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Good! I think "Aging Alone" without a spouse or children spells it out pretty well, and sometimes apparently things have to be spelled out. Even then, some simply won't grasp this concept of "alone" and will try to apply it to their non-alone selves.
Good! I think "Aging Alone" without a spouse or children spells it out pretty well, and sometimes apparently things have to be spelled out. Even then, some simply won't grasp this concept of "alone" and will try to apply it to their non-alone selves.
Good! I think "Aging Alone" without a spouse or children spells it out pretty well, and sometimes apparently things have to be spelled out. Even then, some simply won't grasp this concept of "alone" and will try to apply it to their non-alone selves.
I got banned from that group for posting things of a political nature. Because it's considered political now for senior citizens to want to discuss potential cuts to Medicare and Social Security.
And I found it ironic that many, if not most, of the members weren't orphans at all, but had grown children.
I read that social security funding will run out in 2028 and so will Medicare. What???
The different definitions of "elder orphans" proposed in this thread are interesting. According to the strictest definition, I am not one because I still have someone to enter on the "next of kin" line, namely my sister who lives in Little Rock, Arkansas. She and I get along well and enjoy each other's company when we get together every couple of years, but she has a full-time job (even at age 70!) and two young grandchildren. Therefore, I do not count on her - at that distance and in that situation - to be of any help to me in the event of need. And I wouldn't want to impose on her for help anyway.
I consider myself an elder orphan. Divorced, no kids, don't know if ex-wife is even still alive. I had no kids by choice, in full knowledge that I could possibly end up very much alone in extreme old age and the picture could be grim. But I wouldn't do it any differently if I had it to do over again. I have lived the life I wanted to live - full and active and interesting. I still have friends, and I have no trouble living alone at age 73 - no more trouble than I had in my early 20's before I got married. But I do not know the future. Whatever happens will happen.
But you still have someone who can take care of healthcare directives and burial arrangements. An elder orphan has nobody to do those things so it falls upon either government or lawyers or an assigned person who
is probably getting paid to do that,
I'm wondering if there is a specific group for retiring elder orphans wishing to locate from the city to rural areas. I'm still working part-time but have been researching places to move that are less expensive than the city. I am a female who thought I might find a new relationship in my 60s but now I am wary of dating because most elderly men are seeking either "a nurse or a purse" and I've already been a caregiver to both my mother and father and don't want to care for another soul--it's me time now and I just want to remain healthy, active, and living solo for as long as possible.
As for the pet situation... If you don't have friends or family that you are SURE (many people think they're SURE , and those poor animals end up suffering in shelters) will care for your pets as their own after you no longer can, I recommend making arrangements for them to be humanely euthanized if anything happens to their home and owner. Believe me, having long been familiar with shelters and rescues, a quick and painless death(especially for seniors) isn't the worst thing that can happen to them. Feeling alone, afraid, confused, and bereft in a strange, noisy cage or cell - separated from the only happiness and security they've known - to suffer or, worse, be adopted to a negligent or abuser owner - is worse.
I was always afraid of leaving my dog behind if I passed on before her. My 15-year old dog died last month and I am considering adopting another dog in a year from now because dogs are a great joy in my life. However, I plan on adopting a dog around four years old because I am 65 and I don't want my dog to outlive me. I think it is important to make plans for your dog's care if you should pass before the dog does. The last rescue I adopted had me sign a contract saying I would give the dog back if I could not care for her any longer so
that is probably what I would do if I was unable to care for my next dog.
I'm wondering if there is a specific group for retiring elder orphans wishing to locate from the city to rural areas. I'm still working part-time but have been researching places to move that are less expensive than the city. I am a female who thought I might find a new relationship in my 60s but now I am wary of dating because most elderly men are seeking either "a nurse or a purse" and I've already been a caregiver to both my mother and father and don't want to care for another soul--it's me time now and I just want to remain healthy, active, and living solo for as long as possible.
Rural areas are sorely lacking in healthcare. I would never recommend someone retire to a rural area even if they didn't have any health issues. Health issues come out of nowhere. Many rural communities don't have any healthcare facilities. Specialists can be a few hours drive away. Hospital 2 hours away. I currently live in a rural area and now that I have medical needs I want to move to the suburbs to be much closer to healthcare facilities.
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