General Chat

AnninGlos Thanks for advice. Lovely posts and some lovely thoughts. Have a plan in my mind for what I should do, but it is the discipline. I get up at a certain time, work a number of hours, then write long letters to you and my dear friends here (who I now feel I have known for all of my life :-D :-D)

I like my job and will miss it. And I like a bit of discipline in routine, and will miss that terribly. I even hate having a fortnight's holiday. First day is great, then I start making a cup of coffee every hour, watching day time TV. Not watched a film since Dr Zhivago came out and have forgotten how to find the time to read a book. Suppose I need to relearn some basic life skills.

And relax. Money should be ok (not great but sufficient) and health is still good thanks to statins and Ramipril. So no reason not to relax and enjoy.

But I so understand why Dizzi started this thread. It is such a major life change (third only to death of spouse and moving house in relative old age, I would say). And it affects both partners so much. My OH is 58 and does not retire for 5 years, thanks to recent changes. :-(

What on earth makes you think that retirees sit and watch daytime TV. I guess some do but most of the retirees I know including my husband and I don't have the time.

John, have you thought of charity work. I know that is a cliche trotted out to retirees but, when I retired, I contacted an organisation who found charity work for retired professional and administrative type retirees. I did 8/9 years as a trustee and minutes secretary of a local charity. If you are good at accountancy work charities are crying out for treasurers, good at writing, they want secretaries. You don't have to work in a charity shop -- although that too is good if you like meeting people.
Most areas have organisations that co-ordinate charity work.
By doing something like that you would have the discipline and order in your life that you are used to. I still work on an occasional basis as admin volunteer for the same charity, I proof read for them and do other bits and pieces that can be done at home -mainly because their office is too small to accommodate volunteers.

That could have been phrased a bit more gently, SueMaid. Bit sparky this morning. I have a tremendous amount of actual empirical proof that retirees (particularly those with very little money) have a very dull life. I hope you will understand that I don't want to reveal how I am so certain of my point - but can assure you it is well-founded. I am surprised you don't think I am right.

And I feel that is a risk for us all- whether we have sufficient money in retirement or not. Those on this site have a computer (still a luxury for many) and most seem to have a fairly good quality of life. As do I. But very many in the 60+ age group have no computer, no desire to have one, insufficient cash for basic needs in life, and spend most of week in one or two rooms hardly communicating with the outside world.

It is the world of waiting for death that I remember from childhood. Old people sat in a chair in the corner. Often younger than I am now. One lady said to me yesterday, as she rocked back and forth in her chair watching "Bargain Hunt" "I am 65" I feigned mock surprise, pretended I thought she was younger.. But, at 65, she was very old indeed and was definitely in the waiting room.

Not everyone can tolerate someone with them 24/7 and even more so if to start with they have irritating habits that otherwise can be overlooked.





Some I know who have been wonderfully happy till OH retires and its not at all what they thought it would be......no carefree days spent out and about,no lax on mealtimes, no lax on much of anything,,,,,,this has lead to arguements,fall outs and being so unhappy that they sigh with relief when OH goes even for just a haircut just to have 5 mins alone.

I think there should be classes for wives-----""-how to cope when husbands retire.""

:-D :-D :-D.

I find that an incredible view of retirees. Yes I have a computer - you consider that to be a sign of affluence? I'm amazed. I shouldn't be because you obviously delight in making comments that are designed - in my opinion - to stir up a little controversy.

I am very suprised that someone in this day and age class themselves old at 65.!!! those I know would be horrified to be thought as an old woman or man.........they still like a Saturday night booze up down the pub ,still like to attend R&Roll or Northern Soul nights, and dance the night away and still have the mind set of their youth.

Unfortunately I suspect that John may be right in some cases. those of us who have company pensions and/or savings may be coping financially. But in the present financial climate with food and energy prices (among other things) rising and state pensions not keeping pace, many will be feeling the pinch to the extent that the thought of buying a computer will be way beyond them. Although money doesn't buy happiness, the lack of it can cause depression, especially if people are unable to afford enough food and heating. Depression will result in not wanting to go out, just sitting letting the TV wash over them.
This won't affect all people though as some will be able to cope, making them selves go out, join lunch clubs and make friends etc. It does depend a lot on personality.

I very rarely watch daytime TV, maybe news at lunch time if OH switches it on when he has his lunch.

You are probably right Ann.

Although we and probably most of our social contacts are connected to the internet, there must be thousands of ‘mature’ and slightly younger people who have never had a computer and have no interest.

It isn’t just the cost of the equipment; it’s the on-going connection fees.

