Aging and the Solace of Solitude: An Older Person’s Perspective on Avoiding People

[@peterbedford2610]

Yup. At 66, I find most conversations draining. A polite exchange is perfect.

[@rangeorge85051]

loneliness is complaining about being alone, solitude is loving being alone

[@Firedog53]

What a GREAT definition! And very true!

[@KatWoodland]

@rangeorge85051 Poetic 💚

[@bluwtrgypsy]

This resonates with me completely. When you love being alone, you love yourself.

[@krazmokramer]

I was thinking these same thoughts yesterday. Having retired several years ago from a 34 year dental career, and before that as a bartender/restaurant manager and DJ, I find that I really don't like being around people any more. No people = no hassles, IMO. I don't feel the least bit lonely, and am quite content spending my days with my rescued border collies and my newly rescued cat. For me, I got tired of being everyone's entertainment, or being the one to solve their problems. THANKS for this video! I now know I'm not the only senior who feels this way.

[@hotrox2112]

Touche'... Bartending & Hospitality can deem exhausting, hearing all the noise that it can harbour...

[@laurencoyote4]

I hiked the Grand Canyon South Rim to Phathom Ranch with 14 other people. As we descended into the canyon, I became weary of conversing with everyone. So I dropped back about 500 feet behind them and took in the grandeur of the canyon in silence. Instead of racing down the Kabad trail, I lingered in a profound quietude alone. It was heaven.

[@mtadams2009]

To be honest 14 people is way to many people to be hiking with at any age.

[@hotrox2112]

Good call, the equivalent of road less traveled, and taking in All the surroundings on the trail...

[@willblack5419]

65 and feel the same way. Best part of my day is a long morning walk with my dog, avoiding any other people.

[@hotrox2112]

What a great way to start the day...

[@YudronWangmo]

65 and also feel the same way. Favorite part of the day is watching the sunrise over the Sierras. Don't leave the house much.

[@CraigAnderson-h2h]

AT 78, this is no time to suffer fools gladly or pretend that most people aren't as stupid as they seem to be, they are!

[@jenhasken]

I finally figure that out with a long time friend, I kept giving her too much credit and finally realized we were at completely different levels of shall we say understanding and that would never change!

[@artieash6671]

And yet you communicate with us, at considerable trouble.

[@CraigAnderson-h2h]

@@artieash6671 This is not personal. I don't know you or anyone else on here. Its social sharing.

[@roypublic3269]

@@artieash6671 "Us?" Lines on a Blog?

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I'm too busy to waste time considering I am 78, healthy, no end to projects. I do some art work in my studio, often without the radio on. I drive my 1963 MGB frequently.

[@mattvaandering]

this is encouraging. I'm in my late 30s and usually enjoy being alone. I have come across many articles and videos etc. which claim (based on "studies") we are happiest when we age in a tight knit community. This has always troubled me, making me feel that I am destined for a depressing and lonely time later in life. I see myself in you, and feel heartened by your experience. thanks for sharing.

[@enough1494]

I am 67, have been a loner most of my life! As a child I got lost in the farm I grew up in. Became a widow with four little kids, never remarried! I travel and visit my kids. Love FaceTime and my dog! 🤣🙌😉

[@k.k.9897]

I have been a loner all my life. Never had kids. No living family. At 69 I am still a loner and life is good. You do you and you can be very happy. Don't let the " experts" sow doubts.

[@timothyj.bowlby5524]

Being able to think my own thoughts in peace and quiet. There's NOTHING better than that.

[@tina74166]

Couldn't agree more! Thank you for saying everything I wanted to say 🙂 Life is amazing as you live longer, if we make sure to do what makes us happy, and stop listening to others that tell us what we are suppose to be doing ~😍 Your video is much appreciated!

[@TerriblePerfection]

The profound pleasure of solitude has to be life's best-kept secret...and in nature there's truly nothing to talk about. 🍂🌱🍁

[@9liveslisa]

I totally get you! I've been retired for 8 years now and I have loved every single day of it. I like people, but I love my alone time. I'm never bored. I have lots of interests. I wish as a woman I felt comfortable hiking alone, but I don't. Enjoy all the beautiful scenery!

