Why do I feel completly isolated from younger co workers?

I work in a major city. My problem is that I'm the oldest person on staff, including the administration and excepting the secretary. I commute over 2 hours to work and really am uninterested in spending extra time in the city. My co workers are average age 27, while I'm 40. I am completly unable to connect with many of them. Most of their conversations are about the bars they spent the weekend in, the hangover from the previous night and the other joys of living in the city. I feel like I'm from another planet. I don't want to march in a parade for social justice or rent control, or sleep over on someone's futon after the office party. That's right every office party, baby shower (1), holiday affair, etc. is held at a local bar or someone's house. Since I don't drink this makes it even harder to interact with them. Help, I like my job but I think my desire to run back to the country instead of hanging out with the other workers is causing me problems at work.

What's the question? I'm sure these younger folks do not expect you to act like them and they more then likely look up to you and respect you. It's a good thing for them that you are there. One day they will be your age and know how to respond in an adult setting without the parties. I guess your question is, if you can handle living and working in this environment that you want no part of. Liking your job is a big thing, you could be in a more acceptable environment with people your age, but hate your job.

I realize that some of the things they want you to do may be unappealing, but you made need to do some of the things to feel more accepted. Pick and choose. Go to the party at someones house and just drink soda or water. If you don't want to sleep at someones house, just grab a hotel room for the night. That's got to be cheaper than driving back home for the night. Don't go to everything, but do go to some of them.

I should think if you generally sociable during office hours you should be cool. Mentioning "OH gee I wish I could go but with the traffic whoa" every once and a while should cinch it.

try to tell them how u did party when u where at the same age, funny stories. maybe they will invite u to the next party. u should make the 1 step. try to approch just one of your coworkers, not all of them. the rest of them will come. i think they don't know u very well, so they didn't know haow to take u.