Retirement - what do you intend to do when you retire?

@ellie333 (21016)
May 16, 2009 3:46pm CST
The reason I am asking this question is that my father retired yesterday and other than playing a bit more golf hasn't really any direction about what he wants to do. For those of you that are retired how did you handle the transition from working all your life to suddenly not having to do anything and for those of you that aren't what are your plans, how would you like to spend you days of leisure? Huggles. Ellie :D
9 people like this
26 responses
@fwidman (11514)
• United States
16 May 09
I always said that when I retired I wasn't going to do anything, and that's pretty much what I have done I do go bowling once a week for my league, but other than that I make no real plans for the day, I just sleep in then play it by ear.Mostly I am on the computer Since he just retired yesterday, I'd give your dad some time to do nothing and then he'll figure out what it is he really wants to spend his time doing, other than golf, and he should be fine
3 people like this
@ellie333 (21016)
16 May 09
Hi Thanks Fwidman,I should imagine the first few weeks will feel like a holiday and it will be then that he will decide what he wants to do if anything. Huggles. Ellie :D
3 people like this
@fwidman (11514)
• United States
16 May 09
I'm sure he will Most people get bored when they retire if they are doing nothing or just sitting around watching television. Maybe he can go to a senior center if there is one nearby, then he can hang out with others his own age and maybe find something he is interested in doing
3 people like this
@ajithlal (14716)
• India
7 Jun 09
I like to read lots of books and travel and relax after I get retired.
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
16 May 09
I am retired and I do pretty much what I did before. But then I had not worked on an outside job since I was married other then delivering fliers, and telemarketing. Got married in the last recession. And we did go for a cruise and a trip across the North Eastern States, but that is all because my husband had a stroke. We also were not wealthy and we had decided to fix up the house. So now we are getting the house fixed up, but it is because we have to make it handicapped friendly and I really should do more gardening. As for leisure, there is not any.
2 people like this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
17 May 09
It is a bummer. We were planning to go on a cruise every two years. We won a cruise to Florida but had to give it up because of my husband's stroke. And so most of our money is going into updating the house. It is lucky that our house is paid for. So i guess any travel, someone else will have to pick us up.
1 person likes this
@ellie333 (21016)
17 May 09
Hi Suspenseful. That sounds like you had a lovely trip and cruise though, shame about your husbands health though as that can limit and also lack of funds the things you do do. Huggles. Ellie :D
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63194)
• United States
16 May 09
well, for the year I wasn't working, I sat in front of the computer and played games, I wish I'd learned about mylot that year, I could've been earning some then... I got a little job about the same time I discovered mylot
2 people like this
@ElicBxn (63194)
• United States
17 May 09
getting up isn't the problem, so long as I can sit after I'm up....
@ellie333 (21016)
17 May 09
Hi ElicBxn, Well my father hasn't got a computer but I think my younger brother is moving back in soi maybe he will teach him and he can play online but he is more an up and out type person so I can't see that really. Huggles. Ellie :D
1 person likes this
• United States
16 May 09
If I ever make it to the point where I get to retire, part of my plan is to travel the country. That's something I plan to do before then actually, or at least to certain places. But I definitely want to travel the country in a Winnebago (or whatever cool vehicle they have at the point that I want) seeing all the interesting places and all that. Of course I also just want to be able to enjoy my life at that point too. I want to just take it as easy as I possibly can. Not exactly too specific I guess, but you know.
2 people like this
@ellie333 (21016)
17 May 09
Hi Darthjustice, Yes I think to travel would be a great thing to do, maybe as my dad likes golf he could visit different courses in the country at the same time as travelling to new places, that way he would meet different people from different areas too. Huggles. Ellie :D
@mommaj (23155)
• United States
16 May 09
When my grandfather retired he said he was going to take it easy. That man was more physically fit than people half his age. He was always doing something. He walked about a mile a day. As far as things to do, he would tinker with old clocks and watches. His hands didn't cooperate for long. He would go to yardsales. He has all kind of junk. lol. Whenever there is a get together he is the one who is holding the camera. He loved traveling. I remember he and my grandmother went to Hawaii one year and the next year they took a motorhome and traveled across the US. I wish I would have been with them just to see what they actually did. He came back with lots of pictures and telling us of tours they took as they went. He was extremely active until he was about 85 years old. He now says he doesn't do anything. He's had a couple of strokes and he will fall with out warning. He wishes his body would do what his mind wants him to do. Whatever your father does, tell him to just stay active. His body will let him know when it is time to retire. There are no subtle hints, it will be PAINSTAKINGLY obvious.
