Just joined so I'm introducing myself.
Watch this postI will be 67 next month and retired from the many different jobs in my working life. I guess that I didn’t ever find my calling. I went to university at age 59 but when it was over it was too late to launch a new career. I wanted to lecture but students don’t want to listen to old fogies, so sadly I put aside that idea and settled into life as an eccentric dog owner.
I live in a beautiful Lancashire valley surrounded by hills that demand they be walked/climbed, how could I refuse?
I would like to do a bit of cycle touring but a recent diagnosis of spondylosis and some hip pain means that I may not be doing a world tour anytime soon!
I’m keen to make some friends as I have been on my own for a very long time now, my daughters don’t bother much with me and I don’t have a partner.I didn’t expect to be so isolated at this time in my life, isn’t it strange the way family and friends seem to forget us when we get past 60?
I will pop in regularly and hope to strike up some friendships.
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I'm feeling a bit isolated as my husband and I are both shielding (in my case, I'm not totally sure why) and working at home. I do go out with the dog and the very occasional visit to the shop, but it's all becoming a bit boring now. Seems to be very little to watch on the TV, although I'm not really a TV buff at the best of times, so just finding it all a bit heavy going sometimes.
Will leave my introduction at that for now and maybe just take it as it comes.
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We need something to look forward to I think. As you say spending so much time at home as well as working from home can become a bit too much 'same old!'
You say you are shielding, do you feel you want to go out more? Maybe you can agree to meet people socially distanced in their gardens? or for a walk.
There isn't much on the TV I agree. I do not overdo the TV either but there is nothing new at the moment. There has been a recent new series of Long lost family if you like that?
Are you in the south or north of the UK?
I would like to interject here as there appears to be confusion between 'social-distancing' and 'shielding' and a distinction needs to be made.
For those unaware of what a letter from the NHS Foundation Trust looks like, sent out by the instruction from the Government.
Excerpts taken from a second letter reads:-
"Now is not the time to become complacent and relax. The (South West) has been relatively spared in this first wave of coronavirus infection but it is expected that this will not remain the case.
With the government announcement of phased lockdown release, it appears that you could start to a more normal life; however this is definitely not the case for those with long term conditions such as .............. .............
In fact as lockdown measures are relaxed for the general population the risk of infection will increase to shielded patients.
It is therefore imperative that you continue to shield.
1. Do not rlkea e your house u less absolutely necessary.
2. Do not attend any gatherings. This includes gatherings of friends and families in private spaces, for example family homes... etc
3. Strictly avoid contact with someone displaying symptoms of coronavirus.....etc etc..
The Government is currently advising people to shield, and while regularly monitoring this position the period is likely to be extended."
PLEASE continue to be diligent if shielding.
Social-distancing is an entirely different thing.
Shielding people don't have this option.
From 6th July, we are allowed to relax a bit and meet up to 6 friends outdoors/go for a walk etc., and are allowed a "bubble" with one other household. Then from 1st August, we have to go to strict social distancing & limit contact as soon as possible - but can go to work!
I do (and have been) walking the dog as we live quite rurally and it's easy to stay away from other people. My husband can't really even do this though, as has terminal cancer so is pretty much housebound - although he is now allowed to go the hospital.
Bees
There is some individual risk assessment taking place I think within the rules. Some are more cautious than they have to be. It is up to the individual.
Have a good day.
It's a bit different in my husband's case as he has no immune system and his condition is very serious so he hasn't left the house at all. Since restrictions were lifted, however, we have allowed his best friend to come into the house and classify that as our "bubble". Whilst a little premature, we have no way of knowing how much time he has left 🙁 If the weather is nice, they sit in the garden but I can't expect them to do that if it's throwing it down,
So it's a case of being sensible to your circumstances as individual people will have different levels of necessity. In my case, I think it was to make it easier to insist on working at home, although it wasn't necessary in any event, as my employer managed to get set up for all of us to do that, regardless of vulnerabilities. It's only now that they are giving a limited amount of people the option to return to the office if their individual circumstances - which can include mental wellbeing - make working at home difficult. But it's taken 4 months to reach that point. Personally, I won't be returning before the end of the year at the earliest, I wouldn't have thought.
I can see your dilemmas. Everyone has a unique situation and you have to weigh everything up. I am sorry to hear your husband is so poorly. Your decision to have some company in a bubble for your husband sounds like it would benefit him especially as it can be in the garden at the moment too and you can make the most of having the summer while we have it. Maybe you working from home has been more protective for your husband too as well as yourself and others. The advice was always work from home if you can, wasn’t it and it is now starting to shift a bit this month (for the economy and as well for some people’s mental wellbeing as some are more affected by it than others). We all need some balance though and at least you can get out to walk the dog and get some exercise too. Yes it is still a case of being sensible. Do you like gardening?
Bless you
Don't give up.
I have been a member here now for the best part of three minutes so thought it was about time I left a message. Pity that I can't think of anything interesting to say, but i guess that good manners dictate that I should introduce myself. I am not sure how we deal with real names here so will leave that for now, but I am a single man living in Gateshead who will turn 60 in two days time. I am happy with my lot, but also maybe considering a little bit of a reboot.
Looking forward to meeting you all.
Lovely to hear from you. I had a good day on my birthday (just quiet drinks with my brother and sister) and a few days off work either side, which was nice.
In Gateshead the weather is drizzly.....always!!!.....I quite like it really.
Take care and keep in touch. it would be nice to know more about you.
Bob
Can you claim on council tax ?