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Retirement is it what you thought it would be?

(81 Posts)
Sallywally1 Sun 10-May-26 10:07:10

I love having more time, but I do get lonely. I have a DH but he is out a lot. I have also struggled with severe arthritis which was unexpected. I am 71 and retired at 68. I try and exercise, but this is difficult because of the arthritis, which also deters me from voluntary work. I would not go back to work though!

Margiknot Tue 12-May-26 21:11:30

I retired 2 years ago,( I’m 70) from a part time hospital post, and think I am still adjusting and trying to find my way. I don’t miss rushing to get to work and back, the time juggling and the planning needed to continue to work - but I miss meeting people, the support from my colleagues, being a useful part of a team and the interest of work We have a disabled adult son who lives with us, and I worry about his future- especially as we age further. I was concerned that retirement from paid work would not suit me - but I enjoy the slower pace of life.

MrsMatt Tue 12-May-26 22:22:42

I could have retired last year but I couldn't think of anything worse than not having something to do. I work 1 full day and 2 half days a week. All my now adult kids have moved into their own homes. My husband passed in 2014, so there is just me at home. It is hard sometimes but I try to always have something to do, painting, crochet, sewing etc

fancyflowers Wed 13-May-26 00:16:15

I wouldn't want to go back to work, but I do sometimes get bored. My declining health means that most retirement occupations are impossible.

However, I enjoy my small garden, reading and watching programmes on my iPad. I also love seeing my granddaughter once a week, even though I'm exhausted afterwards.

Dempie55 Wed 13-May-26 00:49:57

Yes, I bloody love it, especially lying in bed till 10 am withouts a care in the world.

Boadicea Wed 13-May-26 08:32:48

Can't afford to retire!
Was a self employed live in carer in my 60s so I could more or less work when I wanted as I didn't get my pension till I was 66.
I was diagnosed with ADHD around the same time so much of my life then made sense - not being able to stick at one thing long enough to work my way up or get much pension.
My partner has a business which I help him with but several times a year it's hard physical work and each time it takes us longer to recover!
I have had issues with my back for years; he hurt his a few years back and now has nerve issues with his knee related to that and I have sciatica off and on as well as tennis elbow and arthritis in my fingers and trigger finger in 2 of them.
I had to give up the care work as there just doesn't seem to be time what with helping with the business, helping care for my 93 year old mother, doing up the old house we bought 3 years ago and cleaning, cleaning, cleaning - which I really resent! I always said I would never be a "housewife" and now I find I have fallen into this role and I hate it.
OH is not a chauvinist, he just doesn't think that most of what I do (vacuuming, ironing, wiping down surfaces etc) needs doing!
I wouldn't have had cats if I weren't with him - as well as just having that responsibility and being tied to when people can catsit for us you can see from the pictures how much hair they shed so not cleaning is not an option.(for me, at any rate. I am fed up of having to clean cat hair off my clothes.
So no, this is not what I imagined myself to be doing at 71.
And I can't help remembering that my father was only 6 years older than I am now when he had a fatal stroke!