming group, some of the members lacked courtesy, posting inappropriate comments on News Hour stories.

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR SUGGESTIONS!

Maizie

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