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Just joined so I'm introducing myself.

I will be 67 next month and retired from the many different jobs in my working life. I guess that I didn’t ever find my calling. I went to university at age 59 but when it was over it was too late to launch a new career. I wanted to lecture but students don’t want to listen to old fogies, so sadly I put aside that idea and settled into life as an eccentric dog owner.

I live in a beautiful Lancashire valley surrounded by hills that demand they be walked/climbed, how could I refuse?

I would like to do a bit of cycle touring but a recent diagnosis of spondylosis and some hip pain means that I may not be doing a world tour anytime soon!

I’m keen to make some friends as I have been on my own for a very long time now, my daughters don’t bother much with me and I don’t have a partner.I didn’t expect to be so isolated at this time in my life, isn’t it strange the way family and friends seem to forget us when we get past 60?

I will pop in regularly and hope to strike up some friendships.


Created By on 09/03/2015

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sonroy
20th Sep 2016 18:18:20 (Last activity: 29th Sep 2016 11:37:31)
2
Thanks for voting!
Hi Everyone, I just joined last night, so hope to make new friends to talk to. I lost my husband 14 months ago, so am still grIrving.I live in a village near York & the support from the cruise bereavement group is wonderful, we meet once a month & get lots of comfort talking.I've also joined the over 55s group, where once a week we play bingo or go on trips out. I've tried to keep busy in the day, it's the nights that are lonely, so thank goodness for TV. I lovery reading so will be lookingiven at book club section. Hoping to chat to other silversurfers
Response from Wilf made on 20th Sep 2016 19:15:42
There are lots of friendly folk here Sonroy so welcome and join in all the forums!
Response from sonroy made on 20th Sep 2016 19:55:02
Thank you, will do
Response from jeanymay made on 21st Sep 2016 10:20:54
Hi Sonroy Sorry for your loss it must be difficult. You seem to be making a social life for yourself, but as you say the nights can be lonely. I'm from Bingley West Yorkshire and although I'm divorced not widowed and like my own company there are times it's a bit lonely. If you fancy a chat by all means message me. Jean
Response from Superchick made on 29th Sep 2016 11:37:31
Hi. I lost my husband 2yrs ago so I know where you're at.
I live in N Ireland and retired when my husband became ill.
Have a few close friends but not really to socialise with.
Happy to have an 'e' penpal as I love writing and chatting.
I find weekends hardest and also not having that one person yu can trust in the whole world.
Very best wishes
Helena123
29th Sep 2016 10:02:58
1
Thanks for voting!
Hi everyone.

I'm Helena, I'm new and from North Cambridgeshire. I joined in the hope of finding friends in my area. Chatting online is a wonderful lifeline, but for me, it doesn't reduce that sense of loneliness and isolation in the way that face to face interactions do.

What do others feel?
PatF56
29th Sep 2016 00:34:34 (Last activity: 29th Sep 2016 09:50:50)
0
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Hi All, just joined today, trying to find my way around this site. My name is Patricia, and I turned 60 in June. Unfortunately on my on my own after my marriage broke down late last year, so I decided on a fresh start and moved from Devon to Milton Keynes to be nearer my children and grandchildren. Although I am much closer to family now I still feel quite isolated as I don't know the area, I will be glad when I know where I'm going and don't need my sat nav. Busy getting my home how I want it but it's a slow job, painting is not my forte I'm afraid. I have 2 lovely dogs, a Jack Russell called Lulu who is 7 and a cheeky cross Jack Russell called Alfie who is 9 months old. Would like to get out and about more, but not so easy on your own. Please feel free to message me if you would like to chat.
Response from Mortisha63 made on 29th Sep 2016 08:47:43
Hi Patricia nice to meet you and hope you enjoy the site 🙂 . It's always nice to have extra people to chat to .
Response from PatF56 made on 29th Sep 2016 09:50:50
Thank you Mortisha
jemms
28th Sep 2016 16:03:47 (Last activity: 29th Sep 2016 09:06:56)
0
Thanks for voting!
Hello everyone! I'm new to this forum although I do belong to a few others, mainly dog rescues!

I'm originally from Yorkshire but now live in Dorset with my little rescue dog, Ollie, who is a Shih Tzu x Bichon Frise! Unfortunately, I lost my husband last year, six months after I retired to enjoy our retirement together.

