I can never understand anyone saying they ae bored when they retire--in 20 lifetimes there would still be things left undone unlearned and unseen --- IMO

Yes it is sudden big trip from global to being a home body.

Unfortunately in our society not many get the preparation needed to go into retirement.

It took me some couple of years minimum to realise that I did not have to worry about work too much ( sorry about the type change .........dashed putor will not let me repair the problem LOl ) and I gradually slipped into it ..........My Volunteer jobs were put into the too hard basket and I really needed time for ME and my extended family

If one has sficient maney to get by on this can make a big difference to ones peace of mind also

What used to take me about 10mins now takes over 30mins.

the wife is very happy

I think the world has changed so much since our parents and grandparents retired. In their day there wasn't much expectation other than they would have more time to read, do more gardening and perhaps a bit of travel if they could afford it. Most women had their children young so when their parents retired grandchildren were grown up and didn't need baby-sitting.

Now it's a whole different world with the growing need for volunteering (filling the gaps govt no longer provide), baby-sitting grandchildren, school for seniors and U3As, cheaper and easier travel, sports and social clubs, computers, etc etc. Nowadays it's a choice of whether you want to sit at home doing little or be as busy as you want to be. 

I sometimes hear men saying they found it hard to adjust but very rarely women, even if they have been full time in the workforce. Perhaps some men don't like the idea and don't plan ahead whereas most women I know were thinking about what they would do well before they retired.

My partner is perfectly happy doing very little except walking the dog, messing on his PC, reading and watching TV. Whereas I am a great joiner and am heavily involved with our U3A, do a bit of very part-time work from March to November, belong to our local Zonta club, and the Red Hat society and on the board of COTA. What is great about this is that he doesn't resent my activities and we don't get too much of each other! Retirement is what you make of it.

I agree jaywalker, it is entirely what you make it.....some of us just want to pass the time and not have to become social in clubs, but others need the stimulation of outside interests which is great also....secret is in knowing what gives you contentment.    I like a blend of each....quiet times and active....but do love the fact that you don't have to go to work in an organised area....you're your own boss....very appealing....happy new year to all....Mel

I could agree with some, or most or gee I like that idea...I`ve been retired for ten years and still each day as fresh as the last...I get tired though and have to keep going..sleep like a log never had any trouble there..I say to people I would love another life to do the things I cannot get done in this life...Living in other countries too what an experience that is...I love life, love people and love myself so thats all I can say.......lolololol

I retired when I was 38 & bought a big yacht to sail around the Pacific for around 4 years.  I went back to work at 50 & still enjoy paying salaries to children who think that old people should be put down as they are useless drains on society.  A simple rule:-  Never employ anyone who can't earn the Company $3 for every dollar they are costing & pay them bonuses for employing more Labor voter who promote them to shop stewards.  Who needs to work long hours?  I get my most joy from employing rusted on Labor voters who ensure that I don't have to do any work.  The only problem is that some of intelligent ones resign, & open in oposition then employ other Labor voters & start voting Liberal.   DAMN!!!

Thats the way the cookie crumbles isnt it...I been retired ten years now and cannot even remember what I did when employed....property managing was very good though...That means I`m busier now than I was before???? Innes I like that tiger...is it the one in your tank...We used to have a petrol/oil advert when I lived in my Homeland UK.... Esso or whatever and the theme was Having a Tiger in your Tank...lolol

You are correct Precious.  It was an Esso ad which was used by the owners, the massive international Exxon.  Quite some years ago they dropped the Esso & replaced it with Mobil which was then sold only a year or 2 ago to 7 eleven & Woolworts, together with their (I think) 160 odd service stations.   Esso are still in the exploration business in Australia & still operate oil rigs in the Bass Straight.