Are older workers right to fear they’ll die of boredom when they finally retire?

WHEN the time came for me to give up the world of work I wasn’t looking forward to retirement. I had seen my own father and my father-in-law, after quitting work, sitting around listening to the radio or watching television, totally bored, just ‘waiting for God’. However, having retired myself aged 65 (I’m now 84), I don’t know how I found the time to go to work! I have several interests (some charity, some leisure), and a constant demand from family and friends for my advice and skills. So my advice to those about to call a halt after decades of hard work is this: look forward to your retirement and I hope you have many years to enjoy it. KeitH Fenn, Harrogate, north Yorks. WHen I was compulsorily retired at the age of 60, I found low-paid, less skilled work that I did till I was 65. It kept me occupied and brought in some money. Then, when I was fully retired, I did voluntary work at our local hospital (dispensing

drinks at blood donor sessions) until I was nearly 80. Once a week I picked up handicapped people for their computer learning lessons. Socially, I joined clubs and met new friends. The trick is not to vegetate at home but go out and meet others. And start preparing now. JohN warNer, wadhurst, e. sussex. I RETIRED after 50 years as an electrician (including nine years in the Army as a ‘Sparky’). We had a large family but now that they are all in full-time employment, with only one still to fly the nest, monetary worries are considerably reduced. I do empathise with those who are plagued by thoughts of malignant boredom when they retire, but they should not worry, for the family pile will now become the focus of your attentions. My shed (mandatory for a retired bloke) is fitted out with all the stuff needed to grind, polish, drill, file, weld, repair and fettle. You can plan your day to your own timetable. That fence in the garden, it needs a lick of paint; and those gutters need cleaning out; maybe cut the grass; weed the flower beds. Or maybe not. Just a coffee in the local cafe, and a stroll home. I have now found hobbies and interests that I never knew existed (plane spotting, fishing, crown green bowls, real ale, an allotment, playing the bagpipes). It’s all there for the taking. The best thing about becoming a wrinkly is that you will no longer give a monkey’s what anyone thinks and you won’t be afraid to speak your mind. toNy levy, wednesfield, west Mids. MANY fear being bored stupid on retirement. Have I got news for them! I’ve never been so busy since I quit work. Joe wIlsoN, paisley, renwfrewshire.