We had worked together in the pub/restaurant trade for 12 years and, after retiring from that and taking a course in computing, I found a job at our local entertainment theatre which I thoroughly enjoyed. I do enjoy meeting people from all walks of life and have just enrolled at two U3A Groups near here and, through them, I'm now doing photography, learning bridge and learning to line dance!!! Due to needing a second hip replacement, the latter can be a tad difficult at times!!!!

I have two grown-up children, each with children of their own. My son has two boys aged 13 and nearly 20 and my daughter has two girls aged 13 and nearly 17. Unfortunately, I don't see enough of them as my son lives too far away to just pop round and my daughter is too busy ferrying her youngest to gymnastics both around here and across the country for competitions.

Well, that's my life in a nutshell! I would like to meet anyone like-minded in Somerset or Dorset (I live on the border of both) so please don't be shy!!!

Jemms
Response from jeanymay made on 29th Sep 2016 09:06:56
How terrible for you jemms that you worked all those years and then never got to enjoy your retirement together.

It sounds like you are trying to keep busy with your classes but of course you will still be grieving ( sending you hugs), and your life has been turned upside down.

I live in Bingley, West Yorkshire do you know it ? Where were you from ?
shereepitt
23rd Sep 2016 19:45:00 (Last activity: 25th Sep 2016 18:47:49)
0
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I am new here i have been on own now six years I live by Walsall I have 3 grown ups n grandchildren need to get out abit n chat or meet people socially.
Response from georgesmum made on 25th Sep 2016 18:47:49
Hi Sheree, welcome to the site......... Walsall jumped out at me when I read your post, don't see it very often!
I was born and raised in Walsall although over the years I have moved around the Midlands. Now retired and living in Chepstow and am ashamed to say I haven't been back to my home town for a while.
Hope you enjoy the site!
sonroy
20th Sep 2016 23:03:47
2
Thanks for voting!
Hi celtwitch, I hope we strike up a friendship, my husband passed away 14months ago, so though I have friends it's soon lonely at night. We could walk hills would, be great or go for meals, don't mind travelling sonroy
major red
14th Sep 2016 10:19:28
0
Thanks for voting!
we are all here to help make our lives better as we get older we lose dads like me and wives or hubbys but I for one reed all your comments I don't write much as I am dyslexic and find it hard but it does hurt I miss my dad so much it still hurts he died of lung cancer on the 6th July 2016 3 weeks after finding out so every one who needs to chat I'm sure I say for all of us do so we are here to listen
Dianabar
13th Sep 2016 10:14:16 (Last activity: 13th Sep 2016 11:21:52)
1
Thanks for voting!
I just joined last night.
I lost my husband 6 months ago when he collapsed and died suddenly. We had no warning. Then I lost my last brother 6 weeks later. Again no warning. I am feeling a little shell shocked but recovering slowly. My son and his family have been very good but they live an hours drive away. An ex-work colleague who was widowed last year told me recently that she found it surprising how friends seem to disappear when you lose your partner. She is right. A number of people I thought of as friends have not contacted me since the funeral.
I do a lot of needlework and gardening - the latter from necessity. Also read a lot. A small group of us meet every couple of months for lunch and a catch up. However, I was surprised just how vulnerable and isolated you can feel after the loss of your husband/wife.
This seems an interesting site which I shall be popping back to for the interesting items. It is lovely to read what others are doing and thinking.
Response from Silversurfers Editor made on 13th Sep 2016 11:21:52
Hello and welcome Dianabar 🙂 So sorry to hear about your recent loss 🙁 I hope you enjoy our Forum and our Silversurfers online community. Lots of like-minded, friendly people here so I hope you find it interesting and supportive too. In addition to the Forum we have hundreds of features, an active Speakers Corner with daily debates and polls, an online Book Club, special offers for our Silvercard+ holders and so much more! If you haven't already done so, do register for our FREE Silvercard+ ... the only online discount card for the over 50s! Best wishes .. Sally
Jordynhollie
12th Sep 2016 16:43:33
1
Thanks for voting!
Hi, I can relate to lakelover. I lost my husband 2 years ago after 50 years of happy marriage. I had known him since I was 15 years of age and to find myself on my own when he had always looked after me was and is extremely hard to cope with. However I have surprised myself with how I have coped with the house, with our four little dogs and stresses and strains of daily life on my own.
Unfortunately as I do not drive and have health problems I have to rely on my daughter to take me out. She has four young children and a very busy life so I am lucky to go out for an hour a week with her. I realise I must be grateful as I know her busy schedule but would love for someone to visit me for a cup of tea or to see if I am still ok.

