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Now that I am old and retired I never thought it would be this way. I pictured we would have a more active retirement with tons of things to do and great times with friends. It has not worked out as planned for me or the many people I see at the large Regional Shopping Mall near my home.
Just to get out of the house many of us arrive at the mall when it opens at 10 AM and go to the same area and sit there for hours watching people.
Back when I was younger I used to envy the older folks who had a completely open schedule and could do anything they wanted all day when I had to go off to work. Now I look at the business men and women all dressed up so nice, laughing and enjoying themselves and their friends and coworkers, on their way to a business lunch at one of the many eating establishments that cater to the business people from the many office buildings near by. They have such a sense of purpose. Our gang (the retired folks) who spends their day sitting around near the Food Court waiting for something to happen- does not. Yes, we should be doing something more important, but we are not. We are just sitting in the mall killing time. Fellow retirees can you relate?
I'm not able to relate to your lifestyle since, 1) Have never enjoyed shopping or hanging out at the mall, and 2) When I was working (dressed up, etc.) I was not 'happy'.
Besides retired folks, you have (no doubt) also observed many 'moms' spending large amounts of time at the mall pushing their little ones around in a stroller.
Have been retired now for two years and not for one minute do I regret retiring; I love my emotional and physical freedom. The only reason I worked for nearly 50 years was to support my vices: eating and a roof over my head.
It's up to each person (retired or not) to decide how to spend their free time.
Sounds like a good way for you to get out of the house and not feel isolated. Have you struck up any friendships with fellow mall goers? Have you enjoyed making up stories (and writing them down) about people you see walking by? Do you bring your lunch and offer to share your dessert with someone sitting nearby?
Yes, we should be doing something more important, but we are not. We are just sitting in the mall killing time. Fellow retirees can you relate?
No, not in the least. Moreover, I have absolutely no sympathy for people who choose to live their lives that way and then complain about it. I might have less contempt if the reason for doing so was financial and the retiree claimed that they had no money to do anything else. But that clearly is not the case for you:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Tired Man
When I was younger, I never saved up enough money for retirement and thought that once I turned 62 I would be forced to live mostly on Social Security, but that changed with the death of a close relative. She left me a large farm which we lease out and now live a very comfortable life financially from the proceeds.
So take your sob story and go commiserate with your group killing time at the mall.
I can't relate at all. I don't understand why you're complaining. Makes no sense at all. Go do something else.
Are you waiting for the world to amuse you ? Not going to happen. Make your own amusement. Find things that interest you- TAKE THE INITIATIVE . Life is not a TV set, where you sit back and watch a screen.
Life is to be lived. Give back to your community, volunteer your time or read through Meetups.com- find an interest in something, get your body moving. Hanging around doing nothing rots both the body and the mind. Plant a garden, build something, be a foster grandparent mentor ( Like Big Brothers/ Big Sisters ). The list is endless. You find meaning only in the life of people going to work ? Then put meaning in your life- work has nothing to do with it.
Boring people are bored. It's not retirement doing this to you, it's you doing it to yourself. Good luck
Instead of sitting there, get up and walk the mall at a quick clip. You should feel a whole lot better then.
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