Is it harder to stay social when you're older?

Trish said:
I think it's great @horseless carriage :)

One Christmas, long ago, I took some photos at a seniors' club which was hosting a music hall event for their members. After the traditional singalongs, a band came on stage and started playing "Let's Twist Again" - the audience started bopping, even those in wheelchairs!

The unforgettable thing though, was two ladies who rushed to the aisle, gave me a big smile and then started doing the twist, they were amazing but, even more incredible was that, when I was speaking to them afterwards, one was 102 and the other was a mere 98 years old! They had both been dancers all their lives which, I imagine, was the secret behind their ability to still be dancing even at their advanced age.

When I read your posts about your dancing, it always reminds me of those two ladies. Keep going @horseless carriage, dancing is, I believe, the best exercise of all :)
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Like you Trish, others have also commented favourably whenever I have posted about some function or other that we have been to. What do I say? Thank you, of course, but I am mindful that there are members (and non members, lurkers who just read internet comments) who have battles and challenges in their lives. They may view my posts as a boast, I am mindful of that.
Praise, of course, strokes the ego and try as I might to take eulogy with a pinch of salt, my ego always gets the better of me.

It's a privilege being a member here, one I really enjoy, therefore when asked to relate the latest shenanigans, I will, in fact tomorrow might be fun. At ten forty tomorrow morning I have an appoinment at the Oncology department of a large university hospital about half an hour's drive away. A surgeon will assess this hernia that I have.

Should I tell him that I lift with my ego, not my back, that’s how I met my hernia? Best keep quiet and let the surgeon comment. I will keep you updated.
 

There's a report by The National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland, about social engagement. It's a long winded report but you can cherry pick that which you might find of interest.
Active social engagement has been shown to be associated with better health is the central theme of the report. Their findings are based on many other reports. For example what they say about social engagement and mortality is as follows:
"When the four components of the social network index were analysed separately, social isolation and non-membership in church groups were predictive of increased all-cause mortality in separate models among those aged 60–69 and among people aged 70 and over, when adjusting for age, sex, race and baseline health status."
Check it out but as I said, it's very long, fascinating though.
 

Yeah, I think so. But once a week I socialize with two other friends at the county jail along with 2-8 inmates where we do a bible study. Those inmates are so grateful for anyone willing to visit them. I think if I was not committed to this study, I might not get out at all other than Sunday church attendance. So I think scheduled events are key.
 
horseless carriage said:
There's a report by The National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland, about social engagement. It's a long winded report but you can cherry pick that which you might find of interest.
Active social engagement has been shown to be associated with better health is the central theme of the report. Their findings are based on many other reports. For example what they say about social engagement and mortality is as follows:
"When the four components of the social network index were analysed separately, social isolation and non-membership in church groups were predictive of increased all-cause mortality in separate models among those aged 60–69 and among people aged 70 and over, when adjusting for age, sex, race and baseline health status."
Check it out but as I said, it's very long, fascinating though.
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I'm not buying it. The people who wrote it probably can't handle being alone for more than 30 minutes.....lol 😂 😆 😆
 
Veronica said:
For me yes. On my own I dont venture out except for food and to get my hair done. :D
The husband was the social butterfly. After he became ill our social life consisted mostly of doctor appointments.
And people coming to the house for various things like wound care.

I have tried to be social but it just seems like work. I think Im turning feral. :D
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Feral! LOL
 
This is a sad read and without knowing the details,
I hope for a mistaken diagnosis for you horseless
carriage, if you are offered anything sinister, refuse
to accept it.

I wish you well and send some healing.

Mike.
 
When I stopped driving at night it meant no more book club or other evening activities.

My church merged with another but it was more like a takeover. The new minister disbanded or discarded everything meaningful and installed likeminded people. Outings and lucheons were discontinued. I believe there is not one person left of the original congregation.

Then came covid and fewer opportunities. Family members and friends died. (All of them).

So I really need to work at socializing. My memoir will be called The Accidental Loner.
 
Mike said:
This is a sad read and without knowing the details,
I hope for a mistaken diagnosis for you horseless
carriage, if you are offered anything sinister, refuse
to accept it.

I wish you well and send some healing.

Mike.
Click to expand...
My doctor diagnosed the hernia, tomorrow will be the appointment made to see the oncologist surgeon, not for surgery yet, for the assessment. Thank you for your kind sentiment, in a way I am relieved, perverse though that sounds, when the first swelling appeared it was in the testicles. Not knowing about hernias it just had to be testicular cancer. Of course it wasn't, but now I know that the condition is operable, I am hoping to be rid of this very painful discomfort before too long.
 

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