Like most seniors nowadays although I am 70 I still feel thirty years younger in my mind. Trouble is body creaks a bit more now. I have been told like lakelover that I am such a strong person but it is because I have had to be to cope. I still feel on the odd occasion I am invited out with family that I am like a spare part not one of a couple anymore and it reminds me of the times my husband was with us all. I had only 3 weeks to come to terms he was seriously ill before he died.

Sorry for complaining but it does help to write about this as unable to discuss with daughter.
lakelover
12th Sep 2016 11:59:15 (Last activity: 12th Sep 2016 13:37:47)
1
Thanks for voting!
Hello I am just introducing myself and would welcome responses from others. I am 67 and have recently lost my husband after almost 50 years of a very happy marriage he was my best friend as well as my husband and I have to admit I am struggling with the loss. His death was a shock - we thought we had many years together to come - we had so many plans for our future. Everyone tells me how "strong" I am - how I have picked myself up and started to attempt to rebuild a life on my own but most of my show of strength is a SHAM - like a wall I hide behind. I am lucky I have a very supportive family who are also grieving the loss of their beloved Dad and Grandpa but they are there for me and are like my comfort blanket but they need to rebuild their lives too and I need to back off and let them get on with it. One of the biggest problems I find is being with couples. That is the time when I feel so alone - so much so that I am starting to decline offers of days out as the pain is too great for me. It reminds me of how much I have lost. Does anyone else in my sort of situation feel this?
I live in the Lake District and have always enjoyed the countryside and everything in it and I have started to go walking again and although I am now doing this alone it brings a great comfort and peace to me. I do not feel ready to join any sort of walking group but I often stop and chat to other walkers and who knows perhaps I will one day I will fell ready.
Luckily I can drive so a few weeks ago took myself off on my first holiday alone. I spent four days in North Wales walking the coastal path and staying in a hotel and it made me feel better - knowing I was strong enough to do this and I plan to do it again soon. My family worried about my going alone and insisted I purchased an Iphone so they could keep in contact and make sure I was OK. They threatened that if I did not buy the phone they would have me tagged !!!!!!!
Sorry if I have rambled on a little but it has been nice to write down how I feel and hopefully in the future one day I will write again how much better I am doing without the man I love.
Once again - I am happy to get any replies from anyone.
Response from jeanymay made on 12th Sep 2016 13:37:47
So sorry that your husband had to leave you early. I've never been widowed Lakelover so I know my experience can no way compare with what you have been through, but when I divorced my husband ( and at the time still loved him, but could not tolerate his behaviour any more) I felt the same about going out by myself. I hated it and felt like a spare part. I also know what you mean about putting on a brave face so others think you are doing just fine. Nobody knows what is going on in our heads or in our hearts.

Take baby steps, and in time you will build up some sort of new life for yourself. Don't do anything in haste as you are still probably in shock, and need time to find yourself again as being just you.

Be kind to yourself.
caseyslaststand
9th Sep 2016 00:03:43 (Last activity: 9th Sep 2016 07:01:43)
0
Thanks for voting!
Hello everyone. Like the rest of you I am new to the room.
I'm 72 years old, long time retired. My wife and I have been married 50 years this past March and we are still celebrating.
I found this Site whilst randomly exploring general chatrooms.
We enjoy our holidays and we are very close to our family which
Includes a son a daughter in law and two grandkids who keep
us young and 'cool'.
Having been together for so long we know what the other is thinking
most of the time so conversation is virtually unnecessary. ( only kid-
ding love). So I have joined the Site for hopefully something fresh to talk about. Anybody need someone to chat with my ear is the sole of discretion.
Response from Silversurfers Editor made on 9th Sep 2016 07:01:43
Hello Caseyslaststand and welcome 🙂 I hope you enjoy our Forum and our Silversurfers online community. Lots of like-minded, friendly people here with a great sense of humour in common! In addition to the Forum we have hundreds of features, an active Speakers Corner with daily debates and polls, an online Book Club, special offers for our Silvercard+ holders and so much more! If you haven't already done so, do register for our FREE Silvercard+ ... the only online discount card for the over 50s! Best wishes .. Sally
Lunnyhunny
26th Aug 2016 13:37:52 (Last activity: 8th Sep 2016 21:47:04)
0
Thanks for voting!
Hi

I have recently joined and a little nervous if I'm honest. I'm 55 married have three grown up children all doing their own thing - not much time for mum and dad these days! I am still working full time and am looking forward to when I can ease off a little and start to live a little rather than be a mortgage slave. I live in south yorkshire - gods own country as we call it! I love walking in Derbyshire and north yorkshire.

