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Friendships enrich
our lives as we age
Re: “New friends after 50 are more important than ever” (Page A9, Dec. 29).
The Western world and America face an epidemic of loneliness. Individualism often leads to isolation as we age. Our friendships dwindle, leaving us disconnected and vulnerable.
Consider reaching out to those you may have overlooked in the past. Former acquaintances can become friends, and they may share similar experiences in navigating the complexities of aging.
When you find yourself in a new setting, approach it with an open heart. Don’t hesitate to express your desire for friendship.
It’s natural to fear losing friends, but we must remember Khalil Gibran’s wisdom: love and pain are two sides of the same coin.
As we navigate the aging journey, we must break down mental barriers. By actively pursuing connections, we can combat loneliness and aging with courage and resilience.
Let us remember that friendship is not just a remedy for loneliness; it enriches our lives and enhances our well-being.
Kohli Singh
San Jose
Let’s finish the good
work Carter left undone
Re: “Jimmy Carter, 39th president, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, dies at 100” (Page A1, Dec. 30).
In 2006, I helped build houses with the Jimmy Carter Project for Habitat for Humanity. We built 75 homes for families in Vera Cruz, Mexico.
Hot and humid, it was hard work, but so rewarding. The former president and his wife worked and sweated along with the rest of us. One morning after breakfast, I tried to interview President Carter. Cordially, he reminded me we were there to build houses and it was time to work. No interview.
He lived a long, meaningful life — underappreciated as president, exemplary as a former chief executive. Time for us all to get on with his unfinished work.
William Briggs
Morgan Hill
Bay Area toll lanes often
fail to help traffic flow
If the toll lanes infesting Bay Area freeways were about improving traffic flow, as CalTrans and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission claim, then they should be open to all traffic when other lanes are closed, like on 101 northbound in Mountain View at noon Dec. 30.
One lane was closed because of construction work, traffic came to a complete stop in two lanes, and the toll lane was largely empty. Traffic was … not flowing.
That is unless the toll lanes are not actually about improving traffic flow.
Chuck Martin
San Jose
Vegetarian diet makes
for healthy resolution
New Year’s resolution? Try one with benefits for our health, our planet and animals. Eating more veggies, fruits, legumes, grains and nuts keeps us healthier, reduces global warming and prevents animal suffering — all while saving money.
Plant foods contain nutrients and fiber but skip the drugs, hormones, cholesterol and saturated fats. Worried about processed foods? Avoid processing your food through an animal’s digestive tract.
Local supermarkets stock plant-based meats, cheeses, ice creams and a variety of nut and grain milks. Your favorite restaurants and fast-food spots are joining the trend, too.
Bon Appetite!
Eric Slovan
San Jose
U.S. has experienced
the death of honor
Re: “Trump loses his appeal of Carroll’s $5 million award in sex abuse case” (Page A2, Dec. 31).
Reading that Donald Trump lost his bid to have a sexual abuse civil lawsuit award against him overturned, I had the thought that America has lost its honor. When I was in the Marines some decades ago honor was as important a skill as accuracy with a rifle. Even the country tried to be honorable in its dealings; though not always successful, at least it tried.
But no more. Being great again apparently means having no honor and no morality. We seem to celebrate liars, cheats, misogynists, bullies, racists and insurrectionists. We scoff at the law.
Honor has died and the “people” have willingly killed it. For what, a few more dollars? How do we raise our kids to be good neighbors and good citizens in a country like this? Wake up America; you’re killing the best part of yourself.
Bob Cole
San Jose
