Retired (Immigrant) Parents - have lived here since the 70s

[Anonymous]

OP , brevity, in writing and speaking, is a virtue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP , brevity, in writing and speaking, is a virtue.

An unnecessary snarky remark. OP's introduction was just fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP , brevity, in writing and speaking, is a virtue.

Why all the commas?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am following this with interest. My inlaws aren't immigrants but they have no social life as a unit. Mil still works but had no friends, FIL golfs but it's becoming more rate with his health. In 5 years I think they will be mostly home bound.

Same here. My DH says his parents were old before they were old. They have now downsized into a senior community that has lots of activities but they don't partake of them or the facilities. Some people are just anti-social.

[Anonymous]

Are your parents unhappy? Some people don't need a lot of activities and people to be happy, but are comfortable with themselves and enjoy quieter pastimes.

[Anonymous]

My parents came here from Portugal in the 70's worked their butt off and now have moved back to Portugal. They were both blue collar workers, and their retirement would not be enough to live off here in the DC area.

They moved back, and are truly happy. They still have lots of friends and relatives there and are constantly busy. They garden, raise live stock, attend church, go to lunches/ dinners with family or friends. Travel to the US for 3 or 4 weeks a year during Christmas.

OP, your parents need to find a way to integrate with either society or a specific community group. Otherwise, they will grow depressed. If I were you, I would have a sit down talk with them and present them with options. Or as a PP mentioned move them to a retirement community.

[Anonymous]

This was a fascinating piece on NPR recently about an indian retirement community in Florida. It discussed the need for people to be in a community of people just like them as they get older as a way to feel relevant in their final years. Please listen.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2015/02/06/384043496/being-with-people-like-you-offers-comfort-against-deaths-chill

[Anonymous]

I am sorry OP, I think your parents are not friendly people. My mom is very social, but my dad is an introvert who would like to keep her at home all day if he could.

My parents live overseas, and I am the immigrant. When my mom visits I make sure to show her a good time. Both my parents visited last year and I introduced them to my community, my father enjoyed meeting new people even though he refused to socialize his whole life. I am planning on inviting a lot of people over when they visit again this year.