I'm don't have hobbies as such but do like genealogy and have uncovered some surprising ancestors which I knew nothing about.

I wonder if anyone out there has the same fascination with the past?

Take care
Response from Alan247 made on 26th Aug 2016 14:24:35
I come from a family full of hate, I would be mortified if some long lost relative found me
Response from Silversurfers Editor made on 26th Aug 2016 17:50:10
Hello Lunnyhunny and a very warm welcome to Silversurfers! -If you are new to Silversurfers then once you have joined you can enjoy the forums (which you are doing) and chat. When you receive a new reply you will receive an email which takes you back to the Forum or Chat page you were on. You are also able to post up pictures, short stories and poems on the Showcase area of Silversurfers. In addition you have access to over 100 great discounts with leading companies with Silvercard+ https://www.silversurfers.com/silvercard/ I hope you enjoy Silversurfers! Kind regards, Sally
Response from Fruitcake13 made on 8th Sep 2016 21:47:04
Hello Lunnyhunney, and welcome. Yes, I'm really into genealogy too and have been researching my family history for over 10 years now. I find it fascinating! I have an English father (from London) and a Scottish mother (from Aberdeenshire) so it's interesting to see the differences between their family lines. The English BMD certificates are so expensive though, whereas the Scottish ones are not only much, much cheaper, but can be accessed and bought online. I also found it fascinating that my Scottish side were so much more adventurous than my English side and ended up all over the world. If ever you fancy a chat about genealogy etc, feel free to contact me.
[deleted]
7th Sep 2016 11:19:38 (Last activity: 7th Sep 2016 14:11:20)
0
Thanks for voting!
[deleted]
Response from Silversurfers Editor made on 7th Sep 2016 14:11:20
Hello Lyle and a very warm welcome to Silversurfers! -If you are new to Silversurfers then once you have joined you can enjoy the forums (which you are doing) and chat. When you receive a new reply you will receive an email which takes you back to the Forum or Chat page you were on. You are also able to post up pictures, short stories and poems on the Showcase area of Silversurfers. In addition you have access to over 100 great discounts with leading companies with Silvercard+ https://www.silversurfers.com/silvercard/ I hope you enjoy Silversurfers! Kind regards, Sally
Baileybird11
23rd Aug 2016 16:48:27
1
Thanks for voting!
Hello, I have only just joined in the last couple of days.

I am from Manchester, 61 years old, single, with two adult children and three grandchildren. I am still working - still have a mortgage unfortunately

I have already chatted to a couple of people regarding travel and am looking forward to making some nice friends on here.

At the moment, I am in Gran Canaria on holiday with my granddaughter. When I get back to Manchester, I will write up a proper profile for myself. Please anyone, feel free to introduce yourselves.