2 people like this
@ellie333 (21016)
17 May 09
Hi Mommaj, It sounds like your grandfather really filled his days with adventure, good for him. I think after an initial rest he will be off doing things as he is not a sit in front of the tv type guy. Huggles. Ellie :D
@mommaj (23155)
• United States
17 May 09
I think the quickest way to grow old is to sit in front of the tv. Glad to hear he will be out enjoying life. Everyone should have the chance to.
1 person likes this
@jellymonty (2352)
16 May 09
Well I do know that golf was invented for people who retire so that's the first thing I will do! But well I intend to travel the world more, do more volunteer projects and well raise the gran kids! But it all depends on how God leads me at the end of the day so I'll let him figure that for me. By the way congrats on your father's retirement.. Hope he gets the drive to figure out what he wants to do..
2 people like this
@ellie333 (21016)
17 May 09
Hi Jellymonty, He loves his golf so I know he will be definitely playing more of that but anything else as yet doesn't really know but after an inital break I am sure he will work something out as he is a get up and out person rather than stay at home. Huggles. Ellie :D
@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
17 May 09
Retirement is still a long way for me, but I have several things that I might be interested in doing and I am not sure which will take place. We'll see how things go over the years. I am a huge cat lover so breeding cats, not for a living but occaisonally and with good ethics for the animals, would be something I'd love to do. I'd have all the time in the world for that by then and give them attention around the clock and socialize them very well. I'd also love to spend more time on my hobbies, I do all sorts of crafts. Painting, crossstichting, sewing applications with velt, making cloths, beading, making 3D-cards, making jewelry; you name it, I've tried it. And most likely I have enjoyed it aswell . And last but very important: spending time with loved ones and friends. We should do that daily no matter how our shedule looks, and I surely would also want to do that once I'm retired.
1 person likes this
@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
17 May 09
That sounds lovely, Ellie. I am sure your children would appreciate it, and I know for sure that your grandchildren would love to have a loving grandmother that has bunches of time to be with them . I did give these things a thought and I am looking into life savings etc. Better to get these things arranged while I am young because it will pay of in the long run to be cheaper and get higher rent on what you save.
1 person likes this
@ellie333 (21016)
17 May 09
Hi Cyberfluf, Wow for someone so young you have a few plans already, I think I would become more creative and travel and yes of course spend more time with loved ones as by then I expect to be a grandmother too LOL. I never had help from my parents with my children so I would try to be there to help y own children with theirs, not interferring but to abysit and give them a break to go off and do things. Huggles. Ellie :D
1 person likes this
@ajithlal (14716)
• India
17 May 09
I think I would spend my time reading and enjoying the life. The thought never came to my mind about my retirement. I think I have to plan my retirement better. I think I will save some money for my retirement and will plan to go for a small tour because I have not traveled or visited place much. I like reading very much. I will spend my time reading, traveling, watching television, and in front of my computer.
@ellie333 (21016)
17 May 09
Hi Ajithal, I think a lot of people don't really think about it too much like with my father but he is not a stay at home type person so I expect as well as playing more golf he will travel too, thanks for sharing your plans. Huggles. Ellie :D
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
17 May 09
I plan to continue to work online if I ever retire. I do not mind the work at all and I can always use the extra money too.
1 person likes this
@ellie333 (21016)
17 May 09
Hi Steph, thats great as you will be able to continue what you are already doing, my father doesn't have a computer so he will be out and about more I guess. Huggles. Ellie :D
• United States
17 May 09
What do you mean? LOL! I am retired! I'm a stay at home mom and only mid thirties but sometimes, it feels like I'm retired. Nothing to do but take care of people, surf the net and watch tv all day. What a life, huh?
1 person likes this
@ellie333 (21016)
17 May 09
Hi Beautyqueen, I feel a stay at home mum is more than a fulltime job as you are on call 24/7 so if you can look at it as retirement well done you, I go to work to have a rest from the house and the kids LOL. Huggles. Ellie :D
@elitess (5070)
• Ipswich, England
23 May 09
Hi there Ellie. I know i am by far the right person to talk to you about retirement at only 21 years old, but still age doesn't matter, but rather mind and thoughts, right ? Well when i will be old along with my girl and both retired, i would absolutely love to travel - inbound and outbound of course, depending on the money at hand. Her grandmother is traveling a lot and i respect and admire her for that, as this keeps her very active and she is over 70 years old (i don't know exactly her age).
