If you’re single, how often do you see people?

I’m widowed live alone I don’t mind my own company but I see family often, i walk everyday often with a dog walking neighbour. It’s usually a meet up with family for lunch or a day out a lot of friends have died in the last few years. I’m happy to be at home reading or pottering in the garden. It’s ok to be happy in your own company.

I'm 75 and I spend 95% of my life on my own, I can get lonely but I think I'm used to it . Most of my friends have moved away or no longer in touch . I see one friend weekly , volunteer one day a week, church on a sunday eve and then I'm alone. Sometimes I think I'll go to an event and other times I just can't be bothered . I spend a lot of time in my home and little garden. I would have liked my life to be different but it is what it is . Sometimes I think I'm just " waiting for God "

I live alone and like it. Most of the time, that is. I do get lonely days. I see my family regularly, thank goodness. Friends less often. - Most of them have died or are ill anyway.
To sum up, I would say that, although I like living alone, it's vital to have some social interaction or else depression sets in.

LaCrepescule, becoming introverted is very much part of becoming old, withdrawing into oneself and not relying on others for our entertainment. Life can become more simple, simple food, simple hobbies and simple treats

To see people, go for a walk and say good morning to anyone who looks friendly. Go on a bus, sit next to a stranger who looks homely and friendly, a conversation can soon happen

These are your choices driven by you. Personally I love my own company, I did recently get an allotment and there are always people to see or not, a quick good morning will suffice

Being alone can be a gift

I enjoy living alone. I see people enough to ward off loneliness. I live near a country park and have got to know many of the dog walkers. This morning I met five who all stopped for a chat.
My family doesn't live close but keep in touch regularly. I meet up with a group of friends every so often too.
I think I have always been quite happy on my own.

Interesting what Karmalady says about when people get older they sometimes want less company. In the last few months this is what has happened to a friend of mine. I don’t know if this is due to them getting older, or may be some low mood (which they have had for a few years on and off) or some lack of confidence and increasingly feeling vulnerable or a bit of. It’s. Does any of this apply to you OP?

I’ve been over to see my stepfather today (92) and had a cuppa. Stayed for an hour then got the bus home. He was in fine spirits. Says good morning to his neighbours if he sees them. Doesn’t go to his cub any more. A neighbour called yesterday with some home baked scones for him and he speak with his (99) year old brother every Sunday evening. We’ve arranged to go out on Sunday for lunch which we do try to arrange every week if we can. I think he’s a bit lonely since my mum died 7 years ago but he never complains, bless him. He doesn’t have any hobbies but watches a bit of tv (not much) reads the newspaper and does the crossword, potters, does his own laundry. We take him shopping. It seems a ‘small life’ but on the whole he seems content. No health concerns make a big difference.

Hardly see anyone unless I go for a walk. Not like having someone to talk to though. Do see family now & then but they have work & family life. A friend visits every 2-3 weeks & have a nice neighbour but as you get older sadly lose some friends. Lost three in last few years. Have my little cat so not alone as he is good company. May be lonely old age sometimes but it definitely beats the alternative!

Widowed nine years ago, I live alone, DD in the south and DS over twenty five miles away. DD in touch nearly every day and I visit her regularly.
I’m not a homebody and am out most days, music club, folk clubs and performances.
I only felt loneliness creeping on as winter wore on and gadding about in the cold wasn’t so attractive.
Oh forgot my little cat!

I have days when I don’t see anyone as although I hsve carers coming in for house cleaning and shopping I don’t have them every day. I have three children, a daughter I rarely see, she did call on Mother’s Day and that was the first visit since Christmas Day as she is very busy, incidentally she lives about 3 miles from me. My eldest son lives 60 miles away, I see him perhaps 3 or 4 times a year he also has a very busy life and occasionally he seems to recall my phone number so I’m always pleased to hear from him. My youngest son has been estranged for 4 years now, and I am heartbroken ss I saw him and his family all the time. A total misunderstanding over my husbsnd, his dad, going into a nursing home, he wouldn’t visit him and has never forgiven me.
I also have 8 adult grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren, the youngest of which I hsve just seen which was lovely.
I have very few friends left as when you get to nearly 88 years age which I am, sadly they all seem to die, I lost seven last years very old friends they were too.
I have a younger friend who is very kind, she calls every Friday afternoon and brings a cream cake and any problems I have she deals with them,
I’m not grumbling, I understand life is busy, I know I was once but I always found time for my mother. If only was able to go out. even into the garden I might not feel so frustrated but I’m alive, I have my IPad and the TV and of course Gransnet to keep me entertained.

Thank you all for your lovely posts. It’s so interesting to hear about other people’s lives.
Circumstances change but I think we’ve all adapted well. And you all sound like the type of women I’d like to have a coffee with! For me, it’s all about getting the right balance between solitude and connection. I need both or don’t feel quite right. I do feel however that if I do too much socially my social battery needs a good recharge and that means time on my own.
I do feel for those who don’t see much of their families. I only have one daughter (and no GC yet) but we’re very close and I see a lot of her. I’m very lucky.

I’m very similar, Crepuscule. I’m a natural introvert who loves my own company but can quickly suffer if I don’t see people most days! Winter is hard for me as I hate the cold and dark days, with even less energy to be active and sociable. I have family commitments which force me out of the house a couple of days a week, which helps.

Celieanne86💐💕

75 and single ; haven’t seen or spoken to a soul in weeks

Oh grannylynj I am sorry to hear that. I, too, am single, an only child,and although I have children and grandchildren ( some near, some far away) I am mindful of their time together.
So, yes, there are many days when I see and speak to no one, and weekends when my only conversation is in church on Sunday morning.
I do have more social days - volunteering, childcare, exercise class, groups etc but there are plenty of alone days, too. I try to fill them with crafts and domestic activities to keep a balance in my life.

It’s more difficult since I lost my car😐

I am in my 80 s and live alone, but my Son or Daughter in Law telephone when they are not able to visit that day.
just to check that I am OK. They also visit at weekends and Son gets the lawns mowed for me.
They wanted me to move home after my Husband died,so I did that.

I have lived by myself for about thirty years. Love it. Am able to be as selfish as I like with regards as to what tv I watch. meals I eat and when, etc. etc.#

BUT do enjoy talking with other people. Thanks to organisations like u3a, I have somewhere to go locally, to meet up with people most days each week.

This gives me the best of both worlds.

Celieanne, I am so sorry your family are all so busy. I too am estranged but when I saw your post and that your son had estranged you at the most difficult period for you and dh I felt so sad he could do that. Glad you have a friend that visits every week and other family that care.