Anyone else worry about getting old/sick when they're alone?

[Fatfreefatball]

Sorry for the depressing post, but prompted by my DP getting recently diagnosed with a serious condition which is improvable with meds but might affect his lifespan.

I have no kids and no siblings. If DP dies first there is no one there for me apart from a close friend who has proved less than supportive during the current crisis. Loneliness and depression could be a problem. Do you worry about this scenario and do you have any plans for the future? I have thought about those retirement villages but they are shockingly expensive. Maybe a commune type arrangement with older ladies sharing a property? Or even a lodger?

When DP was in hospital I thought to myself that there would be nobody to support me if I were alone in that position. I do worry about this but try to live in the present. I suppose I could always drink myself to death if I live to my eighties 😂.

Yes, I do. Have grown up stepchild but very much has their own life and my DH is 13yrs older than me with serious health conditions. I do have good friends but its not the same. Kind of scary and does sometimes wake me up at night.

I'm already alone with no children or siblings. While I do sometimes wonder what will happen in the future (I'm 67) I don't let it consume my life and just hope that everything works out okay. I don't have enough money to buy into a retirement village (I rent) and while I do have an exDH who is very good he doesn't live in the same town. I certainly don't worry about loneliness or depression however as I am more than happy living alone and plan to continue doing so as long as I can.

No, I've seen plenty of people without children alone and plenty without children or with children who live away or go no contact not being alone. Added to that alone doesn't mean lonely and there are plenty of way to counteract it, your op has some great ideas. It's good you're thinking about it now so you can put those things on place.

Sorry to hear about your DP, that sounds like an awful situation to be in and I wish you the best.

No. I have an exit plan that will work should I become that unwell. Minor illnesses- I’ve always dealt with them myself right up to and including a radical hysterectomy. DH was not the most practical or reliable around illness!
if all that fails, I have an excellently written poa and a friend who will ensure my wishes are adhered to.