I saw a piece recently about the difference between “networks” and “community”.
Once upon a time, we lived in communities — they knew you at the post office and at the corner store and at church. Your neighbors stopped by and people couldn’t just “disappear” without everyone noticing.
Today we just have networks. I post on Free Republic, I have a LinkedIn account, maybe I have a Facebook account. But no one knows me. People are “connected” but are also extremely isolated. If someone disappears it could be months before anyone would even shrug and say, “Haven’t seen him in a while.”
Not good for society.
There are different types of networks. I have group of retirees I worked with. We keep up and share info about each other and at times one or more of us have taken care of someone who is alone and hurting.
I have a business network as a RE broker. vendors and service providers that service my transactions and provide others services to my bitters as needed. I keep the list up-to-date and can make referrals to people in variety of issues and services.
You are absolutely correct. Have moved a lot and left behind some great and not so great neighbors. Thankfully, I have adult sons & daughters. Of course, they work and live a fair distance but do visit for vacations etc.,
It must be very difficult for senior singles with no children or close family members. Senior living complexes are very expensive, but they offer social contacts and activities.
God bless