Babs x
Sunseeker1
25th Jul 2016 21:18:21 (Last activity: 22nd Aug 2016 18:07:58)
2
Thanks for voting!
Hi All,
Recently joined thought its about time introduced myself. I,m still struggling after the sudden death of my wife in December 2015, married for 42 years without even the chance to say goodbye, it hit me hard but I,m starting to learn to live with it. I live in an isolated spot on Dartmoor just myself a dog and 15 chickens. I work at an Activity Centre which is full of young staff which is great, but I have absolutely no social life. I do charity work which keeps me busy 7 days a week as I still find it difficult being on my own. My children are all grown up and live a minimum of 200 miles away.This is entirely my own fault as I choose to live on Dartmoor in the house I built myself. I've had a great and interesting life and somehow want to get back to having something to look forward to, obviously I love my daughters and grandchildren but my late wife and I had some wonderful holidays, but I fear I will have to find another interest, as any holiday would be hard on me emotionally. Sorry my introduction is not very happy and cheerful but it helps to share.
Response from georgesmum made on 26th Jul 2016 13:03:11
Hi Sunseeker.......welcome to the site!
So sorry to hear of the untimely death of your dear wife, it must have been a dreadful shock to you and your family. You sound a very positive person so I'm sure you will embark on a new social life when you least expect it, maybe through your charity work.
Good luck for the future and I hope you soon find lots of people to chat to on here!
Response from Sueblue made on 6th Aug 2016 12:17:58
Hi, Sounds lovely, living on Dartmoor. When I was a child we lived in Plymouth and my brothers used to take me to Dartmoor on their scooters. My social life is like yours - non existent. I have a 95 year old friend and she goes out more than I do !! I have been on my own for 5 years , no family and no siblings in the town. I too, couldnt go on holiday on my own though my friend does. I volunteer with a group which deals with clients who have had brain injuries. I did a few more things but had a spell of bad health last December and I am just coming out the other side of it. I joined this site as I struggle some days, especially weekends.
Response from Alan247 made on 6th Aug 2016 19:48:13
We now live on the edge of Dartmoor, love every minute of it, as keen photographers its the place to be. I think I have bored everybody by posting a shed load of pictures taken around the area
Response from major red made on 22nd Aug 2016 18:07:58
no at all alan247 love you photos i look at all photo as i love photography i used to work in the pro photo industry as a delivery drive for more than 10 years miss it as now to slow walking and unable to work keep up the great shots
major red
22nd Aug 2016 17:59:28
0
Thanks for voting!
i joined 2 weeks ago im 53 married with a 8 year old daughter i lived in kent for 40 years till i moved up to middlesbrough so my wife could be near her home i love it up here and a mad boro fan go when i can but due to a disability i watch more on tv. i am a member of saltholme RSPB and we all go nearly 1 a week in the spring summer and autumn no much in winter as my back and knees hate the cold shore lots of us have ailment so im not alone. love the site and visit it every day keep up the great work admin
SeniorSOG
22nd Aug 2016 16:11:40
0
Thanks for voting!
Hi, I'm new too just joined at the weekend after discovering the site. I'm almost 60 - next week! Retired from the NHS thankfully! However retirement has not gone as planned, developed arthritis in right ankle joints so unable to do the long walks we'd planned, Mam deteriorating mentally and physically so needing a lot of my time and we did get a pup but he got out chasing a rabbit and was hit by a lorry (only 10 months old), we were devastated and felt so guilty, but we'd had the place fenced etc.
However I'm hopeful of finding new pals in Northumberland, we moved back 18 months ago and love it up here, the 'empty' county. Anyone else in Northumberland I wonder?
valley
22nd Aug 2016 15:27:32
0
Thanks for voting!
Hi I am new also. Yes, life hands us curves, Valley
fredinperran
22nd Aug 2016 15:17:45
0
Thanks for voting!
Actually been a member for two years but only just started using the site. Seventy years old. Married with three children and seven grandchildren. Originally from London but moved too Cornwall just over twenty years ago. I enjoy gardening, eating out and walking which I combine with my hobby of photography.
Ifiknewthen
1st Aug 2016 07:43:03 (Last activity: 5th Aug 2016 22:52:47)
0
Thanks for voting!
Good morning everyone. This is my first time on here so I am just finding my way around.
I am a 61 year old woman who is having to look for work because this government/ previous government decided to move my pension qualifying age from 60 to 66 without bothering to inform me.
I am married with three grownup children and 4 grandchildren.
I enjoy gardening, reading, yoga and any excuse to go out for a meal with friends and family.
Response from georgesmum made on 1st Aug 2016 20:36:09
Hello Ifiknewthen......fabulous user name...and I love your picture. You obviously have a great sense of humour!
Sorry to hear about your pension issue, this is one occasion when I'm glad I was born in 1950 so only had to wait until I was 61 to qualify for my state pension.
Hope you enjoy your time with silver surfers.
Response from Fruitcake13 made on 5th Aug 2016 22:52:47
Hello Ifiknewthen, and welcome. I, too, am one of the unfortunate 'thousands of women' who has had the state pension rug pulled from under my feet without being notified. I'm 60 and have two grown up children and two grandchildren, and have been happily divorced for quite a few years now.
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