If you have neigbors, or friends, who are 'old and alone', don't forget to check on them. A quick 'hey, how ya doin'' phone call means a lot, and can also divert disaster. Quick personal story: My one friend of 60+ years, lives alone and has medical issues galore. Her family is busy, and they don't really check on her very often. I told her that I'd be calling or sending a text every day/every other day, just to check in and yak a while. A few days ago, I called numerous times, and texted...always get a text back. I didn't hear from her by morning of day 3, I called her daughter to go check on her. Her phone was dead, her back surgery didn't heal (bone pressing on cord & nerves)...she could not get out of bed for 3 days. Nothing to eat or drink, or get her insulin she needs! She actually had to be rescued. I only tell the story to remind people, that older folk, esp. living by themselves, need to be checked on here and there. Her Dr said one more day and she would have died.

yep.. I live alone and no one checks on me. One day I fell off a ladder. I had to sit there until I figured out if i was ok after i got my senses back on what just happened. Did not have my phone nearby. I think of that day often.....and still have pain from it. that was 4 yrs ago.