When I opted to let my medical licenses lapse, that rather large sum of $885 spread over two years would be allocated to immersing myself with other people, as post-retirement senior loneliness has taken hold. I have forums for engagement, the synagogue where I have been more assertive about bantering at kiddush and OLLI where I randomly pick conversation partners, probably with less success. None of this comes out of those savings, but are ordinary allocated expenses. I might rejoin the regional Endocrine Society after a year's absence, if only to sit at a table with other doctors and exchange greetings with pharmaceutical representatives once a month.
Next week I have the fiftieth anniversary of my college graduation. Festivities for my landmark class have been arranged. I knew very few people who RSVPd their intent to be there, yet there are a lot of people. Cost $50 + parking and missing shabbos, though technically I could go to their Hillel that morning. Maybe I will. There are tours. There is a luncheon, including a Kosher option. And everyone there has at least one thing in common with me. And it's immersion in a throng of the unfamiliar, something currently lacking. Worth the effort. Worth the fee.
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