Such a thought-provoking piece, Mitch. My mother will turn 95 in November and has outlived all her brothers and sisters, and all her in-laws, except one. Mom is in great health, and lives with my sister, and she has lots of company among my sister's neighbors and friends. Yet, she misses being around people who remember the years that she remembers. Our family has a policy of not putting our elderly in nursing homes (although I understand why this is sometimes a necessity). We bring a hospital bed into our homes, and take turns sitting with aging, infirm relatives. We've been taught since we were children that "death is a part of life." It will one day come for all of us. My dogs have always been good with the sick and elderly, and most the hospitals and nursing homes near me encourage therapy dogs to visit with patients.

I love what you write about how lives don't have to end in loneliness. All the suggestions that you mention about maintaining relationships are so spot on.

Beautiful article!