Retirement for us has not worked out the way I thought it would. Like another poster, I thought it would be lazy days, weekends away, some hope! The one thing that has affected us both is health issues.Up till now my husband has been fit all his days. (It has always been myself that had health issues).I notice him now getting more tired. He does do voluntary work 3 days a week,as he has never been a sit down kind of man, but I insist we go away for a summer holiday and in the autumn.Within the UK. I told him straight if he wasnt coming, Id be holidaying alone. To be fair to him, he has to do the driving there, so we may have a week somewhere where it is not too long a drive. I've got to be honest and say we do have our separate interests, but we go out to the cinema ,occasional exhibitions, for meals. He does help around the house. We also help out with childcare for our grandchild. The one thing my husband does do is insist we both sit down at 9 pm each evening to watch something on TV together. Be it film or a drama. I think you really need to talk to each other but no shouting. You have to explain how you really feel. Regarding housework and cooking too many mothers did everything for their sons, then wives took over and in turn the cycle continues. My husband was the eldest in a large family,his mother insisted they all took turns with chores. All my husbands family(all sons with one daughter) can cook, clean and do laundry. Its a good idea to make sure your sons and grandsons, know how to look after themselves. However, yes, retirement is a huge adjustment for any couple. I really dont know what the answer is as no one I know seems to have the retirement they planned. You do have to talk to each other. Communication is key.