As a single senior living alone, what frightens you the most and how do you cope with that fear?

Youngster

Youngster

Member
If people don't know the issues this group of seniors have to deal with how can anyone offer real solutions. Please share your thoughts and concerns and help the rest of us understand.
 

A few years ago two elderly and independent widows lived nearby (one next door, the other behind). I "suggested" that they open their curtains or blinds in the morning so I will know they are OK. Their sons/daughters thought this was an excellent idea. One morning one of the blinds were closed - I phoned the daughter. The widow had a visitor and did not know about the "message". The daughter told me that she is glad that someone is looking out for her mom without interferring with the mother's independence.
 
I worry about things that are likely, and that I might be able to do something about, e.g., financial problems (Plan B), and general physical decline (exercise).

I don't worry about things that seem less likely, and/or that I can't do anything about, e.g., robbery or apocalypse.

It seems there are many things that could suddenly go wrong physically, but it's impossible to predict which might happen to me. So I don't worry about specifics.
 
NorthernLight said:
I worry about things that are likely, and that I might be able to do something about, e.g., financial problems (Plan B), and general physical decline (exercise).

I don't worry about things that seem less likely, and/or that I can't do anything about, e.g., robbery or apocalypse.

It seems there are many things that could suddenly go wrong physically, but it's impossible to predict which might happen to me. So I don't worry about specifics.
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Prepare but don't worry. I like that.
 
NorthernLight said:
This is the main reason why I haven't had a pet since middle age.
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That's also the reason why this dog will have to be my last one. Which is unfortunate since not only do I like most dogs better than I do most people but most dogs like me better than most people do. But I never thought old age was going to be easy; seems like I've been dreading it most of my life, I guess since the old relatives I knew hated being old.
 
What worries me the most is my ability to live alone in my own apartment. I do not want to be in an assisted living type of place. The other thing would also be what happens to my pet bunny who is going on 9 this year. He is my last pet too. And what will happen to my son who is 52 but disabled and lives nearby.
 
Lady said:
What I fear most is Dieing suddenly and my Dog being left on her own , Ive got a way round it by asking the only relative living close by to message me every morning to say hi and get a response from me . If I dont respond then he knows to come and check the situation out ..
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That's a good plan.
 
I have 2 very good friends and both said they would take my 2 little dogs. I have left some money to pay the pet insurance premiums. I use the snug safe app to check in daily. If I don’t they will text my son and he will come over. I never intend to be without a dog but when these 2 are gone will only adopt seniors.
 
I no longer have a pet because I can't take care of one. I don't want to die plugged into a machine or IV keeping me alive, nor do I want to die in pain. worrying about it has at times caused me a lot of anxiety I used to be able to talk to a friend about things but he passed away and now I more or less random dial the phone and talk to who ever answers
 
deaver said:
I no longer have a pet because I can't take care of one. I don't want to die plugged into a machine or IV keeping me alive, nor do I want to die in pain. worrying about it has at times caused me a lot of anxiety I used to be able to talk to a friend about things but he passed away and now I more or less random dial the phone and talk to who ever answers
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I feel you. It’s very hard to live alone. I’m fearful about that too. I understand completely. I’d like to help, maybe just listen to your concerns.
 
BC Flash said:
A few years ago two elderly and independent widows lived nearby (one next door, the other behind). I "suggested" that they open their curtains or blinds in the morning so I will know they are OK. Their sons/daughters thought this was an excellent idea. One morning one of the blinds were closed - I phoned the daughter. The widow had a visitor and did not know about the "message". The daughter told me that she is glad that someone is looking out for her mom without interferring with the mother's independence.
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Love this
 
officerripley said:
That's also the reason why this dog will have to be my last one. Which is unfortunate since not only do I like most dogs better than I do most people but most dogs like me better than most people do. But I never thought old age was going to be easy; seems like I've been dreading it most of my life, I guess since the old relatives I knew hated being old.
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I only remember hearing my elders complain about getting old and didn't hear anything positive about it. I guess we have to find our own way to stay positive.
 
I have long thought there should be a local Forum like this where the elderly living alone with mobility issues could communicate with others on-line in their own town or city and meet local friends to share mutual help, ideas and information with. Much of the angst of old age is caused by isolation. If I was younger and had more energy, I would set up such a website myself, but alas I can no longer take on such a chore.
 
It costs a bit to have a medic alert. I’d consider it money well spent if I were on my own. It would remove the worry of having a medical emergency and lying in pain for possibly several days. Our neighbour used hers to call the ambulance a couple of days ago.
 

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