As we get older, our roles and relationships change. Some of us have retired from full-time work only to find out that our familiar friends are scattered all over the world.

These days, it seems rare that we find ourselves living close to our family and years can pass before we are able to connect in person. Our children are building their own amazing lives and we are losing childhood friends.

Of course, the technology to stay in touch gets better every year. But, despite our best efforts to find quality relationships and create a network of close friends, we sometimes find ourselves alone or feeling lonely.

Do You Feel Lonely, Even When You Are Not Alone?

It’s important to remember that there is a big difference between being alone and feeling lonely. Many women celebrate and embrace their solitude and love their own company. If you love being alone, enjoy that feeling and thrive. But, if you occasionally have a need for the energy of other people and the intimacy of a relationship, what can you do?

Well, you can take action. Go to a café or shop, put down your mobile phone and start a conversation with someone! Or, go online to look for a closer relationship. There are so many ways to meet new people if we are willing to accept the risk of being hurt. If you are looking to make new friends after 60, the following articles are a great place to start:

How to Find Friends and Fight Loneliness After 60

How to Deal with Loneliness in Retirement – Interview with Dr. Dale Atkins

You are Not Alone! 6 Ways to Deal with Loneliness and Depression After 60

Check out our full article series on the issue of loneliness.

Personally, I find nature to be a wonderful friend and an antidote to my occasional feelings of loneliness. I also love music and will often walk to the lake near my home, put on my headphones and just appreciate this amazing gift of life that I have been given. This usually cheers me up enough to phone a friend for a coffee or to even start a conversation with a person sitting beside me on the park bench.

I have made some really great contacts simply by reaching out to another person who is also alone and perhaps feeling lonely. We are all on our own journey and sometimes we can help each other by just by reaching out.

What do you do when you are feeling a little lonely? Where do you go? Have you noticed certain days, situations or anniversaries that tend to bring on feelings of loneliness? Please leave your comments below.