What will I do when I retire

[markis]

I will be coming up to retirement soon and will have spent 30 years working as a postman. I am single with no family or close friends and being a postman gives not just a wage but also a purpose , it also lets me interact and socialise with other posties and customers. The office where I work has one or two posties who are getting their Royal Mail pension and state pension as well as their weekly wage, as they have nothing else in their lives. I suppose any one reading this knows someone in their office who get the same. I don’t want to end up in that situation, but I am now starting to worry and get anxious as retirement draws closer and my purpose in life and social interactions will all be gone.

[ted_e_bear]

Local wetherspoons ?
Sorry only joking and probably a bad one.

What about volunteering ?

Round here we've got a couple of organisations offering activities for over 60's they do in house bingo, coffee mornings lunch clubs,quizes, also have their own mini bus (they're always advertising for drivers) for trips out and even holidays on which volunteers are required to help, they're always on the lookout for volunteers to help out, is there anything similar in your area ? Possibly a good way to meet new friends.

[stars2025]

volunteer at ur local charity shop

[qwerty2]

volunteer at ur local charity shop

They'll have you driving around picking up parcels

[sindba]

Blimey that's a big question.

Are you sure no have no family or friends, maybe you've lost touch with and could get back in contact with?

As for socialising, it's more difficult as you get older, but what do you like actually doing? If you like a drink, find a good friendly local. If you like community, do some volunteering in something that interests you. If you like sport, get involved with a local club or supporters group. If you like a brain workout, go to nightschool and learn a language or summat. Etc.

It will probably take effort on your part, but better than sinking into a pit of the internet and telly. Best of luck.

[chickenwittle]

Maybe a bit of part time work , a few hours a day a few days a week , that’s my plan anyway, it’s great to be able to retire but you need to have something to occupy your time .Everyones situation is different of course , I have grandkids to occupy me.

[tramssirhc]

I will be coming up to retirement soon and will have spent 30 years working as a postman. I am single with no family or close friends and being a postman gives not just a wage but also a purpose , it also lets me interact and socialise with other posties and customers. The office where I work has one or two posties who are getting their Royal Mail pension and state pension as well as their weekly wage, as they have nothing else in their lives. I suppose any one reading this knows someone in their office who get the same. I don’t want to end up in that situation, but I am now starting to worry and get anxious as retirement draws closer and my purpose in life and social interactions will all be gone.

If you can retire then do so. We have fought for the right to retire. Employers would quite happily let workers labour until they drop. Try to see retiring as a positive, which it is. Try to think of all the things you would have done if you hadn't been working for 30 years. There are lots of opportunities to give something back. Animal shelters are desperate for people to help. Charities are crying out for help. The trade union movement needs all the help it can get. Maybe look into studying if that's something that interests you. The U3A is popular. Retiring isn't the end, it's just the beginning.

[RuralVan]

Just chill.

[teesdale]

Travel has got a bit expensive now, but plenty to see in London and Rome. Buy a copy of local Ordnance survey map and explore countryside nearby perhaps using free bus pass or third off railcard. Could use your phone or buy a gps to avoid mistakes navigating. Further away walks could be Cornwall or Scotland. Read classic english novels not suitable for comprehensive kids. Learn to cook and freeze with just fresh ingredients. Research loads of live music going back 60 years on you tube. Visit outdoor fairs, displays and agricultural shows. Internet not always good for ideas but Lonely Planet guide books are worth a look.

[Mickeybrowneyes]

Not sure if you are an animal lover but why not consider getting a dog.
That will give you structure and purpose and keep you active.
On my rest days I sometimes walk my dogs for anything up to 8 miles on nice scenic routes out in the countryside.
You see many fellow dog walkers on route and have interactions with them.
They are great company too and you build a bond with them that is social in nature.
You can take them to most pubs now too if you wanted a couple of light ales here and there.

[Londonsburning]

You could look into doing an open university course about something you are interested in. Do you have any hobbies? There will be plenty of people interested in the same things you are, clubs for things set up by councils everywhere also have a look at any part time jobs locally. Good luck!

[Wullie10]

The local hospital will always need volunteers.

[baldrick]

Do you have any hobbies? I assume you don't. It's good to find something you are interested in to fill your time. I'm quite like you, in my 70s now I don't see former friends much now. We are too old to go out drinking as we did when we were younger, and don't live near each other now.
I don't really feel like going out now. I got interested in family history and joined online genealogy websites. I've really got into it and once I log in it keeps me occupied for hours.
I also keep in contact with people on online forums.
I always have Radio 4 on, lots of interesting programs and it keeps me company.

[rogersh]

There is no retirement age !
So you can continue working if you wish or ask for a reduction in hours to part-time is an option.

[menditsa]

Don't retire, you don't have too.