Just retired and bored

D

Daytona Al

Member
Hello everyone. I'm a new married retiree, who came from a busy job to a condo on the beautiful Atlantic. Nobody told me that the change would be so tough... particularly in the age of COVID. I'd like to hear how some of you have dealt with retirement. Any secrets? Does it get easier as it goes on? Any tips would be welcome. Thanks...
 

Hi Daytona Al, glad you found us...... I took retirement early and enjoyed the first 2 years and then suffered Cabin fever throughout an almost constant year of lockdown.. and unable to go out.Now the lockdowns are lifted , I'm thinking even now in my mid 60's I'm trying to find myself a little part-time job... boredom is really starting to get to me now..

welcome-from-london.jpg
 
welcome aboard from rural Kentucky...

this forum is an active and friendly place, with members from all around the globe. post and participate, you're sure to find some kindred spirits amongst us.

as far as dealing with retirement, I allow my curiosity free-reign, and follow it with impunity...
 

Thanks for the quick reply, HollyDolly. I'm guessing that you are in the UK from the photo. I literally woke up shaking the other day. Of course the doctor wants to give me dope, but I'm afraid of getting hooked. We tried to sign up for yoga today, but there was no one in the store. I have a chance to hound out brochures from the chamber of commerce, but it feels a little lame. Really kind of "make-work". I'm both bored and nervous, which I didn't know fit together. I just signed for Senior Forums, to that may get me a chance to converse until something else shows up.

How is the summer in the UK. I heard that Boris may require vaccinations. I hate the idea of government intrusion, but understand the real concern for getting the pandemic under control. I took both jabs as soon as they were available. But my spouse is worried about side effects.
Anyway thanks for answering.. Allen
 
SmoothSeas said:
welcome aboard from rural Kentucky...

this forum is an active and friendly place, with members from all around the globe. post and participate, you're sure to find some kindred spirits amongst us.

as far as dealing with retirement, I allow my curiosity free-reign, and follow it with impunity...
Click to expand...
Did you have a job withdrawal? If so, how long did it last? I have friends who simply kicked back, read some books and go to the beach. I suppose that I'll be there eventually.
 
Hi Daytona Al,welcome glad you found us,congrats on your marriage
You'll meet great group of members from around the world here at SF which makes it a fun place to hang out
I retired in 2011 after 27 yrs working 3 days/wk as a pharm tech at a local hospital
It does get easier in retirement if you just set your own pace,do things that make you happy. I also have kept a 'retirement journal' though I don't write in it every day
Before Covid hit,I was volunteering 2 mornings/wk at 2 different orgs,one in business office at my church,haven't returned yet.The church reopened in June only for church services
I hope this helps you some what
Sue in Buffalo,NY
 
Daytona Al said:
Thanks for the quick reply, HollyDolly. I'm guessing that you are in the UK from the photo. I literally woke up shaking the other day. Of course the doctor wants to give me dope, but I'm afraid of getting hooked. We tried to sign up for yoga today, but there was no one in the store. I have a chance to hound out brochures from the chamber of commerce, but it feels a little lame. Really kind of "make-work". I'm both bored and nervous, which I didn't know fit together. I just signed for Senior Forums, to that may get me a chance to converse until something else shows up.

How is the summer in the UK. I heard that Boris may require vaccinations. I hate the idea of government intrusion, but understand the real concern for getting the pandemic under control. I took both jabs as soon as they were available. But my spouse is worried about side effects.
Anyway thanks for answering.. Allen
Click to expand...
yes you will find something to do..don't worry, don't be nervous think of it as a whole new beginning to do what you want to do...

The summer has been hot here in London ..although August was unusually wet but now September has been hot again. Most of the country has been double vaccinated, and getting ready for their booster later in the year... Boris got C-19 himself, so he got the vaccination after he survived it, lucky for him to get a second chance especially now he's started a new young family..and a brand new marriage...again!!
 
