MustangGal, I too eat alone sometimes, most times actually when dining out, but I always carry a good book and that works out nicely for me. I do however enjoy the company of others especially when dining. I learned along time ago to stop fretting over the little stuff, things i can't really change and just ernjoy the tjhings I can. I know women suffering with diseases and they can't enjoy any part of living due to fear, medical procedures and constant pain. This helps me to appreciate the fact that I still have choices. I pray I will alwys have choices and health enough to enjoy them. I thank God daily and smile alot..

Chatty, I too usually take reading material to restaurants. This is a habit from my younger days overseas where I'd either read my mail or a book at the NCO club along w/ a beer and free food! Also, after 45 hours a week @ work, travel time, night school and chores, I rather like the time alone. You're right, I need to let the little things slide . . .

MustangGal,

I have always been ok eating alone. I'll take a book to read until the food comes and that's fine. I have never liked to go to the movies alone. I have friends who are just the opposite.

I'm glad you have your horse. What a great stress reliever. I was always lonely at Church by myself. I think I missed my girls. When they were little I was always so busy holding them and petting them to keep them quiet and that cuddling was part of the sacredness of it for me.

My husband and I are usually out on the weekends, and I found myself noticing something, over the past one...I began taking note of how many folks our age, (I'm 55, hubby is 60) I saw out and about. I set my mind to the task, to the point of taking quick peeks into vehicles at stoplights. Saturday we did a couple of malls, hitting the sales, had lunch and dinner out, took in a movie, didn't arrive home until after eleven p.m. What I found that made an impression on me, was there just weren't that many mature people amongst the crowds in the public places we visited.

This past weekend was not the first time I had noticed this phenomenon. It's something I've been made aware of on numerous occasions.

I'm beginning to wonder if becoming overly reclusive might not be something that we need consciously monitor, as we age. Becoming housebound, living somewhat detached from the world at large, I would think, could become detrimental to our well being. I'm fully aware that we do, we will, slow down, as we accumulate the years, and many of us will experience health and physical problems that will limit our excursions. I think it's exactly because of this fact, that I would urge mature folks to get out there, while the getting is good!

www.intouchwithjeannine.com

Jeannine,

In my opinion, I think it would take more than one weekend to make this assumption. There are so many variables involved. Economics, transportation, company, health issues, yada...yada...yada.

One thing to consider is that it was a holiday weekend and lots of people had cookouts, family gatherings, etc...and so this particular weekend might not have been the best one to make observances as people weren't possibly "out and about."

But on the other hand, I think you have a good point in that we need to be aware IF the signs are there we're becoming WITHDRAWN. To me, being reclusive is a matter of choice as I've stated previously, and shouldn't be made to sound like a bad thing by society's rules. However, withdrawing from family, friends, and fun, is another matter entirely and I agree that some of this does come with age.

I would like to add to the mix that lots of us "singles" don't have the funds to go "out" and mix all the time, or enjoy as many outtings. It's not a matter of being reclusive, but a matter of economics.

Thus, the vairables..I think the title of this post is misleading (although I don't know what other nomenclature you would use) and makes a blanket assumption that people who CHOOSE to be alone are somehow dysfunctional. K know I am, but it has nothing to do with being reclusive. HA!

JawJaw,

This lack of peers about me, while out, is something I've noticed for the last couple of years.

I'm certain economics play a part in the total scheme of things, but, even on outings to places free of charge, such as parks, exhibits at the local civic center, the seasonal fairs and festivals, I just don't see many mature folks. I just find it odd, considering we are supposedly becoming the majority, as to population. Therefore, you would think we would be a bit more publicly visible.

And girl, I agree absolutely, there is nothing wrong with wanting a bit of peace and solitude, and living your life in that manner. I raised two girls, and there were years when I'd have given anything for just one solid week of nothing going on, and no one running in and out!


www.intouchwithjeannine.com

I know you have made me aware of the situation from your observance and from now on, I'll be counting them myself. Good idea! Why don't we ALL do this and let's see if we're shrinking, socially? Want to?

And you are so right about raising the kids. I raised two boys and it wasn't that they were around so much but the fact that they weren't. I had to watch them every minute, and have eyes literally in the back of my head. They WILL try anything.

I can speak for everyone, naturally, but I can only say that as a single-boomer, I probably do less than most. My reasons are economical, as stated, but again I think a lot of it has to do with the kind of work I do (freelance). I just about work 7 days a week and don't have a lot of time to get out and have fun...although I think my work is fun.

Boomers are younger looking than previous generations - maybe you mistook some boomers to be younger than they are. he-he-he

I think some of us become more reclusive because of situations like Mustang Gal. I've had so many bad experiences with people being ugly, I'd just as soon not socialize sometimes. But when you allow the creepy people to affect your life that much - they win.

Well maybe you all need to come out to Vegas as most of the cars on the roads contain Boomers, either 4/5 women, or men going golfing or couples out and about. This is a retirement town and the Casinos are filled to the brim with Seniors, the shows, the restaurants etc. No shortage of silver heads are seen here. On Labor day the 2 olympic size pools in the resort I live in were filled with lumpy or should I say fluffy men and women having the time of their lives in the water. Lots of grandkids here too. Also in towns not full of retiree's maybe the Seniors were hosting the family at their homes for a picnic or dinner. Some Seniors on very fixed incomes and struggling have to watch spending so make no unnecessary trips with gas prices so high. I looked up the words Recluse and Reclusive and the meanings are all so depressing and I don't believe thats the case with most Seniors...Plus MustangGal is right people just aren't lke they use to be, friendly!!!

I haven't really noticed a shortage of boomers or seniors out and about in my area neither. They are everywhere! And as far as the seniors go.....you better get out of there way when they have their sight on something. They'll knock ya down to get a closer look at a handmade quilt at a craft fair! No rockin' chair folks here!