Just joined so I'm introducing myself.
Watch this postI 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.
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Another one who's just joined. Age 50 with two children (one still at home three years after finishing uni but starting teacher training in September, and the other one handing in his final MEng submission tomorrow so he'll be back home as well very soon) and married to my lovely husband for very nearly 25 years.
I was made redundant a couple of weeks ago so currently twiddling my thumbs and wondering what to do next - more of the same or do I attempt a change of career? I was originally a primary school teacher but have been a Technical Author for the last 18 or so years, and dabble in website design in my spare time. I suppose I have rather more of that now!
Heading off to New England and Canada in a few weeks' time (luckily all paid for before redundancy reared its ugly head) and planning to visit the Galapagos next year, finances permitting.
Interested to know if anyone else here has changed career relatively late on, and if so how easy/hard did you find it? I want to do some voluntary work but can't commit to anything until I know what my longer term plans are going to be.
Try and not feel isolated. I have joined different clubs such as U3A, Heritage Society and the British Legion. It gives me that umph to get out of the house. My bike has sat in my shed for the past 2 years but am going to get it out and see how I get on, knee willing.
I do have a dog and get to talk to other dog walkers.
You seem to have some lovely countryside around you. We have canals and I love taking the dog for a walk along those mostly on my own, chatting to myself, in my head of course.
I too like to make friends so hopefully if you still come on here we can have a chat again.
Have you thought about using an electric bike. They are pedal assisted rather than mopeds. If you are struggling with your knees this would be ideal for you.Lots of people think that you don't get the same benefits as from cycling on a normal pushbike but that isn't so. The pedal assist will allow you to cycle further, faster and easier without putting stress on your body. Of course you can always switch the assist off and use it as a normal bike as well and only get the assistance on hills or if you get tired. Electric bikes are the fastest growing sector in the cycling market. Many people think these bikes are for oldies but they are not. Many young people use them for commuting or downhill mountain biking. The Monsal Trail in The Peak District have them as part of their hire fleet so why not give it a go next time you are in the area. Most bike shops have demo models as well which you can take out for a test. I used to work for a bike company and I can tell you that everyone who tried an ebike at any event we attended absolutely loved them and said they were the best fun ever.
Hopefully would be good to make friends on here and have a chat.
I am a widower living alone in the North East of England (Stockton on Tees).
I am a retired Musical Director and Pianist with lots of time on my hands, would love to meet new friends.
If you would like a chat, get in touch.
Rich.
but true. I've just come out of hospital after a viral infection but OK now.
I did a bit of care work myself, when I was a student, it was probably the worst kind of work I ever did, some of the oldies were so rude, unpleasant and smelly!
I have never been to Coventry, what's it like, have you got lots of 'cultural enrichers' like in Birmingham?
I'm new like you just joined. I feel to contact you as we have something in common. I have lost my husband of 46 years last May. I do now how you feel although you sound much younger just a guess. Lonely life is not healthy for no one regardless of their age. You don't say where you live? I hope you can start to get out and about. That's what I did. Trust me it helps.
Regards
I read a lot around the subject and found a wonderful book called life lessons. It,s by Kubler Ross and Kesler. And is about peoples approach to grief and the different ways they manage.
I remember well the loneliness despite the fact I had lots of support. Be kind to yourself and realise this is a process and you will emerge. You will see joy again but it takes time. You and only you will know when that time starts to appear again.
Until then find delight in small things. For me it was poetry and the countryside but whatever takes your fancy.
You have made a great start reaching out so far.
Sending sunshine and rainbows to lighten your way.
just joined too began to realise around Xmas who alone I was becoming wasn't expecting that! I am lucky that I have two very supportive children who live close by but I really don't want to burden them.I don't have a partner either have tried dating sites not really the answer is it? I have various crafty type hobbies again hard to know where to start to find like minded folk