1 person likes this
@ellie333 (21016)
23 May 09
Hi Elitess, Wel since posting discussion my father has booked a three month holiday in Thailand as my brother and sister-in-law took him there for a couple of weks recently and he has decided to go back, my younger brother has let his aparment out and will live at dads whilst he away and he is coming to visit us in Devon next week so keeping himself quite occupied already. Great to hear that you grandmother is managing to do the same. Huggles. Ellie :D
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
17 May 09
My dream would be to own a property with a bit more land than we have now so I could keep more animals. I already have a nice country town in mind. I would like to write, MyLot, tend to my animals and hopefully pay someone else to do my housework!
1 person likes this
@ellie333 (21016)
17 May 09
Hi Paula, Yes there is so much ore to life tan housework eh! A small holding sounds great, hope you get your dream in years to come. Huggles. Ellie :D
1 person likes this
• Philippines
17 May 09
i think much have been done. these people who were able to reach retirement age should enjoy their money and the remaining years of their lives. they should also devote more time to GOD and thank for all the years offered to them. it will be 25 years for me to retire. i can't still think about it.
1 person likes this
@ellie333 (21016)
17 May 09
Hi Shoemaker, My own father survived cancer last year so I think he will be intending on living life to the full now he has retired and getting as much as possible from each day he is blessed with. Huggles. Ellie :D
@larish (2191)
• Philippines
17 May 09
When I retire, I also plan to do nothing. I just want to relax. I want to travel if my health permits. I want to visit my grandchildren and would try to bond with them as often as I can.
1 person likes this
@ellie333 (21016)
17 May 09
Hi Larish, That sounds like a great plan, my father is too active to do that but I would like to relax back once I retire too, I haven't grandchildren yet but would definitely travel and see more of the family. Huggles. Ellie :D
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
23 May 09
I've been retired for about 3 years now and there are simply not enough hours in the day. I keep house and do a bit of gardening. I also do some volunteer work as a driver but that doesn't come up often. I spend a LOT of time amusing myself on the computer. I plan to travel a bit in a few years and I'm saving for that. There are so many things to do just from home and yet I love just looking out my window watching my goats and thanking Mother Nature for the gifts she has bestowed on us.
@marketing07 (6266)
• South Korea
17 May 09
hi..ellie..maybe when i rech that age of retirement..i would love to spend more days on vaction with my family or planning to have a small farm to make me busy gardening or farming..
1 person likes this
@ellie333 (21016)
17 May 09
Hi Marketing, Having your own small farm and living off the land sounds like a wonderful retirement plan and to spend more time with friends and family a great thing to do. Huggles. Ellie :D
• United States
17 May 09
I'll probably just be writing the great American novel.
1 person likes this
@ellie333 (21016)
17 May 09
Hi Gitfiddleplayer, That sounds like a great plan, I would spend more time writing I guess if funds not available for travel when I retire. Huggles. Ellie :D
@guybrush (4658)
• Australia
21 May 09
Hi Ellie! My husband and I are ready for retirement ANY TIME NOW! The only thing really holding us back is that we have our 21yo son still living with us at home while he finishes his apprenticeship. When he's qualified, and can afford to rent a place for himself, we'll sell up and move 4,000kms away to somewhere warmer where we don't have to tolerate another winter. I used to enjoy the cold months when I was younger, but the older we get, the more intolerant to cold we seem to become - and when we have days and days of rain and clouds without any sun poking through at all, it tends to make us both a bit depressed. We've lived in this house for 30 years (our whole marriage) - so we both feel it would be nice to have something different to look at out of the windows! Plus, my husband is completely over his job, having done it for 34 years.
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
16 May 09
Hi ellie, When I retired it was due to disability. But even then I had hopes of doing a little traveling by train. It doesn't really matter where as long as I can see some Mountain scenery. I'd also like to lay over in places that I haven't seen. But right after I quit work, hubby was laid off and still is looking for work. So unless something amazing happens, trips of any kind don't seem to be in my future. Don't worry Ellie, I'm not giving up. Hugssss leenie
1 person likes this
@ellie333 (21016)
17 May 09
Hi Leenie, Well the say this year is the year for miracles so you never know what is round the corner. I hope you get to travel and see many mountains, Dexter will love running around too and a train trip for him will be a great adventure. Lets hope hubby finds some work soon so you can fulfill these hopes and dreams. Huggles. Ellie :D
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
17 May 09
If and when I can retire, I'd be perfectly happy dividing my time between places like myLot or game sites, and playing in my garden. Of course, if I won the lottery that would all change. If that was the case I'd be going to some exotic places and myLotting on my laptop...lol.
1 person likes this
@ellie333 (21016)
17 May 09
Hi Catdla, I think finances do have a say in what we will do when retired, I think my father will be able to travel a fair amount and he hasn't a computer and not a stay at home type but yes I would travel a lot too if I could. Huggles. Ellie :D