Keeping Hubby Busy in Retirement

My mother often said that women can always find something to keep them busy without even trying;  there is always gardening and housework, shopping, cooking, sewing, reading, knitting and baking (and that’s just before lunch).  But for some men who had busy careers which left little time to develop hobbies, retirement can present a challenge.

I’ve heard it said more than once that husbands who retire are driving their wives crazy around the house!  They just don’t know what to do with all the time suddenly on their hands and may not have fostered a community of friends in the same way women,  raising a family, generally will.     Women tend to reach out to one another more easily through group activities such as volunteering,  yoga or book clubs while men can have a harder time establishing new friendships or reconnecting with old chums.

I’ve noticed many older gents in my neighborhood have taken a part-time job in retirement.  Two are school bus drivers and one works at a local golf course driving the machine that picks up balls on the range.  One retiree I know got his real estate license in cottage country. Others have adopted shelter dogs and become devoted to their new pets, walking them several times a day and enjoying the social interaction along the way.  Others volunteer, bringing Meals on Wheels to home-bound seniors.  The visits offer social interaction for both parties and give new retirees purpose.

Finding meaningful activities in retirement is more than just completing a bucket list, it can be an opportunity to give back to the community, learn a new skill such as photography or take up an instrument.  The possibilities are endless but the key is to find activities that not only fill the void but offer satisfaction of time well spent.