Desolation (ageism)

Let’s go back to the July 2 submission in which we disclosed that Henri believes that aging causes the elderly to feel ostracized due to three factors, “segregation, desolation and loss of self”.  We discussed segregation on July 2 and today we will deal with desolation.  Henri defines desolation as, “the crippling experience of the shrinking circle of friends with the devastating awareness that the few years left to live will not allow you to widen the circle again.”  What do you think about this premise?  Are old friends the best friends or is it possible to establish a new circle?  Two perspectives: do you have friends 20, 30 or 40 years older than you? and, if you are over 70, do you find that ‘youngsters’ are reaching out to you?  Please respond!