[@METALWERX]

I am only 56, however I am glad I am not the only one who values and understands your words.

[@mikef2571]

To simplify and keep my answer short, I say, "Ditto."

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks! : )

[@marlinweekley51]

“Ditto” now there’s a trigger word. Who else can smell that sweet ditto machine ink on the handout ther second grade teacher passed out? 😆

[@trickywoo5165]

Yep, “and then i grew 🆙”

[@pietwandelaar1743]

@@marlinweekley51 It wasn't the ink smell; rather, it was the smell of the methanol solvent used to make the ink soft enough to transfer to the paper as it passed through the ditto machine. One of those machines was still in use early in my teaching career. Still have a can of the solvent left over from when the machine was decommissioned 35 years ago.

[@TheNicestAssholeYouWillNvrMeet]

​@@GC-HikerI was done with the herd delusional mentality 5 years ago, couldn't be happier living OFF-THE-GRID 😉

[@jackfabulous758]

I was literally just telling my sister how much I dislike going into the public now. Good to know I am not alone. Thanks GC.

[@enough1494]

The golden years are best alone! 🙌🌹

[@skippylippy547]

Agreed. I was in the grocery store checkout line yesterday and a much younger woman behind me impatiently placed her items on the conveyor belt before I had a chance to get all my items on. She bumped into me during her haste. I turned around and graciously offered for her to go before me since she seemed to be in a hurry. She declined and from that moment on never made eye contact with me. Suddenly, it was as if I became invisible!

[@remlya]

“I was just telling my sister…” Nothing unclear about that. The word literally added nothing to the sentence.

[@gerrycoleman7290]

I chose a career of working in the outdoors as a soil scientist. Spent most of my career alone in a natural setting. Now I am skilled in understanding horses. I prefer to be with them rather than people. As my life begins to come to a close, perhaps I will find comfort in a good friend. But none have come my way.

[@tierrabear10]

💕🙏

[@mikejensen4238]

Boomer First Class here. I chose geology as my career after taking a couple of classes during my first year of college (1964-65). Wanted to be a prospector (oil, gold, whatever) in the mountains of South America. That part didn't work out but I had a rewarding career in the oil business here in the States. Lived modestly and saved my money. "Retired" (just quit, actually) in my early-50s, when I'd saved enough to get by comfortably but not lavishly. Now 78 years old and still going strong. No regrets.

[@angelgalindo5740]

For the longest time, I thought I was just an asshole for not pursuing social relationships like everyone else seemingly does naturally... lately, i just realized that most people just suck 😅 of course, I'm cordial with everyone (treat others as i would like to be treated, i guess) but I just don't see the value of greeting everyone at work every. single. day. Like, upon our first interaction, we acknowledged eachothers' existence, so why be so repetitive? Solace in solitude is a wonderful thing.

[@soulfools4093]

Amen brother!! My saying is "The more time I spend alone, the more I want to be alone."

[@KvichakSmith]

I’m retiring from a 45 year career as a chef/restaurant owner. Like the dentist said above….I’m tired of people. At first I thought there was something wrong with me. But after listening to your comments I’m not alone. Thanks I love hiking too! Alone! 😊

[@oldgeezerproductions]

Today I turn 79 and I too love to enjoy the beauty and geologic wonders of regions like the Colorado Plateau --- by myself. Tonight I'm treating lady friends to dinner at everyone's favorite historic steak house and it will be fun, but going home afterwards to unwind and be by myself will be a perfect ending.

[@donwyates]

I traveled as a nomad for a few years, and always preferred empty spaces, free of the chatter and noise associated with other people. I'd had more than enough during my working years, especially the last few. The birds and coyotes were much more satisfying. I did have some good conversations with a few nomads along the way, sometimes for hours at a time, but had a feeling it was going to be a long time until the next one. I prefer my own company. 😊

[@nelsonpagel2175]

You explained how some of us introverts feel. I enjoy "thinking" my own thoughts in solitude, no distractions, making my own observations and conclusions but having an open mind. I like the word "solitude" instead of "alone". Not always alone, independent thinkers, Know thyself.

