Magg,

Hello! You are certainly not alone with your feelings. I fully understand your concerns. Do you walk? Can you walk with others from your senior center for 30 minutes every week on a set day? It would a social event even if you are just walking in the parking lot of the senior center. Have you considered going to a restaurant when it first opens at 11am or at 4pm when noone else or very few people are there? I have been super cautious for years since a family member has been going through chemo as well. However, I did get tired of the isolation and I do get out at the quietest times . Have you checked out Coursera for online classes- a lot of the courses are free. Social isolation is not good for any of us, the recent surgeon general compared social isolation is as bad as smoking many cigarettes per day. I choose not to attend crowded events throughout the winter months.Each person makes a personal decision about which risks they are willing to take. Please check in with us regularly- we are “ here” for you. Below is a blog article that may offer you some tips.
https://social.bronchandntm.org/discussion/general-discussion/sociaization?returnUrl=%2F

I’m sorry you’re going through this. It’s completely understandable to feel the weight of these challenges. Balancing the need for safety, human connection, and friendships can be incredibly difficult, especially during the winter months. You are certainly not alone in having these feelings.

I think Katie offered some great suggestions. What are your thoughts on hosting gatherings at your house? For example, you could consider starting a monthly book club, a crafting circle, or simply a social gathering. This way, you can control the number of people you interact with and arrange the space to allow for spreading out.

Another idea is to join existing groups that share your interests or even try something new. My mother-in-law felt very isolated during her recent retirement years, so she started learning how to play Mahjong, which helped her connect with others.

Hi Magg,
As the winter months get closer, I would ask my physician for a deep dive into my immune system by requesting bloodwork from a CBC panel and beyond.  Check for Zinc, Iron, Ferratin, Vitamin C, and Immunoglobins (IGM, IGG, and IGA). Knowing your immune system is functioning properly may help you feel less anxious about socializing. Be sure to check your insurance coverage on these test before hand. 

Hi Magg,

I live in NW Pennsylvania, and I have also been anxious about the impending changes of weather from warm and welcoming to cold and miserable. It is challenging to get outside, socialize, and find safe and easy things to do in the winter to begin with and being susceptible to the many germs makes it that much harder. I am so sorry you feel so isolated as the winter weather takes over. I loved the suggestion Alyssa gave of hosting something at your home. That would be a really great way to have control of your environment while also being able to socialize comfortably. I am sure you are not alone in feeling the isolation and it would be a great opportunity for others in your circle/community feeling that may be feeling the same. 

If this is something you are interested in but don't know where to start, I suggest reaching out to a local library and seeing if there are any locals/regulars that they may know that would be interested in a small get to together. You might also find some resources like online events, in person events on a smaller scale, and other ways to get involved/participate in a comfortable environment. I live in a really small town and have recently been taking advantage of all the amazing things my local library offers. 

Please, also take advantage of joining our monthly coffee breaks if you have not done so already. It's a great way to connect with others going through the same barriers and can offer some advice, comfort, and feeling of community.