4 Ways Retirees Can Enrich Their Life (And the Lives of Others)

Reader Comments
Back to blog

At 60 I retired and was immediately diagnosed with Parkinson's now kept in check with meds. My husband was at the same time diagnosed with cancer, and passed away in 2007; my two children finished their studies, moved on their own - son married with two children now and daughter moved out west,where she bought a condominium so plans to stay there. The wind has gone out of my sails, as I feel I've lost those dearest and nearest to me and although I have a relative living with me at the moment, I feel my life has lost the meaning it had before. I married early and worked for 42 years in progressively more responsible positions - big construction was my world then; I ran the house, hosted parties, took care of my kids, earlier on I volunteered, etc. -Now, I help a stroke survivor and drive her to doctors,shopping, visiting, etc. I joined a church group, I attend church, invite son and grandkids for dinner at least once a week, I keep in touch with relatives and friends; I have a very loving sister who keeps in touch with me regularly, but in spite of all this, but I still feel irrelevant here on earth. After my husband passed away, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis - adding more meds to the Parkinson's, but still I can get around provided I take my meds. I live in a beautiful town house, drive a nice car, have gone on a cruise with friends; It seems that I am leading an ideal life, but I feel unfulfilled. How can I re-focus? I am constantly looking for projects to do, fearing that if I don't, my world will stop, so I feel driven all the time, to the point of tiredness.When asked what I've done on any given day, I feel I should hand over a time sheet, showing how I was productive, this would then indicate that I am managing things well. I do want to contribute in a meaningful way, without running myself ragged, but can't seem to focus. I live in Ontario Canada.

Nada Music of CA 10:01AM August 07, 2009

I follow the newspapers and discover increase of students to classroom and think about volunteering in the classroom with skills from priors jobs to offer. I see the huge increase in prison occupancy and wonder what kinds of work I could contribute to ease the problem. Then there are problems with recycling and the funding needed to continue.
Actually, I'd like a job with your magazine to do
research to learn about jobs that need volunteers. What about a volunteer board that could work on finding finding volunteer and p/t paying jobs in areas where they are most needed.
"Stay in your house lower mortgage payments" but help us with after school programs, or getting the elderly to doctor appointments. Provide a room for someone in need will lower payments etc.

Mala Morrow of CA 3:25PM March 16, 2009

I follow the newspapers and discover increase of students to classroom and think about volunteering in the classroom with skills from priors jobs to offer. I see the huge increase in prison occupancy and wonder what kinds of work I could contribute to ease the problem. Then there are problems with recycling and the funding needed to continue.
Actually, I'd like a job with your magazine to do
research to learn about jobs that need volunteers. What about a volunteer board that could work on finding finding volunteer and p/t paying jobs in areas where they are most needed.
"Stay in your house lower mortgage payments" but help us with after school programs, or getting the elderly to doctor appointments. Provide a room for someone in need will lower payments etc.

Mala Morrow of CA 3:25PM March 16, 2009

I just started volunteering at a local nursing home twice/week, mainly to keep myself active and busy after retiring last year. Too much time on my hands even though I look after my elderly father who is quite independent (for now) and requires weekly minimum efforts on my part, consisting mainly of housekeeping, laundry and bill paying as well as grocery shopping and meal preparation.
I spend a lot of time in the AM mornings (up before the chickens) most days posting my opinions about the latest news that affects our world, nation and communities. On occasion, when a subject moves me sufficiently, I will contact our local officials, senators and representatives, usually in protest of apathetic and clueless state and county officials regarding issues that affect our residents and taxpayers.
I'm certain my opinion has no effect on their decisions, but it does provide an avenue to vent my frustrations. I'm still bored and wish that I were actively employed...loved my job but the company was sold to the highest bidder and ended up miles and miles from home. Such is life.

mlfwilm of DE 7:36AM March 16, 2009

I do volunteer, but I keep it to a minimum. I find most volunteers full of themselves and bossy, and I find many organizational bosses condescending and demanding.

Bob of TX 10:38AM March 15, 2009

I find this article to be condescending and awkward. Who is this guy talking to? Himself? This is really not meaningful stuff. Retirees are much more complex and involved that the author implies. I think U.S. News needs to seek a higher standard than the level of stuff.

George Fulmore of CA 12:20AM March 15, 2009

It would be of considerable assistance if some of these agencies that would be free to use could be named by someone and could be made widely public knowledge.

Rich of VA 3:15PM March 13, 2009