Lonely Uncle - What can he do?

[507bhp]

My uncle is 59, he lives alone, has finished work, has few friends, never got married so has no family of his own, all of which contribute to his negative and depressed state.

He needs to fill his time more effectively by joining clubs/associations that are without pressure or significant expense.

I was wondering if any of you folks could suggest what we can help him to consider. I've got a list so far including:

Ramblers' Association
Air gun Club
Health Club
Fishing
College/Night School

Any suggestions greatly appreciated

He lives in the Doncaster area.

Edited by 507bhp on Monday 6th October 23:16

[The Ben]

some lonley uncles fiddle with children but im not sure it is recomended!!!


how about somethining to do with computers... or is that fueling the fire...

[gib6933]

507bhp said:

My uncle is 59, he lives alone, has finished work, has few friends, never got married so has no family of his own, all of which contribute to his negative and depressed state.

He needs to fill his time more effectively by joining clubs/associations that are without pressure or significant expense.

I was wondering if any of you folks could suggest what we can help him to consider. I've got a list so far including:

Ramblers' Association
Air gun Club
Health Club
Fishing
College/Nigh School

Any suggestion greatly appreciated

He lives in the Doncaster area.

I think you could strike gun club off the list.

[elle]

Does he own a computer?

[spikeyhead]

I suggest he gets some part time work, even if its voluntary.

Is there a local hospice or similar that could use any of his skills?

[audidoody]

A month in Rio

[Ry_B]

Gun club and depressed uncle?

[shadowninja]

Tai chi class? Will likely meet other people of his own age and level of fitness...

[507bhp]

Ry_B said:

Gun club and depressed uncle?

I forgot to mention he's rather affluent! But seriously, he's not suicidal but I love the irony!

[12joe340]

Get him on xbox live

[The Ben]

a cruise for singletons, im sure there are some about, if not, I shotgun that idea

[trooperiziz]

Ballroom dancing, all the old biddies who have to dance with their teacake sisters will be eager to get their gums on him.

[KingRichard]

trooperiziz said:

Ballroom dancing, all the old biddies who have to dance with their teacake sisters will be eager to get their gums on him.

:shudder:

[kit80]

I have a lonely Auntie about that age

[Rach*]

507bhp said:

Ry_B said:

Gun club and depressed uncle?

I forgot to mention he's rather affluent! But seriously, he's not suicidal but I love the irony!

Ahhhh, wealthy, lonely, depressed... near my new home... how's his health?.....




Only kidding, not really the same age range but I don't ask too many questions about it, my Grandad is a member of an Old Man Club, they meet up, whinge alot, go on trips, stuff like that.
He seems to like it and doesn't seem as down and complain that he's bored with life, which is a bit of a worry!!

[Gylen]

Must be the fact that I'm tired but I find it quite touching that you are moved to help - well done. As a result, I have no desire to mock an internet stranger and instead want to provide some helpful suggestions - most unlike me...

Not really up on what 59 year old chaps are into but I would guess that fishing might be a bit solitary. What about Bridge or something like that which forces him to engage with others (appreciate he needs a partner for Bridge but I assume there are clubs)?

Voluntary work idea is a good one too - what about something musical/dramatic? Does he have any interest in Am-Dram or music? Perhaps he could get involved in local theatre group in a technical/behind the scenes capacity if he doesn't fancy being 'up there' - really fosters a sense of being part of a group but dosen't force him into the limelight...

Is he fit and healthy/gregarious and outgoing? If not, anything too physical or sociable (salsa classes/acting etc.) might be a bit off-putting.

ETA - Fencing is a pretty accessible and sociable sport that you can participate in at pretty much any level fitness. Granted, he's unlikely to make the nationals but it would keep him fit/help him meet people...

Edited by Gylen on Monday 6th October 23:29

[Doug86]

I would recommend photography

Get onto talkphotography.co.uk and you can find plenty of people in his area that are always up for a trip out with the cameras!

[vehiclesystems]

Did he watch channel 4 tonight as discussed in another thread? That would cheer him up

Joking aside photography is a good one, not expensive to get into and with little effort can be very satisfying and a good excuse for days out!

[507bhp]

Gylen said:

Must be the fact that I'm tired but I find it quite touching that you are moved to help - well done. As a result, I have no desire to mock an internet stranger and instead want to provide some helpful suggestions - most unlike me...

Not really up on what 59 year old chaps are into but I would guess that fishing might be a bit solitary. What about Bridge or something like that which forces him to engage with others (appreciate he needs a partner for Bridge but I assume there are clubs)?

Voluntary work idea is a good one too - what about something musical/dramatic? Does he have any interest in Am-Dram or music? Perhaps he could get involved in local theatre group in a technical/behind the scenes capacity if he doesn't fancy being 'up there' - really fosters a sense of being part of a group but dosen't force him into the limelight...

Is he fit and healthy/gregarious and outgoing? If not, anything too physical or sociable (salsa classes/acting etc.) might be a bit off-putting.

ETA - Fencing is a pretty accessible and sociable sport that you can participate in at pretty much any level fitness. Granted, he's unlikely to make the nationals but it would keep him fit/help him meet people...

Edited by Gylen on Monday 6th October 23:29

Thanks, some good pointers there. I'll let the dossier keep building and I'll add to my shortlist. Technical/behind the scenes would be good as he was an electrician by trade.

[sparkythecat]

Is he a drinker?
.
AA meetings are a good venue to meet like minded people.

Edited by sparkythecat on Monday 6th October 23:43