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All my life I have had countless hobbies and interests. I think many of the seniors that end up bored were those who did nothing but work/sleep and never really picked up any hobbies during their working years to transition to retirement. Currently I'm totally busy from sunrise to sunset.
You fail to take into consideration many seniors who deal with physical limitations like diminished eyesight and hearing, tremors, immobility, dexterity etc. They might have had a life filled with hobbies and interests which simply are not attainable to them in later years.
You fail to take into consideration many seniors who deal with physical limitations like diminished eyesight and hearing, tremors, immobility, dexterity etc. They might have had a life filled with hobbies and interests which simply are not attainable to them in later years.
This thread being in the retirement forum has brought out the fact of aging and the changes one experiences along that path. Indeed we all have some potential for disablement, so our lives keep changing in that vein, and yes, we can easily become isolated when we are in a walker or wheelchair.
Although we hear a lot of talk about social isolation among the younger people, aging throws a particularly mean wrench in the cogs of life at a point that often is already fraught with problems. My own health problems are now a real restraint on those hobbies I used to spend a large amount of my time on, but, that's life, and all the more reason to retire as early as we can.
All my life I have had countless hobbies and interests. I think many of the seniors that end up bored were those who did nothing but work/sleep and never really picked up any hobbies during their working years to transition to retirement. Currently I'm totally busy from sunrise to sunset.
People are different. My husband and I had hobbies before we got married, then kids became our hobbies, now travel is our hobbies on top of keeping ourselves healthy. I'm glad you are busy, we are taking it easy, we are now retired, we are not going to prove to ourselves that we are too busy to be bored. It's ok to be bored sometimes. Heck I was bored when I was teenager so I'm glad to be bored now. I've got nothing to prove to anyone. Retire or not.
I would have been interested in your exposition of the tulip mania in Holland in the 1630's. This is the first I've heard of it. It seems to me you and I would enjoy conversing with each other.
The tulip mania was addressed in an old book I recall from my childhood called "Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds." Ironic to this thread, I also grew up in a big family and read strange books like this, left around by my offbeat aunts and uncles, in order to have some "alone" time. ;-)
The tulip mania was addressed in an old book I recall from my childhood called "Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds." Ironic to this thread, I also grew up in a big family and read strange books like this, left around by my offbeat aunts and uncles, in order to have some "alone" time. ;-)
It was also covered in a wonderful book called The Embarrassment of Riches. We're Dutch, so my parents bought it, and in the pre digital world, my brothers and I would read whatever was to hand when we'd go home on vacations.
Just noticed, we all had our own hones by then, but visiting the folks was still "going home."
It is nice when someone (like my neighbour) invites me over to have tea or dinner or out to some local event with her/her family, but, they often worry about me too much when they can't invite me because they have family obligations. I appreciate their concern but I often feel as though I am having to explain over and over that I am just fine with being alone - which I am but they don't seem to believe me. I am not incapacitated (yet) so should I need or want to go somewhere/do something around other people (not that there is much around here to do most of the time) I can get in the truck and just go.
I am 'socially isolated' in the sense that most of the family I care about are either thousands of miles away or have passed on - but I am very good at 'entertaining' myself as well (yes, I talk to myself and the walls .. sometimes one of us will answer! ). I recall the days before the internet and frankly I was much more productive back then - sewing, cooking, reading, cleaning, doing arts and crafts - so perhaps I should shut off the only interpersonal interaction (such as it is) I have most days but cutting off my internet connection?
The truth is that I am sorry my husband is not still alive because we had lively daily discussions but I am not 'lonely' per se - though I am alone. I am just not that kind of person - but I know others in my position might not fare as well. I think it depends on how 'independent' one has always been, how much we have counted on others to entertain or fulfill us. I am social person but not dependent on a social environment either. What I don't want is for anyone to 'pity' me or judge me according to who they themselves are. If I was in the hospital no one would be visiting me either - so I might be one of the people the article's author is talking about .. but .. would it bother me or the author more? I suspect the answer is the author. I would be fine.
Aery:
My husband works on the ocean as a tug boat operator and is gone 3-4 days out of the week. I have no problem being by myself either in fact, I like "me." LOL I don't need people to entertain me but I know I have friends out there if I want to do lunch which I do if I am feeling well. I grew up with 2 other sisters and 2 brothers. I loved hanging out in my room as a kid listening to my music. If I wanted to walk to the beach - I would with my friends.
Today, I make candles, paint a little, bake and yes, lay on the couch to relax. :-) I can no longer do a lot in one day-not like I use to. When my husband is home we spend time chatting and it's all good.
I have been on the Internet since 1994. I love getting to know folks from all over the USA. I had my own business but had to give it up when I got so sick. Life is ok. I loved your post!! In fact I think everyone here is pretty special.
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). I recall the days before the internet and frankly I was much more productive back then - sewing, cooking, reading, cleaning, doing arts and crafts - so perhaps I should shut off the only interpersonal interaction (such as it is) I have most days but cutting off my internet connection? 
