Modestly-priced fun for becoming-deaf old bloke with no interests

exil

Why do you need a GPS? surely with the co-ordinates a map is enough?

mk_wotsit

Well, the map gets you to roughly the right area, then the GPS gets you within 10ft. Then you have to search for a conatainer that might be as large as an ammo tin or as small as a camera film container.

I thought OP's hubby might like it cos he already likes walking and most men love maps and gadgets!

de1amo

İ'm not quite 50 but have a medical retirement in my history--i was forced out of work at 38 due to a back problem-my wife back then paid little attention to my needs and unrecognised depression-i languished for a few years and then the depression broke and i developed a major mental health issue- it destroyed my marriage and i had to start all over again.
Like your partner even now i dont set the world on fire but İ am happy spending lots of time doing things like using my computer-My new wife includes me in life but accepts this part of my personality as part of my personailty.-She does set me odd housework chores by leaving messages on my computer!!--i enjoy finance chat and saving money -you could improve your finances by introducing him to this site in an attempt to spark him-
social interaction is a basic human need

oldsam

You could go 'walkies' the R.S.P.C.A. and the DOGS TRUST need people to help exercise the dogs in their care- What was his job ! The problem is when you stop working for someone else , It's a man thing ! you should if take that armchair he's sitting in outside shoot it and then set it on fire that will get his attention !
Deafness can make you feel different but as with a disability can work at it , 5 years ago I was able to get a hearing aid , For my type of deafness - they were not about - But putting up with it is easy option - You can write this down for him to go on line find the R.N.I. D. for info about Deafness and where to get help at a local level - Depression come and goes when you least expect it - Having a routine in your life can make a difference to you and people around you - It sounds if you are all the running, He's at home now and you just do the cooking , Tell him he is doing the dishes from now on !

alfred64

oldsam wrote: »

you should if take that armchair he's sitting in outside shoot it and then set it on fire that will get his attention !

but first , please make sure he has vacated it .

usignuolo

How about family tree research on the internet?

newleaf

foreign_correspondent wrote: »

If he likes walking, but has no-one to walk with, maybe it is worth looking into taking on a dog? I love walking, but only with my dog, and have had so many lovely, free walks with her, in places I would never go to otherwise! Alternatively, he could look into walking other people's dogs - plenty of people do, and many charge for it - lots of people who work full time are happy to pay somene to take their dog out!

Otherwise, lots of areas do 'walks for health' type schemes, and are often looking for new members, or even volunteer walk leaders - would this interest him?

I was going to say get a dog too. Dogs are Nature's antidepressant, and they don't care if you're a bit mutton jeff They get you out and about every day and you always end up talking to someone when you've got a dog. My elderly in laws were very 'anti' the idea, but eventually they fell in love with a Bichon pup they saw and decided to get one themselves. Honestly, it has transformed their lives and FIL is so fit now he has been able to reduce his blood pressure medication!
If you didn't want the responsibility of owning one yourselves the local RSPCA are always happy to have volunteer dog walkers.

hethmar

If he worked at the Beeb - could he not volunteer at a local Hospital Radio - even if just arranging scheduling and so on? Or Talking Newspapers? Both media related and both attracting retired (and not retired) media people - my son does both and also works at the Beeb

I know a dog walker would be great, but the OP has said her husband has arthritis. TBH, he needs to get his physical problems sorted doesnt he. Do you know your GP well enough to have a chat with him about all this and see if he can "invite" your OH in for a routine check up - an OAP one, or recently retired one, whatever you can improvise Once he got his hearing and knees sorted he may have a much more optimistic outlook.

azureblue_2

We found it takes at least 2 years after retiring to realise your life has changed really and properly, past tricks may not work. You become a different person with different aims. My OH is also a reluctant deafy, it's hard work some days.

kaspar

how about gardening?

or an allotment if you don't have one.