As part of ageing, accept and prepare for loneliness

The succinct answer to this week’s Talking Point, “Will I be lonely when I’m old?”, is yes. To elaborate, everybody will eventually be lonely in old age, whether male or female, rich or poor, healthy or frail.

The thought can be scary because the effects of loneliness can be drastic and demoralising. Being with people is natural, while being alone can be boring.

But rather than be afraid and worry about it, we should accept it as part of life, a prelude to our final days on earth.

Singapore is having smaller families, with one or two children to care for their elderly parents. And when our children are committed to their career and their own family, there is only so much time left for the old.

This is not because they are unfilial or uncaring. It is the limitation of time: Happiness finds the young and loneliness the old.

I will have no fear when my time comes as I am preparing to fight loneliness by keeping fit and maintaining mental strength and overall health.

Only then can I continue my weekly game with Meetup.com groups, read as much as possible, indulge in mahjong and travel afar. Little time would be left for loneliness; whatever is left would be for a good night’s sleep.