[@annwe6]

That "How about you?" at the end was wonderfully ironic. Solo hiking along empty trails is by far and wide my happy place too. I'm pretty sure there are many more like us.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

I'm 75 and can talk the ears off of anyone but lately, I'd rather travel in my trailer or go off road camping solo. I keep it simple and don't bring the kitchen sink with me. The solace of the wilderness is really relaxing.

[@GC-Hiker]

I am with you. I find so much peace in retreating to nature. Thank you for your comment.

[@mplate1792]

I never cared for the one size fits all advice to work hard at maintaining friendships. I appreciate your words on the pleasures of solitude.

[@SophisticatedBob]

I'm 62, and retired at 60. I've always been a loner, so much so that I sold everything, left America, and moved to South America where I knew nobody, and couldn't speak the language. This was good video, I liked it.

[@enough1494]

Hey Bob! Me 2, I am in the US till Jan 4th, then headed to Guatemala and Nicaragua. Got a Lilly casita near Flores, but want to visit Nica again! Blessings! 🙌🤣🎄

[@bobnankervis9722]

For me, I grew tired of dealing with OPP (other peoples problems). I chose peace, quiet, and zero stress instead

[@user-ri2ee4qg7k]

Yep. Feel pretty much the same. What's different for me is that, in my own youth, I never really was much of a social person, nor the life of any party. Not so much "anti-social", and have had plenty of close relationships and been part of many groups/teams/crews/etc. and would do just fine in them. It's just that given the choice, I would generally choose being around less/no people over more. It's less a thing about avoiding people (though I definitely do engage in this at times) than it is that I've always been perfectly comfortable with "the solace of solitude", and more often than not I rather prefer it. I don't NEED a lot (or at times any) social interaction. What is the same is that as I grow older, I'm more and more like this all the time. Tomorrow is my 61st birthday. I will be spending it on my own, hiking in the mountains at a place where I rarely see anyone else. And that's my own choice, and I'm very much looking forward to it.

[@katharinawelles6540]

I understand. As I get older I value my solitude more and more. I find most social interactions exhausting and of little interest.

[@viveviveka2651]

It depends on the company. Even thoughts can be bad company.

[@enatp6448]

Indeed...

[@waterboxer87]

I am with you. I am extremely happy alone. I can go to worlds within myself for entertainment and contentment. It seems that other people bore me, want something, or just cannot stop complaining. I don’t want that. I am pleased to know other people my age (72) feel as I do about the joy of solitude.

[@dalewilliams8001]

Nearly 69 and I can relate. Some old friends passed away; some dropped off, some moved on. I'm good.

[@maryanne7988]

I love this, I spend most of my time alone and I love it, I cherish the solitude and peacefulness at this point in my life. My hikes and my everyday life is wonderful on my own. Thanks for your words. 🌞🌏

[@marjoriemclaughlin6456]

I love my company!

[@jdtracy]

I have two adult children and separated from my wife of 30+ years a couple years ago. I have since retired and spend most of my days in glorious solitude. I love hiking but absolutely refuse to do it on weekends or weekday evenings, when everybody else is out there. Being alone with your thoughts can be a negative if your thoughts are negative. I have been working on being positive and feel better than I have in years. The trouble with relationships is that they aren't always a positive influence. More often, they are a negative influence. There is so much misinformation out there and I have found that avoiding a lot of random opinions (including news) is the best way to stay positive.

