Maybe that is the influence of the world around him, or has something to do with investing himself in it or not, social consciousness? Like not getting involved in town government, schools, organizations, or business ventures. Holding on to that Pentacle and breaking into song "you and me against the world" To me this card is about isolation, the physical hermit, not gaining wisdom or anything else, just holding onto what he's got. I hadn't even thought about the town before, but it's some kind of withdrawal or non-involvement from from it. Maybe since he's an old man, clinging to what he has left after retirement, like he's in his home or even a nursing home and can't get out anymore, so he might be overwhelmed and afraid of it, living off his social security check and has everything delivered because he feels unsafe. I wonder if anyone gets this card if they were agoraphobic, housebound, because they are afraid to leave their homes for whatever reason. The world is constantly changing and growning, expanding and that could be what the town represents, it sort of has a life of it's own, whether the old man chooses to be a part of it or not, gain from it or stuck in his ways. The town is outgoing and he is introverted. This is the person who ignores the needs of the world around him or thinks they deserve their lot or they'd do something to better themselves, who watches the news with detattchment, who probably never votes or is a staunch right winger, who sees a crime committed and doesn't report it, hears a cry for help and doesn't respond, the person who is in an abusive situation and afraid to leave, or allows abuse to happen to another, because to protest might endanger his safety and security. (Not only domestic but how about political/governmental abuses to our rights) It makes me think of Nazi Germany and the denial of German citizens as well as the rest of the world that anything was wrong with the treatment of the Jews, Catholics, Gypsies, Gays and anyone not meeting the Aryan criteria, no one wanted to believe it and those that did know were afraid of repercussions if they did get involved or protest or protect the targets. His needs are more important, he never has time to volunteer for anything, hates paying taxes and won't commit himself to anything that asks him to give something of himself. He also is unwilling to ask for help, is suspicious of others intent, his health may be bad but won't go to a doctor and find out what is wrong because he's afraid of what he'll find out or just isn't willing to pay for the service, or can't afford it.
Wow, where did all that come from?