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Sounds as if they are focusing on the financial side of retirement, but as you said, much of it is well past its sell-by date, or not feasible for other reasons. Being retired (sort of) myself for the past 5 years, and living in an area where I am surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of retired people from all over the world, being a people watcher (as most photographers are,) I've been able to see a remarkable pattern evolve. Very distinct life-styles both positive and negative. And unfortunately, the majority seem to fall into the negative style even though there is plenty of financial stability for them. They are aimless, dreamless, empty people, basically unhappy with their lives. It's sad to see this, especially in a local as rich as this one, with so much that can be done to make life worthwhile. But it all take getting out and 'doing.' And these unhappy souls never get further out than the corner pub. They mistake being 'retired' for being 'unproductive.' Sort of the same way young people mistake thinking 'freedom' means 'no responsibilities.' You have to work to make retirement enjoyable. Maybe not a 9-5 office job, but humans need to feel that they are doing something constructive, bringing something to the table. I have a retired friend who is busy from 8 in the morning until late afternoon every day, basically building widgets... This week he's working on a hydrogen gas production device he saw on YouTube. Last week he made a 'Fire Piston.' Next week he'll probably re-invent the wheel. The retired people I know who keep busy are the happy ones. The ones who do nothing wind up in the bars all day...
Take 6 months or a year off to do nothing after you retire. Then get yourself motivated to be productive again. Learn to crochet. Practice yoga. Go back to school for Doctorate. There is are plenty of interesting things to see and do!
Stitchawl
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