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.
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!
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.
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!
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
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
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.
I love this piece! I often feel the same way… well written. Bravo
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!
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.
I really enjoyed this piece and appreciate the honesty and insights-heart-warming!
Thank you
So true. I'm in the same boat. We need our own group
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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