Think Then Call or Write

Maybe we older adults should adopt the motto "Think, Then Call or Write".  I spoke to an 87-year-old woman recently who is very lonely and quite depressed about her loneliness.  We talked for quite awhile about what is going on in her life.  What is different for her, and fortunately so, is that she is healthy and able to get around.  Many other older adults of that age that I come into contact with are homebound, or go out only for doctors visits or for other medical reasons.  This woman is financially in a good place and does not have to be concerned about money, as many older adults do. Her mind is strong.  In significant ways, she is fortunate.

But her loneliness is real, and her pain cannot be ignored.  I have been thinking about her because she is an example of the emotional and social predicament of many older people.  She is invisible. When we got onto the topic of politics, she really came alive.  She has very strong political opinions, but sees no outlet for expressing them.  We talked about starting with her City Council representative.  Or, are there local groups that provide a place for her to engage in political activism? (Do these groups reach out to adults her age?)

I asked her if she uses a computer.  She does not.  The whole process of getting a computer and maintaining it seems out of reach.  Who can assist? 

My point is that this woman Thinks, but she cannot bring herself to Call or Write. This is a great loss to her and to the political environment that languishes because so many people "don't have time" to participate in democracy.  She has the time, but lacks the opportunity.