[@odysseyusa]

I hear you. I started from the opposite direction. Only child, Army brat, workaholic Dad, moved a lot…not socialized well. I managed socially but I was awkward. I remember wondering what other kids my age were doing together after school. My whole social life changed quite a bit but timeline-wise, it’s delayed at least 10 years. We have a happy, busy family and my wife compliments me socially. We both work and plan to, as the years pass, address the shortcomings of our childhoods for the benefit of the kiddos. I’m still not a fan of large groups and I think some of that is, though I’m better, that I’m still reserved enough in the beginning to not be able to get attention to the point of actually making friends easily. I prefer small groups based on past successes. That said, life goes on and we’re wrapped up in parenthood when other Gen X’ers are preparing for retirement. Having had success in sales and business, my social chops are decent. I had a “friends” phase and learned a lot but looking back, it was shallow. I have all the people I “need” and I’m comfortable enough alone. At this end of my life, I again find myself imagining it might be nice to have a regular friend along in some of the off-roading, hiking, camping trips but I am also comfortable enough alone. I do miss the family after a few days away but I can definitely use the quiet time though! That’s a rarity right now. Introvert-> recovering introvert->pintrovert (parenting introvert)😁

[@sbgroen]

I liked your honest look at aging and solitude. I'm a hiker, but I do like seeing other hikers on trail, because all our struggles (other than packweight) seem to evaporate on trail. Off trail, the more I see of people, the more I like my dog.

[@slyborg1]

I agree with your comments. Although I could "play well with others," even as a child I loved being alone, sitting in trees, walking in woods, ice-or-roller-skating, cycling, reading, day dreaming. it's a great thing to enjoy your own company.

[@SoulCareOver50]

Like you, I used to love being at parties and just being around people when I was younger. Now I really enjoy the peace that comes with being in my own company 😊

[@bdflatlander]

Wow, this describes me to a ‘T’! I am a 71 year old white male, retired from a career in Finance and Accounting for 13 years. When I was a young man I was very social. I even lived in the dorms at my college for 3 years because I loved the constant social interactions of dorm life. But sometime around age 50 I started becoming much less social. I began to decline invitations to large social gatherings. I hated having to go to work functions like holiday parties. The only way I could stand going was to get stoned beforehand - that way I could pretend to have a good time even though I hated being there. I have also ended a couple of long term friendships with people who I found too toxic be around plus in one long term friendship there were multiple acts of betrayal. I enjoy my own company more and more as I’ve gotten older. I prefer solitude rather than being around people I find unpleasant. Also at my age the less drama the better.

[@Data_on_trail]

Sharing this with my entire extended family - especially ahead of the holidays.

[@idaspidalegs]

Oh my gosh! I love being alone. Sometimes I feel guilty that I don’t have a need to be around friends and family as much as they want to be with me. People consider me friendly and outgoing because I’m not shy. They are always surprised when I tell them I am an introvert. I love going to the movies, walks, shopping, museums and even out to dinner alone. My favorite place is my home, home alone.

[@richardfish3650]

👍 Sauntering the Canyon backcountry is my retirement happy place. On day three, solo wandering happily up the Monument Creek drainage from Granite Rapids last year, I had an epiphany. Immersed in the solitude and silence of that great, timeless and remote place, I was solo, but not alone. It was a very warm and comforting awareness. Impossible to explain to family, who think I’m just a socially awkward old dude losing his marbles.😂 I care not.😎

[@222dyan]

Retired and moved to the mountains and same here. Prefer my quiet solitude. I full-timed in a small motorhome for 4 years with my dog & that was a fun adventure, now I'm happy to be still and cherish my solace in solitude as well.

[@JACKIEMONSOON]

I had just spent a fantastic weekend with old friends coming from near and far gathering to watch an NFL football game live at the stadium. The event was filled with all the noise, excitement, and entertainment you'd expect from a professional game. Now, as I’ve grown older and let go of the social lubricant of alcohol, it can be challenging to keep up with the fast-paced humor and energy that once came so easily when hanging out with the guys. Still, that rush of camaraderie is something we all need now and then, even if I eventually retreat back into the comfort of solitude.

[@jdhill7369]

Good books make good companions

[@crandall761]

I'm never more fully relaxed as when I'm by myself.

