To Be Needed? Ever think that of Older People?

I think I might be a bit different than the average. When I was a small child I was made to stay in the house with my 96 year old great grandmother and to keep her entertained while my grandmother was working in the garden. I often made up stories and pretended I was reading from the Reader's Digest. I also insisted on helping my grandfather paint the house and garage. So, I have a different respect for those 'old fogeys' than the average person might.

That is awful that someone made you feel that way. I'm glad that you found mylot and were able to give out advise and feel needed again. No one should be made to feel unneeded or unappreciated. Many retired people turn to volunteer work to feel needed/appreciated again, many non profit organizations are in desperate need of volunteers. I hope to go that route when I retire, volunteering to a worthy cause.

Yes we do want to be needed, we do want to feel we still belong and old age should not hinder that.

It's nice to be needed. We want to feel appreciated and felt as if we have worth.I'm sorry you felt that way when you retired. You're writing so that keeps you going @Hatley.

I understand what you mean, but I am looking forward to being not quite so needed. 80+ kids a day needing your reassurance, attention, and approval, before you even get to the teaching, can be exhausting, but I wouldn't trade it for anything right now.

I retired early, but I have always found something to keep me busy.

YOU are priceless. You definitely give out great advice, and you are a joy. We just need to hide any money you make from this site.

Its good that you found mylot Here in my country our grandparents are very much valued. They are most often tasked to take care of the little ones and they enjoy it.

I need all people that are older than me with respect. They have lots of knowledge to share with all of us. I used to like the stories that my Dad told me. History is what he was telling me and very interesting.

I couldn't wait to quit work which we did when I was 53...I worked 35 years and it was time (15 years ago) to stop work, move south and enjoy life.

I think that we all need someone in our life.

Wow you did well here when you first began. I bet that was nice especially after not making much anymore on bubblews? Even when people do plan on retiring, they may not plan as well as they could. Many consider their finances, but they don't consider what may happen if they can't live in their own homes any longer or have to rely on their children for housing, or support of any other kind. I'm resigned that I may need to work until I'm seventy, although maybe it won't need to be quite that long. Just long enough to get fully out of debt. I may still have my mortgage payment, but if that's all I have it may work okay.I'm hoping that before then, I can have that payment cut in half at least to make things more manageable. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself here, Patsie, but sorry about the loss you took when ousted from your job.

Everyone needs to be needed, but I have days I wish I was not so needed.

I live with my in-laws and I am happy about it. I feel we need them more than they need us at this age. I love to see my kids run around their grandparents listening to stories and their life experiences. I believe when kids spend time with parents, grandparents kids learn a lot about family, what its like to stay connected. These experienced old people are like the roots of our family tree, if detached the tree would not survive. They knit each and every member of the family and extended family closely. They are and will always be needed for their unconditional love and their experience.

In my country, people beyond the age 26 dont feel needed because many employers reject people who are 26 because of their bad youth centric culture.I hate the fact they refuse to hire someone older and wiser. 30 year olds here are treated like a leper by the employers. Just imagine how the seniors would be treated worst. I want to save money for my future too. I want to retire rich so I will feel more secure. It is a shame my that my country is known for respecting the elders but employers discriminate by age.

@Hatley You have put forward a very important aspect of old age.We all want to be needed.(By the way,you do not sound like an old fogey).

honestly I have no doubt you could still do that job just as fine. everyone needs to be needed, you are right

@Hatley, If you have the interest and skill, you'll surely be needed, plus qualification.

I was forced into retirement at 55 because of spinal injuries @Hatley . I do work part time from home for the local newspaper but other than that, I live alone with my critters and just pass each day as it comes.