Among Friends

[withaK]

Yes.....I am a homebody....when I out there's day I force myself to be be chatty and friendly but I prefer my own four walls

[katie1859]

At 66 I’m moderately extroverted but as of the last year I find myself pulling back
Days move fine between pt work and home.
I have things to keep me occupied
Reading, writing cards and communications, walking the dog, spending time with grandchildren
However, I just don’t really want to participate much anymore
I live in a large suburb of metro Chicago
And when I'm out it’s seems anxious
Example:
A beautiful day here walking in the neighborhood and a service truck with a man screaming and swearing out loud with no one physically near him
Two hours later, sirens and police cars flying down a major busy street
As a nearby bank bear robbed
I think for me on this post my extrovert self has become anxious and my healing place is my home 🏠

[Addie2118]

My family sort of began in Canada. You would love Vancouver and Montreal. 

[Sooner]

I am an outgoing person.  But also don't like attending events as I had to do when working for both my job and hubbies.

And I am so sick of hearing and reading about if you don't have a lot of friends, go out all the time, join in groups, etc. I will be feeble, unhappy, mentally and physically ill and probably go to ****** besides!  

[smoochy]

I have pulled back from all but absolutely necessary outings-medical appts etc. From what I've seen and heard, this is not unusual for old people. DH and I go out to eat once or twice a week. That's about as much social activity as I can handle these days. Very different from my younger years raising kids, working, all the social activities that go along with that season of life.

Past few weeks I have really become a hermit due to my new back problem. Hoping it can be resolved pretty soon so I can upgrade from hermit to recluse, lol 😉😊

[Beammeupscotty]

---

@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

@sarahpanda   @drizzellla 

I haven't read every post, but some of this is about "momentum".

Back in the day, I had to be somewhere, usually around 9 am or so.  There was an URGENCY, and that often catapulted me to get ready with an eye on the clock, and get out the door to get going with my day.

Can anyone relate?

Now, I'm retired, and I only have to be somewhere when I have an actual appointment.

If I want to go to Target, I don't have to be there by a certain time.    Heck, I can just go to Target tomorrow if I don't get around to getting out the door today.  No biggie.

One more thing ... getting ready to go out just seems like a lot more trouble than it did years ago.  I have no idea why.

---

I REALLY relate to this post.  I don't like having to BE at a certain place at a certain time.  Also, we used to love to travel by car.  I can't sit in a car that long anymore. And as for flying, my last plane ride will always be my last.  

I still go to church and we eat out about once a week.  We traveled a lot early in our marriage and I enjoyed it.  Don't have a desire to do it anymore

[smoochy]

---

@Beammeupscotty wrote:

---

@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

@sarahpanda   @drizzellla 

I haven't read every post, but some of this is about "momentum".

Back in the day, I had to be somewhere, usually around 9 am or so.  There was an URGENCY, and that often catapulted me to get ready with an eye on the clock, and get out the door to get going with my day.

Can anyone relate?

Now, I'm retired, and I only have to be somewhere when I have an actual appointment.

If I want to go to Target, I don't have to be there by a certain time.    Heck, I can just go to Target tomorrow if I don't get around to getting out the door today.  No biggie.

One more thing ... getting ready to go out just seems like a lot more trouble than it did years ago.  I have no idea why.

---

I REALLY relate to this post.  I don't like having to BE at a certain place at a certain time.  Also, we used to love to travel by car.  I can't sit in a car that long anymore. And as for flying, my last plane ride will always be my last.  

I still go to church and we eat out about once a week.  We traveled a lot early in our marriage and I enjoyed it.  Don't have a desire to do it anymore

---

You and I are kindred spirits. yes to the travel issues. Yes to church and occasional eating out. Yes to not wanting to commit to a place and time. And its seems that many of us are this way in our senior years. 

Any thoughts on why??? Anyone?

[RetRN]

I think that as we age some of the things we used to enjoy start to lose some of their meaning or purpose. I believe it is a natural progression of life.

We slow down both mentally and physically, the 70's really are the beginning of this decline. JMO.

[Coastalcarolina]

I did all that.  Job, responsibilities, caring for parents.  One day I looked at my nails and just wanted to give myself a manicure.  Couldn't find time for me.

Exhaustion made me want to stay home and heal my body and soul.  I can totally relate.

[smoochy]

I'm no gerontologist but I believe you're onto something. After 70 was when my barbershop singing hobby began to feel like a chore. Also socializing in general. And at the same time, my health took a dive-new onset of major issues that now have to be managed. And my overall stamina really changed. I can handle one two outings in a day, but more than that is exhausting physically and mentally. When we visited my daughter in Thailand she had a three week agenda planned. 4, 5, 6 major activities a day. I thought i would keel over, haha. 

---

@RetRN wrote:

I think that as we age some of the things we used to enjoy start to lose some of their meaning or purpose. I believe it is a natural progression of life.

We slow down both mentally and physically, the 70's really are the beginning of this decline. JMO.

---