HOW TO BEAT LONELINESS AFTER THE AGE OF 50

There are so many lonely people in the world. But I am here to tell those of you who are in lonely marriages, living alone, divorced, or widowed…there are several ways of combating loneliness after 50. Ultimately, the solution lies within you.

Through Connections

I have found that the way to combat the feeling of loneliness is through connections. And, I do not necessarily mean with people. Of course, nothing is lovelier than the love between a man and a woman, a child and a parent and adult friends. Unfortunately, for some, these relationships are burdened with problems.

Back when my beloved pooch Orchid was with us, every day at 6 a.m., I would have to give her four pills. After each one, I would give her nose a kiss and tell her how much I loved her. Then, I would hug her and tell her that the pills would make her well. Darling, I felt overwhelmed with love as she stared up at me with her big black eyes, as if to say, “I understand.” We were loyal companions. I am engulfed in joy at the memory of her love and my love for her. When I think of love like ours, I am anything but lonely.

I Am Happy

As I walk into my living room, sit down at my computer, and stare out the windows to watch a magnificent sun rising in the East over the lake, I feel a strong and happy emotion as I watch the sun burst out of the lake. Darling, I am anything but lonely. I am captivated by this view. And, I am happy.

How To Beat Loneliness After 50

Dear readers, there are many ways to combat loneliness after 50. First and foremost, you have to put on your big girl panties and take positive action.

Buy a four-legged friend, pick up the phone and make a date with a person or persons you enjoy, take classes, join a church or synagogue, join a book club, talk about your loneliness to a best friend or professional, be friendly in a group, go on a group tour, reconnect with an old friend…or even join my private Facebook group, GRANDwomen with Moxie — Where Loneliness Disappears!

Clarify Your Purpose and Pursue It

Darling, you must clarify your purpose in life and then pursue it with a passion. Make sure you are not clinically depressed.

As well, I want you to realize you do not need a partner. I am remembering how lonely I felt when I lost my late husband. At the time, I lived in my beautiful Honolulu. Looking back twenty-seven years ago I remember how I began to heal. I surrounded myself with things I loved. A lanai filled with orchids. An apartment at the sea. And, a Koi pond filled with beautiful fish beneath my apartment, my daughter Jenny moved in, my dog at the time Mahalo, my favorite book, How to Survive the Loss of a Love, my four-mile walks each day with my pooch. I even had a romance with ‘time.’ Time heals and time became my friend.

When I was a little girl and lived in Kankakee by the Sea, at times, I felt lonely because I was in a minority. But, I played with my storybook dolls and wrote in my diary. Neither was human and yet they brought me joy and I was happy, not always lonely.

Bring Joy Into Your Life

As we age, we have time to think about what makes us tick. What arouses positive feelings for you? Bring more of that into your life!

I love to watch the sun come up, walk through my home and glance at my books and cherished gifts from family and friends, or look at photos of those I love, and smell fresh coffee brewing in my kitchen…

Darling, always be grateful for the good in your life and you will be happier and less lonely.

So, if you are feeling lonely because you are without a soul mate, latch onto other types of loves. Remember, loneliness is a state of mind that comes from forgetting what makes you content and happy.

Dear readers, how do you combat loneliness after 50? Let’s talk! I want so much to hear your opinions + feelings. I think we have a responsibility to share our wisdom, don’t you? Share yours either in the comments below or on Facebook and Instagram.