[@jimmshorts]

Thoughtful. Examined. Well done. I am on my own right path and it bares a certain resemblance to what is described here.

[@Burps___]

I enjoy conversations with one or two ffriends at at time. I abhor "small talk" at larger events and gatherings.

[@MrIdasam]

You sound like an INFJ.

[@Je-Lia]

I remember telling an ex, shortly before I left his ass, "You need to understand -- I am not afraid to be alone." In fact, I do prefer it. Am 57 now. Alone, very few friends. Just my kids. That's plenty. Thinking about vanlife. A lot of off-road, dispersed camping is my goal.

[@mikejensen4238]

IF "off-road, dispersed camping" is really your preference, the Rocky Mountain states (and Canadian provinces) are waiting. A reliable pickup with a camper shell on its longbed can be a VERY comfortable base camp. I ordered mine from the factory in 1981 and still drive it nearly every day. It has taken me from Tampico (Mexico) to northern British Columbia (Canada) and brought me safely back to my home in the southern Rockies. It's on its second engine and wears plenty of rust and 'battle scars' but so do I. Learn fly fishing and get comfortable with a large-caliber firearm and millions of acres of solitude await you in the US West. Canada is great, too (but may require some special preparations).

[@teeeff5179]

@@mikejensen4238 Solitude in the Canadian wild country is rather like riding a bicycle with your eyes closed: it's best to plan ahead to avoid unpleasant -- or fatal -- surprises. once you've got that bit under control -- winter, the vast distances, the wildlife that can get very wild indeed, dealing successfully with people who've been out in the bush a LONG time and have become ... "feral" is not an unfair or inappropriate word -- the Canadian wilderness can be a wonder to behold, and on most days it is.

[@mikejensen4238]

@@teeeff5179 - - Agree completely!

[@donloughrey1615]

I sat for a while wanting to comment, but you said it all. Thanks.

[@reluctantme5183]

Yep, I have pulled away the social thing this past year. 61yrs old/retired ... morning walks, quiet interactions with people passing by. I grew tired of dancing on the head of the pin socially. Seeing others reactions and view points. Text with a former friend this morning. "yes I had a quiet thanksgiving here" his response was" had 16 people over, cleaning up today" LOL I felt stressed just thinking of that situation. 🖖

[@scottpearce8772]

... Many years ago I discovered that when I travel solo I have many more conversations with people, and I like it that way...

[@paintingworlds]

I felt this way with my late husband. We walked on trails and at times infrequently used by others. We’d walk mostly in silence apart from each other alone in our thoughts … not needing to share since we had a common base (perspectives and life experiences). Felt very lucky. Being comfortable in silence is special.

[@vedrana0127]

Very nice review on this topic. We are not all the same and I can only say how I see it. As someone who's stepped into her golden years, I can say that my life is as vibrant as ever. Living alone doesn't mean being lonely-I’ve built a life filled with my children and grandchildren, wonderful friends, meaningful connections, and countless opportunities to explore the beauty of the world around me. These years are a time to embrace what makes you happy.

[@paulchristensen7515]

I get it my friend. I am 76 and I often go weeks without talking to anyone. I live in a small community in the mountains if Idaho. I have lived here for 7 years and the only people I know are my landlord and my car mechanic. My favorite activities are fishing and photographing birds and wildlife and when I go out for these, I always go alone. I had a long career where I had to talk to 40-50 people every day and now I find social relationships draining and unfulfilling. My solitude is not loneliness, and I have never been happier.

[@SideB1984]

I'm only 40 but I've come to this conclusion already. I enjoy my own company and find comfort in simplicity, naturalness, and effortless action, the 3 jewels of Taoism. That's after a 22 year tech career, 13x ironman triathlons and countless shorter ones, then becoming disabled, which changed every aspect of my life. Couldn't be more grateful. I'm down in Mesa by the Superstition Mountains. 🙇

[@KevinG-159]

Spot on GC! Explained my feelings exactly. Been there, done that and now I want to be left alone! Turned 70 and I'm in the 4th quarter of the game. I'm enjoying whats left. If I get benched I'll bring a good book to read! Thoroughly enjoyed this!! Thumbs up 👍!