Hi Sue,

Thanks so much for your quick reply. I don't really know how this works yet, but have found out how to pick up my "reactions". I don't know how to see the posts when I reply to others, but I guess I'll figure it out. I retired at 70, but have the energy of a 50 year old. It didn't make any economic sense to keep working, since I had a good retirement. I expected everything to be Rosy, until it actually happened and I woke up puzzled and a bit panicked. I'm goad to hear that it will get easier. I can use easier.

How are things with COVID in Buffalo? We have some real contradictions in Florida. Hospitalization is on the rise, but almost no one wears a mask. I haven't been afraid of it until recently when I went to a "coffee with the mayor" meeting in out little town and she was hospitalized with COVID. Of course, she probably shakes a lot of hands, but it is still too close for comfort. I don't know if she was vaccinated, but would expect so.

Any, thanks for replying... Allen from Daytona... formerly Tampa
 
I do volunteer work from home and occasionally outside.

I'm trying to learn to play chess and do it online.

I do a lot of reading.

I'm on three of these forum websites.

I take courses. Most institutions in the world put their courses on the web for free and I take them. I especially like the ones with active discussion forums. You can find at least a thousand of them listed at MOOC-list.com.

Good luck!
 
RadishRose said:
Hi Al,
View attachment 183078

Yes, it can be boring in the beginning. You want to join things, sign up, try new interests. Maybe take a class?
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We went to a yoga class studio, but no one was there. The door was open, but not a soul was inside. A less honest person could have a fortune in spandex outfits. Do you think 70 is too old for beginners yoga? But then, what do I have to lose? In a beach town, it's primarily Yoga, politics and surfing.
 
Daytona Al said:
Hi Sue,

Thanks so much for your quick reply. I don't really know how this works yet, but have found out how to pick up my "reactions". I don't know how to see the posts when I reply to others, but I guess I'll figure it out. I retired at 70, but have the energy of a 50 year old. It didn't make any economic sense to keep working, since I had a good retirement. I expected everything to be Rosy, until it actually happened and I woke up puzzled and a bit panicked. I'm goad to hear that it will get easier. I can use easier.

How are things with COVID in Buffalo? We have some real contradictions in Florida. Hospitalization is on the rise, but almost no one wears a mask. I haven't been afraid of it until recently when I went to a "coffee with the mayor" meeting in out little town and she was hospitalized with COVID. Of course, she probably shakes a lot of hands, but it is still too close for comfort. I don't know if she was vaccinated, but would expect so.

Any, thanks for replying... Allen from Daytona... formerly Tampa
Click to expand...
Hello, fellow Central Florida resident!

I don't know what you mean by seeing the posts. Could you please explain? Maybe someone here can help you.

Wait -- I think I might have figured it out. Do you mean the quoted post as yours shows above this one? Click on "reply," not "quote." For that matter, maybe someone can tell me what "quote" does?
 
Dancing_Queen said:
I do volunteer work from home and occasionally outside.

I'm trying to learn to play chess and do it online.

I do a lot of reading.

I'm on three of these forum websites.

I take courses. Most institutions in the world put their courses on the web for free and I take them. I especially like the ones with active discussion forums. You can find at least a thousand of them listed at MOOC-list.com.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
What a great idea. I'll go to MOOC-list.com tomorrow. I had expected to read a lot, but find myself too nervous to do so. When I came home from a tired days work, I loved to read. Now that I have the time, not so much.
 
Daytona Al said:
We went to a yoga class studio, but no one was there. The door was open, but not a soul was inside. A less honest person could have a fortune in spandex outfits. Do you think 70 is too old for beginners yoga? But then, what do I have to lose? In a beach town, it's primarily Yoga, politics and surfing.
Click to expand...
It isn't too old as long as you don't push it. Make sure you have a knowledgeable instructor who knows your concerns.
 
