We, here in Seattle have lived on our street for over 50 years. We feel exactly like this guy, except we are in our 80s. We are the oldest couple who have lived the longest on this street, yet we feel invisible. Part of the problem, I think, is the younger families don’t want to make contact with older people, they are too busy with their own lives.
When we first moved into our neighborhood, we had regular block parties. That lasted for about a year. Then some of the neighbors moved out, and the others who moved in were less than enthusiastic about socializing.
......” Part of the problem, I think, is the younger families don’t want to make contact with older people, they are too busy with their own lives”......
Oh I don’t think so.....they are no busier than any other 40 to 60 hour workweek people have all over the nation. I just think computers have replaced neighboring....social networks etc..... Certainly for this generation. They are all wired up 24/7...one way or another.
However we are the only country that fails greatly to honor the elderly. ....and even parents once the kids leave school and home.
When my sons went to college I advised them when hanging out to pay attention and strike up conversations with the elderly, that they have a wealth of first hand experience far more interesting and significant they can learn from than they will any computer....and they will remember those meetings.
To this day my sons have both done so and said it was some of the best advise I could have given them...they both met elderly men who shared and advised them when they were so far from home....and even today they love visiting with the elderly....
Every generation, another particle of dust in the wind. The younger ones have yet to know it.