What does it feel like to be old and alone?

"I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It's not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel all alone" Robin Williams, actor

I’m alone but not lonely.... I enjoy my own company....my books, a good movie, puzzles....etc. No reason to be lonely. Life is good. And I’m 81.

I think her main struggle is not being alone but being without her husband.

I'm Helene, who posted here 3 yesrs ago. I'm almost 74 years now. I'm just as active and so thankful for all of the beauty and blessings in my life. To Oscar here, who commented to me, thank you kindly. I feel that as people get older, if they can relate well with a mate, and they meet a kind one, it's never too late to remarry. I have a a friend whose dad remarried at 86 years. I think it's wonderful. And also beneficial in the times we live in. I'd like to also see people in their 80's and 90's live in a senior building, if they feel too alone. I moved into a senior property almost 3 years ago. It's secure and we look out for each other and have nice activities. We are well cared for. I believe that is what lonely seniors need. There are senior HUD properties with very low rent. I'm in one. My rent is amazingly low... God bless each dear one who visits here. I pray your latter days will be sweet.🌹

Better to be alone than with people who really don't care about you.

this isn't just an old persons problem, there are people of all ages who spend most of their lives alone.

I'm 70, I've lived alone for years. There are days where I am lonely but most times I am fine. Prefer living alone then with someone who just makes you miserable

There are many many more people than we think that are actually alone and don’t speak to anybody for long periods of time.

I’m old and widowed, disabled, alone and loving it. (I do miss my husband.) At my age I’ve learned that people pretty much suck, myself included. :) I read a lot and do a bit of gardening. I sew. I have a sweet dog. Life is good.

There is no age requirement for this feeling😞

I dont mind living alone. Once in a while , a family member or old friend stops by or call . What I do miss is hugging. A real sqeezy hug, we all need them.

And with Covid I am sure that seniors are feeling lonelier than ever :(

It's not just old people. I'm middle-aged and know no one at all, often go weeks without speaking to anyone except store clerks and bus drivers.

The fact that a clock is ticking in the background is terrifying.

She's only been alone the last two years- many of us have been lonely our whole lives even surrounded by people.

Loneliest I've ever been was married to the wrong person. I.adore being alone now.

Im 73 and i have the most wonderful daughter on the face of this Earth. She will never let me go into a nursing home period the end. I thank god for het everyday. I must have done right when raising her. She loves me and im do blessed

Breaks my heart. I too live alone. I'm in my sixties and have no one, it's very hard. My faith in Christ and my little dog help.

It’s a society problem. Unacceptable. The older people deserve the BEST. They did everything for us.

I'm 87, wife passed 10 years ago and I live alone. My children all grown up and visit occasionally, my grandchildren at the same time. Those are great moments, icing on the cake! To me, loneliness is a state of mind that can be neutralized by enjoying your own company, creating a circle of like friends for getting together once in awhile, joining an organization that you enjoy, keeping healthy both physically and mentally, getting a good night sleep and eating healthy. The group of men I associate with volunteer in the community to make items like bird houses, outdoor furniture, benches, serve meals at a local public school, do projects for non-profit organizations and service clubs, etc. They buy the materials, we manufacture and assemble/paint/stain/whatever. We enjoy giving back to the community because it benefits the community. This gives us a sense of worth and allows comradeship among our friends. The key is to not stay at home gradually deteriorating both physically and mentally. As individuals it's our personal responsibility to get off our butts and become involved. Sitting at home pining away is not helpful.