SueMaid

A computer is not an essential item for many round where I live - perhaps half in the over 60 age bracket do not have one, and many of those do not want one.

AnninGlos is absolutely correct. An awful lot are struggling to survive at the moment. And that includes young and quite high income families. The only thing that is preventing real struggle at present are the low intereast rates of borrowing.

Most areas are now struggling in UK. Some fairly prosperous areas eg Cardiff and the Home Counties - but government jobs, BBC, local authorities, financial firms all tend to pay fairly well and bring money and more prosperity to those areas. But don't think computers are that common yet amongst the grey brigade here. I know that in my church there are 30 members and four of us have a computer. And 8 have an interest in family history, only two of whom have a computer.

John, you know what you have to do, don't procrastinate lol... into 'The Room at 9 type till 11, have a cuppa, type till 1, lunch..and then whatever else you want to do, and on Friday send the work to me for 'marking' ;-) over the weekend while you recharge your inspiration and spend time with OH

It's handy that your OH will still be working, it will give the day a pattern. :-D

Now someone tell me to take my own advice please......

Agree with Ann re the financial situation, it gets to you.

:-D :-D :-D

Am going now. Car just come back repaired from garage. Will send rest of this vitriolic and abusive post to Rose for marking and correcting this evening. I very firmly believe that the following people who have posted on this thread are ................

Sorry Dizzi, back to topic...definitely get a shed! for one or other of you... you could have it yourself and decorate it with your paintings, have electric put in for the PC and crafts and kettle...brilliant :-D

I know a number of people who are better off who do as John says 'wait for death', and others who I believe will never die unless shot with a horse gun...lol, money helps some, but not all...but generally speaking 'lack' of money ages you more 'before your time'.

Re computers, because we all have them here it's easy to forget that not everyone has, or thinks they can cope with one... I know 4 or 5 older ladies close to my family, one does have a PC, but only uses it for emails, the others don't have one ( one went for a course but it was too 'quick' for her to learn what she needed) , they could afford it but the prospect of 'technical stuff' frightens them.

Yes Dizzi............

And don''t forget to get him a free erection!

Apologies for being off topic Dizzi.

In this area there are free classes for silver surfers at the community centre. I don't know how many take it up and of those how many will afford a computer, broadband costs etc. I have a 75 year old friend who did have an old computer but didn't replace it when it 'broke' she occasionally goes to the library to send e mails but prefers to hand write letters and/or phone.
To me the internet is a boon because I have a real problem with the phone due to my hearing problem. can hear some people really well but others hardly at all. It seems to depend on their phones not mine because I have a speaker on mine, it can be frustrating and would be depressing if I let it be.

John there could be a solution for you at your church. The people who are interested in family history, could you set up a group and help their searches with your computer? Just an idea.

Don,t forget to include a well stocked Bar in the shed. :-D :-D :-D and as for people just waiting for Godo, what about those who have no choice through various illnesses or lack of family.perhaps John could visit a few if he,s bored or even do a volenteer hospital runs for people.thats worthwhile.

OK MY HK HAS BEEN CUT BY TWO THIRDS,,HOBBYS THAT COST NOW OUT OF WINDOW INC ,,MY WEBSITES I BELONG TO,
MY PAINTING ,,ANY EQUIPMENT I NEED CAVASES PAINTS WILL BE SPARCE I ALLREADY USE KIDS PAINTS BECUSE OTHER WAS GETTING COSTLEY

GOING ANYWHERE IN THE CAR IS OUT ,EVEN FIVE MILES AWAY ,,NO WAY
PARKING KEPT TO ONE HOUR,TRY DOING SHOPPING (NOT FOOD) IN AN HOUR,
HIS HOBBY ,,,THE SHOW CAR,,,WELL TAX ,INSURANCE KEEP IN REPAIR HOWS HE GOING TO AFFORD IT,,,

OKAY RETIRING I YOU GOT GOOD HEALTH,,I HAVNT AND ITS BAD ENOUGH HAVING TO ASK FOR HELP,,BUT NOW ,,PHEW ,,

TRUTH IM GOING POTTY SOB SOB SOB

ANN
NO FREE CLASSES IN MY AREA
CLASSES ARE NOW MILESS AWAY,EVEN DICOUNTED ARE £100 PLUS,IM LUCKY SOCIAL ARE GOING TO PAY FOR ME TO GO TO ART CLASS,AND THE GRANT FROM THE PD GOT ME AN I PAD ,,WHICH IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS ITS BEEN RESTORED TO FACTORY CONDITION ALREADY,

I GOT THESE MONEY SIGNES FLOATING THROUGH MY HEAD AND ITS QUITE WORRYING