[@santarosa6676]

I believe we met on trail to Clearwater Creek! Hearing your story and how you hike alone inspired me! Your trip plans are now on my bucket list!

[@ronkirk5099]

I'm 74 and have spent ~25 years of my life backpacking, bicycle touring, paddling, and sailing solo in very remote places all over the world and never felt lonely doing it. I've always been a loner.

[@electrictour]

Very interesting! Beautiful place Great video, thanks for sharing 😃👍Like 31

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@deborahlozano7134]

Hello. I so agree with you.

[@aeoleaburwell7247]

How fortunate that you had a dear old aunt and actually talked with her. Opportunity for kindly instruction.

[@Blackwolf-l2z]

Thank you I totally get it. Dogs are my best friends.

[@richardlynch1094]

Well said! As a botanist and naturalist, I have my best encounters with nature when it's just me and my Shiba Inu Bandit. Enjoy your solo travels!

[@closertohome-b7m]

comfortable in your own skin.....age does that. You realize how most everyone is ego driven, which gets exhausting as time goes by......it is a choice for sure. Thanks for you perspective. We would get along splendidly.....

[@AlexanderStHill]

Love my solitude

[@joansidor5191]

Lol. I'm 64. I've been this way all my life. Married at 55. Husband died 2 years later. Love my solitude. My Mom used to hate this about me. Joan Page, AZ

[@dalemckenzie9394]

I too, being 70 and semi retired find myself cherishing my time in nature alone just being ,sitting by the campfire strumming my old guitar, smoking a pipe I made outdoors. People don't really catch my attention much like they used to, so I get your drift and thanks for sharing . I'm lucky enough to live on beautiful Vancouver Island

[@JG-ly2ij]

59 here. I’ve noticed as I aga people become more isolated. Calling it choice. Through this video and through these comments I’m seeing intolerance, which is a form of rigidity. Rigidity leads to atrophy. Atrophy leads to stasis. Stasis leads to decline. Somehow remain open. Find worth not in brilliance, but in being. As we shuck off this mortal coil remember to be creative, contribute. Be an agent of continuity for all bands of people. Retracting only weekends that community that grew us. Share, it’s what got you this far already. It’s not a duty, it’s natural. It’s called being an elder.

[@fabianflores2339]

Quit your whining

[@timpeda1537]

55 years old, find that I feel exactly the same way. Carry on!

[@tedthoman6580]

Thank you for your story; it's nice to have alone time, and it's also good to share good conversation truth, respect, wisdom, and love w/ others...

[@Calivanlivin]

At 62 I found the same thing ! I'm now 69 and have been living alone in a van on the road since then. Now and then I try to be social as a test, but like you I find it not worthwhile and yearn for alone time.

[@lynneSpiration]

I have spent years and years involved with nonprofits, volunteering and now i find my relationships are not as rewarding. I rarely have anything to say and find it's not needed any longer. Thank you for this video.

[@patsmith6665]

Preaching to the choir brother .

[@JoeKeller-hr6is]

Many years ago, Murray McLauchlan sang, "Alone but never lonely, that's how I like to be" It rang true, then and now. May you find peace.

[@FloridaNative59]

"people have utility" love it.

[@dishsultan]

I love this video and find myself contemplating these very same things in my current midlife crisis at 49 years old. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, deep introspection, and heartfelt recommendations. I love what your channel is becoming!

[@mhopi9744]

Wow. Very powerful. Well said ❤❤❤

[@LivingMoreFully]

I can TOTALLY relate and am enjoying my solitude too with hiking/backpacking trips the last couple of years in particular. Thanks for validating this development as some of us age!

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks so much, with all the emphasis on community involvement and socialization, I wanted to provide an alternative perspective.

[@LivingMoreFully]

@@GC-Hiker appreciate you doing so! While most of us are certainly social creatures & need some social support, our relationship with ourselves is just as important, if not more so.