Daytona Al said:
What a great idea. I'll go to MOOC-list.com tomorrow. I had expected to read a lot, but find myself too nervous to do so. When I came home from a tired days work, I loved to read. Now that I have the time, not so much.
Click to expand...
There are classes in just about every discipline on numerous platforms. I find that Coursera has the most in-depth ones, but they changed their platform so there's hardly any interaction. For interaction I go to FutureLearn. You can do as much or as little of any course you want.
 
Dancing_Queen said:
Hello, fellow Central Florida resident!

I don't know what you mean by seeing the posts. Could you please explain? Maybe someone here can help you.

Wait -- I think I might have figured it out. Do you mean the quoted post as yours shows above this one? Click on "reply," not "quote." For that matter, maybe someone can tell me what "quote" does?
Click to expand...
I keep getting alerts that someone quoted me on their thread. I have no idea what that means, but feel quite honored. What I mean, if If I reply to someone's post, and their response, how do I retrieve it? Does that make sense. For example. I replied to some folks posts under "What's new". But I don't know how to go back and see if the person who posted or others responded.

Maybe this is clearer. How did you know that I responded to your reply? Where did you pick up the response?
 
It is a process to learn what will work for you.
I have been experimenting with exercise classes at the senior center, volunteering, virtual book club, meetup group. etc.
Whatever your interests, be prepared to try out numerous avenues until you find the mix which works for you.
The scheduling of these activities along with my doctor, dermatologist and dental appointments has been a challenge.
 
Daytona Al said:
I keep getting alerts that someone quoted me on their thread. I have no idea what that means, but feel quite honored. What I mean, if If I reply to someone's post, and their response, how do I retrieve it? Does that make sense. For example. I replied to some folks posts under "What's new". But I don't know how to go back and see if the person who posted or others responded.

Maybe this is clearer. How did you know that I responded to your reply? Where did you pick up the response?
Click to expand...
This is the notification I got:

Daytona Al quoted your post in the thread Just retired and bored.
 
Retirement is like starting a new job. Not easy at 1st. then as you get used to it you realize retirement is the last "job" that you will have. Unless of course you don't acquire the skill needed to relax.

I'm retired early at age 54 & am 26 years into retirement now. I remember using the 1st. year & 1/2 getting fit. It took that long. Fat & poor eating habit took years to accumulate so rushing to remedy that took time. Once fit, taking road trips to spend weeks at a time hiking most of America's National parks was our way to beat boredom.

So long as you are financially able to do what you planned, working on making sure your health is as good as you can make should be your priority.
 
I have been retired over 21 years now and have never had a boring day in my entire retirement. I have traveled to many places, spending 2 winters in Mexico, 2 winters in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and a winter in the Iberian Peninsula. Also, I am a life long learner. I love reading, playing and singing with my guitar, I exercise and walk 5 days/week and still love to take photos.

Just returned from a month long trip through Western Canada right up to the Klondike in The Yukon. At home right now I am very like crazy recording my favourite songs off my LP records unto USB memory sticks. I don't know you, Daytona Al but maybe you were a "workaholic" when you worked. Many men have this problem and find it difficult to retire. They say that some men only live 2 years after they retire but women live much longer as they almost always have a social life.

For you, Daytona, I would suggest to get into a senior exercise or dance program. Get into a routine of walking daily. Don't sit around that darn condo! Don't watch 12 hours of sports on TV unless you have written your last will and testament and want to exit life ASAP. If no hobbies, then try to join something and learn new things! Hey, maybe try wine making? I did it for years. Lots of fun! I cut the cable over 20 years ago. I just buy old westerns from Amazon and only watch them in the evening.

Maybe learn to cook healthy meals. Don't go to burger joints daily or you wouldn't around much longer. Smile, laugh! If nothing else join those "good ole' boys" for coffee each morning and "solve the world's problems." Good luck Daytona Al! You can do it.
 
Knight said:
Retirement is like starting a new job. Not easy at 1st. then as you get used to it you realize retirement is the last "job" that you will have. Unless of course you don't acquire the skill needed to relax.

