Using fossil fuels to make fertilizer has fueled human growth.
When capitalism dies, a LOT of people die off. It is inevitable - eventually we have to wean off of oil, and it isn't just transport but materials and fertilizers.
So we have to plan for a smaller world community as well, and help those in crisis as the world community shrinks.
I have a weekly D&D game with my favorite aunt and uncle, as well as my Dad and my cousin's husband.
The latter runs one weekend, and I run the next, completely separate games of course.
I'm 51, my dad is 79, and his sister and her husband are a few years younger than he is. No idea on my fellow DM, I suspect late 40s.
If you find a common thread to hang on to, you can have a great relationship.
In this case, my aunt and uncle knew I was a huge weird nerd whose dad introduced him to D&D at 7 years old, so they thought to invite me when their daughter's husband made a game for them.
Seven years later, we are still at it and I run a game for my friends as well.
These relationships can be nurtured, as all can. You just have to find and maintain the why's.
Even people who don't give a crap about birdwatching may still love to see the birds their old friends spot.
But to further your point, I don't make much of an effort for those relatives that I don't have much in common with.
This year's Christmas present is a box of homemade fudge, rice krispie treats, and spicy chex mix, all homemade.
That's the effort I put in for those I don't have in my weekly or monthly life but are extended family.
My wife and I met through Okcupid about fifteen years ago.
I had been in an insanely stupid long-distance relationship, called it off, and started looking for someone local.
The woman I broke things off with was younger than me and baby crazy, so I extended my age range by the same amount and met my wife quickly thereafter.
Specifically, we chatted for two or three weeks before I suggested we meet at a coffee place.
Two dates later we were exclusive.
She is seven years older than me and had never been in a serious relationship.
Just keep looking. Lonely people are absolutely everywhere, and you're bound to find someone you just link up with eventually.
I will check them out!