[redwitch]

escapequeen -- I agree with SWR. A lot of your problem is your neighborhood. Well-established neighborhoods do make it a bit harder to join in the fun. There are ways to get around it. Invite the neighbors into your home. They won't all come, but you'd be surprised how many will (usually out of curiosity the first time). Go to the squares and join clubs that interest you. You'll find that the more you have in common, the easier it is to make friends here. Sadly, the last suggestion is not the easiest, but the most likely to work -- go to a pool in a newer neighborhood. There, people haven't had a chance to totally establish friendships; they're usually younger and more open; they're not experiencing a lot of the pain of true old age.

Regardless of what you decide to do, time will make a difference. My next-door neighbor is 92. At first, they weren't too sure about someone under 60 living next door to them. Through little acts of kindness (putting the newspaper right by his garage, etc.), they now feel I'm the best thing that ever moved in. The wife constantly brings me food and checks on me if my cart is in the driveway too long. She makes sure I know of all neighborhood activities and makes sure I get an invite. I frequently play cards with them and their friends. It took some time, but it was well worth the wait.

Good luck and don't give up!