It is a tragedy, but the fact is that in most modern societies, especially in the USA, the aged people are thoroughly marginalized in society. The local social norms span the scope of cross-age socializing.
An unfathomable generation gap prevents senior citizens from approaching the younger citizens with their ideas because young people treat them as if their views have become utterly irrelevant to society.
There are many older people who just cannot accept the fact that workplace friendships did not survive even the farewell party.
There are many cases where loneliness is often self-imposed. This is due to the persons strange, mixed-up ego around the rest of the society, and many people tend to live in a shell of loneliness.
Most of the psychologists hold that this strange tendency to cut themselves off the society results from their unrealistic expectations of relationships that never match the reality.
These loners often tend to be too demanding of their near ones. Their expectations know no logic. They tend to live inside a world of misunderstanding created by themselves, and tend to think that nobody cares for them.
This person does nothing because in his state of loneliness he feels that since others do not want him, he would reject them, too.
In their subconscious mind, these old people crave company, but consciously they terminate every opportunity to extend friendship or companionship that comes their way.
This is a stage where the people start to live on the fringes of life, a stage where they become grossly indifferent towards life. They no longer feel any stake in society and they merely watch on what is going on outside of themselves.
Never allow this stage to come into your life. Loneliness is a kind of disability, and it is as debilitating as any physical disorder.
The moment you start imposing loneliness upon yourself, your chances of taking part in the normal goings-on of life become restricted. You can hardly enter into, or continue with, any relationship, and you stop taking part in the fulfilling opportunities of life.
So come out of your shell and take initiatives. Step out and discover lots of fun waiting in the outside world just for you! Here are some tips to find them.
First of all, try to be a bit more social. Socialization is a goal-oriented activity that provides you the opportunity of being with other like-minded people.
Because you share common interests, you will find enjoyment in each other’s company. You can confide in each other and can work together towards common goals.
But you cannot suddenly go around and start a conversation with a stranger for the sake of socializing. You can take a course, take part in a workshop, or become a member of a club.
Also, you can simply continue with a childhood hobby that will provide you with an opportunity to interact with a large group of people of various age groups.
There may be problem if you are not all that efficient in the art of socializing. Joining a toastmasters club can serve both the purposes – on the one hand it will help you to work on your socializing skills, on the other hand it will help you to be a part of a group activity.
For senior people, Church provides a meeting ground of the people with similar backgrounds and experiences. You will also get chances to be associated with certain types of social work that will not only distract you from your negative emotions, but will also let you come closer to many other people torn by pains and hardships that will help you to forget your own.
So come out of your shell and you will soon find thousands of helping hands waiting out there eagerly to provide you support at the time you need it.
