AlvaDeer: I think you've got something there about introverts enjoying the internet, and you're probably right about meeting online friends in person. (Fortunately, I'm not planning a trip to SanFran anytime soon. Ha!) I belonged to a wonderful online website called "Time Goes By" until the originator, Ronni Bennett, died of pancreatic cancer 3 years ago. She had been a producer for Barbara Walters and was an excellent writer and researcher. There was an appointed replacement, but she vanished so the site did, too. I still miss my "TGB" friends.
You should consider joining a Toastmaasters Club; many, like mine, have Zoom options and you don't even have to be local to the area, as we have several regular attendees from Australia and China. We have one long time member over the age of 80, but a majority of the group is 60+.
Please look into it; I belong to the Waukesha chapter in Wisconsin. We'd love to have you! Check online or on their Facebook page for meeting details.
I was in Toastmasters for years and agree that it's a great option for senior citizens. However, few sought us out. They may not have known it was for them as well as younger people.
This might be a good time to reevaluate your living arrangements and consider moving to a more supportive environment, perhaps a seniors apartment or community that offers a continuing level of care. As to your question - most of the phone chat programs I've been able to find are all regional so their availability is going to depend on where you live, perhaps you local agency on aging will be able to help with that.
AARP Friendly Voice has trained volunteers who will have a warm conversation, hear your concerns and connect you to local services that can help. Call 888.291.0145 and leave a way and time you can be reached. A volunteer will call you back.
Please post if you try this and like it! Good luck.
Do you belong to a faith community? I do not, so am limited thereby. For me, I am a bit reclusive by nature, and to tell you the truth, family is about what I can handle. At 81 I am happy with solitaire, solitary trips to museum looking out the bus window. The little gardening I can still manage well, reading, sewing. Listening to podcast. Doing AC here and Facebook a bit. And increasingly having to proofread what I write takes up a bit of time!
I am content and this is enough. I can't know where YOU live? In my own city it is possible to get transit to lunch. Here it's free at On Lok with transit included if arranged. That isn't for me but those I know who go love it and get a good meal and a chat daily. They check their blood pressure if asked as a bonus!
I would check out community resources were I you. Call your local council on aging. Ask your doc if he has any suggestions. Check with faith based communities. My own library has films and also has Senior meetups, occ. crafts, help with tech problems, knitting classes.
I sure do wish you luck in finding something satisfying. It's so important. Or stick around HERE and answer questions. I guarantee it will eat hours out of your day and as a senior you have needed input. It's very engaging!
Agreed. Between this Forum, NextDoor and various cat websites, there's rarely a dull moment! I'm a lifelong introvert, as is my husband, so don't have a lot of need for social contact--enjoy being online though. Can't do a lot of the physical activities I used to do, but que sera sera. That's just part of getting old. (I'm not always this philosophical about it.)
I would wonder if you have a senior center that has bussing. This way you could be picked up and dropped off and be able to socialize in person. Maybe call and see if they know of a Zoom meeting. If u like to read, maybe a book club thru the library may have a zoom meeting. Churches zoom there services, maybe they have a Bible study.
Call your County office of aging to see what info they may have.
Please look into it; I belong to the Waukesha chapter in Wisconsin. We'd love to have you! Check online or on their Facebook page for meeting details.
Please post if you try this and like it! Good luck.
I am content and this is enough. I can't know where YOU live? In my own city it is possible to get transit to lunch. Here it's free at On Lok with transit included if arranged. That isn't for me but those I know who go love it and get a good meal and a chat daily. They check their blood pressure if asked as a bonus!
I would check out community resources were I you. Call your local council on aging. Ask your doc if he has any suggestions. Check with faith based communities.
My own library has films and also has Senior meetups, occ. crafts, help with tech problems, knitting classes.
I sure do wish you luck in finding something satisfying. It's so important.
Or stick around HERE and answer questions. I guarantee it will eat hours out of your day and as a senior you have needed input. It's very engaging!
Call your County office of aging to see what info they may have.