Even as a busy person, I can get bored from time to time To me, boredom is not that I have nothing to do, it’s that I don’t have anything to do that I want to do. Been there, done that?
Lots of seniors experience a form of boredom, whether feeling antsy or full-on depression. Boredom can be a dangerous thing for seniors. It’s greater consequences may even be life threatening.
After retirement, seniors can struggle with a lack of worthiness, which dovetails into boredom and can ultimately be expressed as depression.
Let’s face it, there isn’t as much vitality to our lives after the kids are grown and gone, the job has been replaced by parttime, volunteer work, and our energies can flag in the face of robust activities.
Our retirement years are supposed to be our time of well-deserved rest and relaxation after decades of being in the workforce. However, many seniors are surprised to find that retirement isn’t what they hoped it would be. The loss of their normal routine, contributing to society, losing friends or family, and health issues can bring about depression and loneliness.
If you take a moment, you can identify what to do if you’re feeling bored. Whether it’s bird watching, organizing a book club, learning how to do something new (like how to operate your mobile phone!), there are a cabillion options. You just need to take the time to find out what those new things might be. Preferably doing something where you stay active and get to move your body is a good thing as we age. Don’t forget to think of something you’ve never tried before like crafts or a new hobby. Make a commitment to reach out to a new acquaintance once a month; invite them over (now that we’re not stuck indoors alone).
COVID has really done a number on us seniors who forget all the opportunities for us to stay engaged. Go slow, but don’t wait before identifying your level of boredom and what you’re willing to do about it.