Keeping social once retired?
It’s still a few years off for me (health willing), but I’m starting to worry about staying socially connected once I retire. Most of my friends from work have moved on, and those roles have been filled by people just out of university, which makes it increasingly hard to relate.
I don’t have much of a friendship circle at the moment, so I’m concerned about what will happen when I eventually retire.
Comments
-
Try new hobbies/activities where you meet like minded people, look for local social groups there are usually some specifically for people of a certain age, you could also consider volunteering somewhere.
Local library, online community groups, GP surgery, are all great places to find out about things. Some GP surgeries also have social prescribers.
If there isn't something you want to join, try being one of those rare people who sets something up 😊
2 -
Thank you @Kimi87. I'm only in my 50s currently, so I have time, but I want to get my social life sorted before I retire as it's something I am growing increasingly worried about.
I have so little right now, I can't imagine what I'll do when I retire. I'm disappointed when I take annual leave as I spend most of it home alone.
0 -
I dumped it, because in the end they're not real friends. I haven't touched it for about a year, and guess what, nobody got in touch to see if I was ok. Meet real people and enjoy life without the drama.
0 -
my friend has taken early retirement in the last year. He belongs to a gym so now goes to classes too. He’s joined the university of the third age and enjoys many of their lectures. Other people I know volunteer at foodbanks, charity shops etc and have joined clubs which suit their interests. The Women’s Institute is more than just jam and Jerusalem and have a variety of speakers that might introduce you to a new hobby. We also set up a street WhatsApp and often have get togethers. Some of these things you could introduce now before retirement and start meeting new people now. Then when you’re retired you can engage more with those people you click with. I hope that helps - it’s scary, but sometimes it’s a case of putting yourself out there.
1 -
Sorry you dumped what? Who aren't real friends?
0 -
Thank you @JennieWren. The gym is a good suggestion, I already go a couple of times a week but have been too apprehensive to join classes. I may give some a try and see how it goes. I plan to continue working for as long as possible, but will look at volunteering and the Women's Institute too. Thank you.
0 -
Facebook..
0 -
Thought you were on about social media😂
0 -
Oh I see, I understand what you mean now. Yes, I had a similar experience with Facebook and similar sites.
0 -
i meet lots of people when my dawnie ties me up outside shops 🤗
0 -
It's been a few years since I've been tied up, but never outside a shop!
I am starting to say a hello to people when out and about but most people walk past with their head down, staring at a phone. It doesn't seem as easy to talk to people any more as most keep to themselves, which I respect entirely, but it is difficult when you are trying.
1 -
🤐🤣
0 -
Haha like politicians and solicitors it's in the wording Chris
1 -
I suppose a good way to meet members of the opposite sex would be to sit in the public gallery of a divorce court
0 -
I'm not surprised she tied you too lol
1 -
Don't worry. There's a lot more potential for being social once you're retired than there is whilst working. Before I stopped work, unlike when I was younger, I had no social life over the previous decade or so. This was because I was always at work or commuting. Sometimes I was so tired I considered sleeping under my desk rather than face the journey home.
TBH I don't do a lot now but I do more than when I was working. I joined a weekly knit n natter that make things to raise money for a charity. They often run stalls at all sorts of events and even at music festivals.
There's the potential to do lots of other things but the fear of catching covid prevents me (my daughter has had long covid for 5 years and I don't want to risk me having it too). However, the latter is another story.
I quite like the idea of being part of a repair shop or joining a Men in Sheds that has women (some do). The people I knit with do a whole load of other things from craft groups, to choirs, dance groups and zumba.
My parish hall has hot drinks and a natter once a week. Those who are more ambitious can consider getting on the parish council. Even though I live rurally there are WIs and Townswomens' Guilds, a weekly art class in the next village and always lots of volunteering opportunities.
Dog walking seems to lead to a lot of socialising. Someone I know is in a Whatsapp group for local dog owners and they help each other out with dog sitting and walking now and again.
It takes a while to adjust after working for so many years but without the restrictions and exhaustion of work you'll have the space to explore all the social things you can do in retirement.
0 -
Thank you @Delphi, that's such a reassuring answer, thank you for taking the time to respond.
As long as my health doesn't get any worse I'll be working for some time yet, I've still probably got a good 10 years of work before I hit pension age but I really want to be prepared. I saw my parents go downhill rapidly after they retired, and I don't want the same to happen to me.
1
Categories
- All Categories
- 15.9K Start here and say hello!
- 7.6K Coffee lounge
- 107 Games den
- 1.8K People power
- 161 Announcements and information
- 25.3K Talk about life
- 6.2K Everyday life
- 505 Current affairs
- 2.5K Families and carers
- 874 Education and skills
- 2K Work
- 586 Money and bills
- 3.7K Housing and independent living
- 1.2K Transport and travel
- 645 Relationships
- 1.6K Mental health and wellbeing
- 2.5K Talk about your impairment
- 883 Rare, invisible, & undiagnosed conditions
- 942 Neurological impairments and pain
- 2.2K Cerebral Palsy Network
- 1.3K Autism and neurodiversity
- 40.9K Talk about your benefits
- 6.1K Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- 20.3K PIP, DLA, ADP & AA
- 9.2K Universal Credit (UC)
- 5.3K Benefits and income