[@samuelfink4799]

56, widowed since 2012 and haven’t been on a date since 2019 and really just don’t have a desire to give up my independence and freedom. I work shift work and often go up to a week at a time not speaking to a soul and I love it. At this point in my life I value my time and it’s to precious to waste on those who possess little substance and sadly it seems the age we live in is populated with them.

[@staceyv8754]

Thumbs up just based on the title alone. I am great in social situations but being around people is draining to me - always has been.

[@daveboise_2222]

This is what I needed to hear. Thank you

[@nationalparksprincess3216]

I so understand all of this!! Aging definitely changes ones perspective on being social. I do enjoy going on adventures with my friend that I have known since I was 15. However, I prefer we hike without too many others on trail 😅 Thanks for sharing your thoughts 😊

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks for sharing that. You know, I had one friend since I was 16. Recently, something changed about her and we went our separate ways. It still saddens me greatly, but there is little one can do about it. I am glad you have retained your childhood friend.

[@bhajandaniel9771]

I'm with you on all you said.

[@BertH-wo9bp]

You have pretty much described me! I spend at least one day a week in the in the total solitude of the high deserts of central Wyoming. It keeps me going.

[@esslar1]

I watched a video that was set in far northeastern California, and the landscape was so deserted, I felt an almost overwhelming urge to go there. It just seemed like you could really be free there.

[@canoequest2]

Refreshing and well said.

[@Jamie-k7e7e]

Thank you!🙋🏼‍♀️

[@Skip8459]

I’ve been a widower for 7 years. My wife and I just loved being together we didn’t like large gatherings or parties that much. We could sit on our patio enjoying a few beers and not say a word for hours. The friends we had as a couple have drifted off, and I’m ok with that. I’m headed to Arizona in a month and I can’t wait to get out and solo hike. But I’d be okay if I met a lady on the trails.

[@trainsontuesday]

I'm with you 100%, as long as you keep you distance. Unlike you though I think I have always preferred my own company, it's been tough at times. (I'm 74.)

[@wallochdm1]

i'm 68, and have come to many of the same conclusions. Simply removing yourself from the rest of the world is sometimes the correct answer.

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

I really enjoy the wisdom and your life experiences that you share in your videos. That sounded like such an adventure to go on that road trip with your dog. It's great to be true to what you love and that is being out in nature. I enjoy hiking with others, but I also really enjoy just hiking by myself. Being able to do what you want, go at the pace you want, etc and just think is a wonderful thing about solo hiking.

[@GC-Hiker]

Thanks. I think one's comfort with oneself increases over the years. Or at least that is what I tell myself!

[@Cici_Dial]

I am an introvert, thank God! People wear me out. They are too LOUD. I am happy to have a small number of deep friendships. We don't get together often, but when we do, it is rewarding I feel sorry for extroverts who have hundreds of "friends" with no depth to the relationship; always need noisy input like parties, nightclubs and endless amounts of incessant, thumping music. That said, my introvertedness is not all self serving. I believe in Jesus and I am responsible for presenting the Gospel to whoever will listen. That's my part. It is not my job to convert anyone. That is God's job.

[@edgygli9876]

Thank you for your incite! I thought I was the only one going through this change. Nice to know I’m normal at 68. I was worried. Now, I’m not. Guess I’ll go on a hike with my dog. Happy trails!

[@oldcrone]

I craved company in my past. I am older and wiser now. My time is too precious. I have no time for anyone drama.

[@steveelam2310]

60 and solitude here,wasn't planned really ,but have gotten used to it by life style change

[@nrthlife325]

Couldn’t agree more! Well said.

[@marykaybuttery3513]

Thank you--Well Said...

[@phammond8155]

I went on a silent retreat once and discovered how much energy is wasted on boring or polite conversation, it was great being "silent". The world has become very over stimulating and being around people is definitely draining.

[@haihaitraveler]

Thanks for sharing ❤ Sometimes I like to hike alone, but most of the time I like to go with friends ❤