I'm retired early at age 54 & am 26 years into retirement now. I remember using the 1st. year & 1/2 getting fit. It took that long. Fat & poor eating habit took years to accumulate so rushing to remedy that took time. Once fit, taking road trips to spend weeks at a time hiking most of America's National parks was our way to beat boredom.

So long as you are financially able to do what you planned, working on making sure your health is as good as you can make should be your priority.
Click to expand...
I'm a dancer and you can be sure I'm out on the floor as much as possible. Exercise keeps the mind in shape along with the body.
 
Packerjohn said:
I have been retired over 21 years now and have never had a boring day in my entire retirement. I have traveled to many places, spending 2 winters in Mexico, 2 winters in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and a winter in the Iberian Peninsula. Also, I am a life long learner. I love reading, playing and singing with my guitar, I exercise and walk 5 days/week and still love to take photos. Just returned from a month long trip through Western Canada right up to the Klondike in The Yukon. At home right now I am very like crazy recording my favourite songs off my LP records unto USB memory sticks. I don't know you, Daytona Al but maybe you were a "workaholic" when you worked. Many men have this problem and find it difficult to retire. They say that some men only live 2 years after they retire but women live much longer as they almost always have a social life. For you, Daytona, I would suggest to get into a senior exercise or dance program. Get into a routine of walking daily. Don't sit around that darn condo! Don't watch 12 hours of sports on TV unless you have written your last will and testament and want to exit life ASAP. If no hobbies, then try to join something and learn new things! Hey, maybe try wine making? I did it for years. Lots of fun! I cut the cable over 20 years ago. I just buy old westerns from Amazon and only watch them in the evening. Maybe learn to cook healthy meals. Don't go to burger joints daily or you wouldn't around much longer. Smile, laugh! If nothing else join those "good ole' boys" for coffee each morning and "solve the world's problems." Good luck Daytona Al! You can do it.
Click to expand...
Great points, Packer! However, I got you beat. I cut the cable in 1962 when I was in high school. :)
 
funsearcher! said:
It is a process to learn what will work for you.
I have been experimenting with exercise classes at the senior center, volunteering, virtual book club, meetup group. etc.
Whatever your interests, be prepared to try out numerous avenues until you find the mix which works for you.
The scheduling of these activities along with my doctor, dermatologist and dental appointments has been a challenge.
Click to expand...
Yes, Suddenly, I have all of these doctors. Three months ago, I was the healthiest guy in the world. Now my prostate needs removal and my colon needs to be scanned-- again and again. I haven't even started to find a dentist here. One lesson is that Doctor's love Medicare. But I guess that's a good thing if it keeps me healthy. I've got my first volunteer day on Monday. Basically I'm sitting at a desk in a Chamber of Commerce office where nobody ever comes. But it will get me out of the house. My wife says that she'll be glad to help, but I may just need to something on my on. Maybe I can nap at their desk as well as I did occasionally at my previous job.

Any thanks for replying, Funsearcher. I'm struggling a bit but this communication really helps.
 
I'm also watching all of Neil DeGrasse Tyson's stuff on Youtube and going to lectures on Zoom. In other words, if I'm going to sit and watch something, it's going to be educational. PackerJohn was right; vegetating will kill you, but it will kill your brain first.
 
Dancing_Queen said:
Great points, Packer! However, I got you beat. I cut the cable in 1962 when I was in high school. :)
Click to expand...
Hi Packer,
You guys are giving me hope. Yep I was a Type A, workaholic, who clawed my way up a difficult organization until I hit 70. My goal was always to get a good retirement... which I did. It never occurred to me what I would do afterwards. I hit the treadmill for the first time last night, which helped a bit. But it's a hard road. My doctor prescribed something to "help me relax", but that scares me. Anyway my wife won't let me take it. I suppose that this will all work out, but hearing from you guys is very helpful. Thanks so much. I probably need to go into the site and find another subject that I'm interested in.

Do you know how to enter a new post? I don't see that anywhere. It must be easy, but I can 't find it.
 

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