12 Comments

Janet you have described a difficult reality for so many as we age. Quite simply the vast majority of the world’s population does not have the ability to save for “retirement “ and our senior years will be fraught with uncertainty. Friendship is supposed to fill in the cracks, but a sense of our own mortality is a powerful motivation for cramming in as much as we can before we leave this world, hence the conundrum you describe. I like to imagine the new friends you are making however through your extraordinary idea, Radical Resthomes. Your drive and vision will garner you a host of admirers, and from them those musical chairs of yours will fill up and feel abundant again.

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I love this piece! I often feel the same way… well written. Bravo

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Me too. I can totally relate. There is no template for boomers' retirement years. We live longer and we are more healthy and active than previous generations. Tricky business!

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Janet, what an honest and thought provoking essay. You have found your group: you are a writer. Write on! I look forward to reading more of your work.

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I really enjoyed this piece and appreciate the honesty and insights-heart-warming!

Thank you

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So true. I'm in the same boat. We need our own group

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I noticed the reference to Radical Resthomes at the end of the piece, but I don't see where your idea is described. Very interested. I am a retired hospice and nursing home chaplain and I know more than I care to admit about what life in those places can be like. Would love to hear your ideas.

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I will connect you and Janet. I also hope she might write about her project. We have to plan better retirements. Thanks for reading and participating.

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Insights are on the money.

Gee, I would love a couple of friends--people to speak with intelligently and just hang.

Boomers were apparently poor planners, and we remain pretty self-absorbed.

Ah well,, as an only child, I still kinda remember how to keep myself occcupied.

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A therapist once told me that as we age our circle of friends grows much smaller, for a variety of reasons (some of which you point out.) I think we're more discriminating because we finally know who we are and what we want out of life and friendship.

Our challenge is to find like-minded folks we enjoy being with. There might only be one or two, but that's all we really need!

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Hi Alice,

I am many age years ahead of you. How do we solve the friend problem? Sr. Centers are operating on low speed since covid. Need solutions please. Thanks

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The other group is the busy grandparents group. That sucks up a huge amount of my time and makes me lucky. I can see all my friends in your article if you add my suggestion. I know once they start school I will see them less and then I will be a different group. I think your article is very well and I hope you find someone in your area to hang with. The world of blogging in a great place to find OL friends. Bernie

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