Loneliness is something feared by many individuals and often is a
growing concern with increasing age. Older people frequently suþer
from the fear of having no one to relate to. The prospect of growing
old alone and ultimately dying alone with no one to note oneÄs
passing becomes especially fearful to the elderly who are childless,
widowed, or otherwise isolated. With the death of loved ones, there is
a diminishing circle of signiücant people who are readily available. A
general illustration of the theme of loneliness is presented in a
passage from ÃÃHello in ThereÄÄ (1971) :