Keeping busy in retirement

SailorSam

pollypenny wrote: »

OH and I find U3A, and it's huge range of activities, takes up most of our time.

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I'm just about to join that, reading their website there's loads of things to keep me out of mischief.

ibizafan_2

I always fancied volunteering at our local hospital, so shortly after I semi retired, I started helping out at the refreshment bar in out patients. It's a totally new environment and a completely new set of people which I enjoy. I did make sure that I didn't offer to do too many shifts, however, as I don't want it to take up too much of my time. I also go to the gym three or four times a week to do Zumba and Pump. Again, a completely new set of people, with whom I have a laugh and get fit at the same time. On the other hand my OH and I are quite happy with each other's company and rarely socialise with other people apart from when we're on holiday or with family. Personally, I don't want to fill all my time with doing stuff, as sometimes I like to just read a book without feeling guilty.

rsdiscos

Thank you for all the constructive comments and suggestions. Me and mum are close and I am more of a worrier than she is as I have suffered depression after my dad's death so I suppose I wanted to help in case she began to feel more down . Silly I suppose because she has coped by writing a journal and is open about her feelings. I think really she'll adjust brilliantly and in a few months time I'll wonder what I was worried about.

tesuhoha

As a daughter/son you can do some lovely things to help your mum enjoy her retirement. Regular outings to the cinema/theatre/lunch/shopping trips/walks. Go to the gym/swimming together. If you live far apart meet up midway and do something nice.

Make these outings as regular as you can. The thing is its better to do enjoyable things together and your Mum will find it easier to get out and about if its a fun activity rather than something she feels duty bound to do.