Older, aging, elder (gay/bi) men in general, regardless of income status are in this (loneliness) category; especially, this is true for us who live alone. However "loneliness" is a state of mind that, then, may manifest into poorer mental (brain) health outcomes and reduced quality of life as stated in the article. For us older/gay/bi men in their 70s and 80s living alone and HIV+ are even more affected by loneliness. Attempts to connect with others are limited due to physical (disability) mobility or the several health issues we encounter that require several/ongoing medical visits. This includes ingesting multiple medications daily, physical flexibility (or inflexibility) issues, transportation issues, bodily aches and pains daily, etc. For me, personally, loneliness may be a choice. However, the lonely aspect is broken (and alleviated at times) through yoga practice at a studio, attending Zoom classes, connecting (via Zoom) with other like-minded (usually) older gay men twice a week, physical massage every 2 weeks, chiropractor every 3 weeks, reviewing online research on health-related issues including the latest information on HIV. MyHIVteam is a good means of breaking through loneliness by giving us/me permission to vent through this forum. Thank you for this excellent opportunity.

Stay close and share your stories with us🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗♥️🙏

Loneliness and being alone are different.
One can determine whether they are challenged with loneliness intentionally or unintentionally.
Getting professional assistance is a way to find issues that may be addressed.
Being alone can also be intentionally or unintentionally directed towards one's self.
Sharing with trusted friends and community associates is a way to open up and find ways to upgrade one's self.
GET ASSISTANCE IF WANTED OR NEEDED.

Well yes I am lonely sometimes but I have issues in the brain such as white matter ,so my moods are up and down I get angry real fast.or sad sometimes could be something from my childhood,I had an abusive childhood.i sometimes I miss my dad and both of my sister's.I don't know it's hard sometimes life is just hard .