How about a fun part-time job? Nothing stressful. Something that interests you. I know some will suggest volunteer work too.

If you give yourself something to do each day, that might be enough for you. You will be able to spread out activities that you had to do all together due to time restraints. One day can be the grocery store, another day can be errands etc.

Hopefully you will meet new people in the classes and meet ups that you can socialize with during the week.

This forum is not as active as the others. Head over to The Kitchen Table for more advise.

Or Home Decorating, the conversation side.

Thanks eld6161....I'll go over to The Kitchen Table....

I think you will hit your groove with the suggestions made above. Remember--you get to carve out a whole new life for yourself! I always find it helpful to reflect and journal about things like that--I actually spent some time doing that recently--reflecting on how I want my life to be--writing it downs helps me to self-actualize.

Don't know about your living arrangements, nor about your interest in pets... specifically dogs. After I retired (at age 52) I became an active AKC Dog Exhibitor and breeder of (English) Bulldogs.

Breeding is a lot of work (and responsibility.) Showing/exhibiting was a lot of fun for me and allowed me to meet people and travel if I wished.

I realize there are lots of hobbies that you could pursue - my wife re-qualified as a Master Gardener and became more involved in that after she retired, for example. I mentioned dogs only because that worked for me.

Now here I am some 22 years later. No Bulldogs but I did adopt a retired racing Greyhound dog from a track in Tampa, FL.

I have a 7 year old Rotti that is very scent oriented. I plan on putting her in scent training as I don't have time while working. I also love to garden, so I will be more involved. I plan on doing yoga classes and knitting groups. I've also got plans to be involved with meetup groups. I guess I'm just a bit nervous, because if I go too many days without being around people I get to feeling a bit down. A retired acquaintance of mine told me the first year was hell, but after that, she was used to it and enjoyed it.

I find this all very, very interesting. I can go days and weeks without talking to anyone. A definite introvert.

Yeah it's funny. I'm kind of in between. I like to have time to myself but I also need to be around people. :)

I read this great book called QUIET: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. I highly recommend it.

Volunteer community service. It can give you a regular connection to like-minded people. Limit your on-line time. It can do the opposite.

I have been retired and can't imagine being bored. I joined and am active in a Women's chorus, my County Genealogical Society, a Garden club and I joined the township Shade tree commission! Not that those things are in everyone's taste but there are oodles of organizations just like them that would be thrilled with a member who wanted to meet others and get actively involved. The best part is they are all on a volunteer basis so there is no real pressure to do anything unless you really want to. In the process of all this I made lots of wonderful friends too. I love retirement!

I just retired in July.

Read, go to a gym, take a well-deserved road trip. That's what I've done so far. (Well, also, post more on GardenWeb, but that's not really counting.)

I'm thinking about volunteer work -- things I'd enjoy doing, and have enough skill at, that could be useful to others. I've done this in the past, and while the reason for doing some of that was not due to any pleasurable event, I'm glad I was able to spend some time helping out, despite going home and crying a couple nights over the senselessness of some people. (I currently live 15 minutes from Sandy Hook, Newtown.) That was before I retired, but there's a lot of other volunteer work that can provide the satisfaction of having helped as well as one can.

I'm going to start a business with a friend, and I'm going to write. I'm going to hone up my photography skills, and take up woodworking, and get back into stained glass endeavors. I'm going to get back out hiking in the wilderness, and start up a small farm with chickens, veggies, and maybe down the road - small livestock.

I'm single. I'm going to make the best of this time!

(If nothing else, check into an online networking group called Meetup. You'll find they are doing things in just about every region of the country, and maybe in other countries, too. It's for people who just want to get out and about in the company of other like minded souls -- yes there is an element of people wanting to connect for other purposes, but I found that searching for groups that did things around my own interests has been markedly rewarding -- I'm in a book club, and I'm in a gourmet cooking group. Your interests will vary, so check around.)

I'm doing another road trip in October. I'll visit relatives, friends, and see sights I've never seen before. Some evenings/nights will be with these people, but in South Carolina, I'll be striking out on my own -- and it won't bother me. My final destination is to visit my year old grand nephew in the Tampa area of Florida - and his family, of course. I've yet to meet him. The time is due!!

I gave verbal notice today, so now the clock is ticking...

Mazel Tov! I wish you many years of doing the things that make you the most happy.

Check out educational excursions organized by Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostle). Another way to meet others with similar interests.

Road Scholar

I read. When I settle into my new home, I plan on doing some volunteer work. I also plan on writing, and picking up some art skills -- ie, watercolors, acrylics, and to return to doing stained glass.

I also enjoy some of the programs our local library offers.

Edited - I see I already responded!