Starting retirement in slow go years

[Happy Homebody]

I am staring my retirement in the slow go years, and I am comfortable with it.

My husband has health problems. He can do short walks if the weather if perfect. No snow, no ice, no high winds, good air quality. No stairs.

We have several restaurants within walking distance so we do go out on occasion. And sometimes we walk around the neighborhood.

I will sometimes go local places on my own.

I have lots of hobbies I enjoy at home. And I live in the suburbs of DC, so I have access to lot of museums without traveling. I have so many enjoyable things to do.

It doesn't really feel like a big sacrifice to me since I am a homebody by nature.

I did some travel earlier on my life. I have good memories. But I also have good memories of fun things I have done at home (alone or with family and friends) and local events and attractions I have gone to.

Travel just wasn't as big a thing for me as it is for a lot of people.

 

[Onda]

It sounds like you’re embracing your retirement in a really thoughtful and contented way—knowing what brings you joy, what works for your current life, and making the most of it. There’s something truly beautiful about that kind of peace and satisfaction in the everyday.

 

[street]

It sounds like you’re embracing your retirement in a really thoughtful and contented way—knowing what brings you joy, what works for your current life, and making the most of it. There’s something truly beautiful about that kind of peace and satisfaction in the everyday.

I could not have said it better. We need to enjoy and treasure each day regardless of what we do.

 

[pb4uski]

Sounds to me like your screen name of Happy Homebody is perfect for you. As long as you can keep that first word operative, all is good.

 

[pacergal]

We, too, have become more homebodies. Almost 10 years into retirement, we did a bit more travel early on, now are happy to be home most days.
We do a few short trips to places nearby, no more than a short days drive. And occasionally a week long trip farther away. The urge to travel has become less for us and we are content where we are, doing what we wish every day. It is a blessing.

 

[JohnnyPHX]

Congrats on retirement. Sounds like you're going to love it. Some of the of the best parts of retirement are the little things. No alarm clocks, sleep till you want to get up, naps during day if you feel like you need one and no Sunday night dread about Monday mornings.
If you don't feel like traveling there are plenty of options like YouTube to explore the world from the comfort of your own home. There are people like ActionKid out there posting videos of their travels with walking videos. Almost feels like you are there with them. See below example.
As far as exercise you might try a walking tread mill that has a wide belt, slow speeds and gentle speed transitions or an indoor recumbent type bike in front of a TV or listening to music would be good way to sneak in a little. That way there is no need to wait for perfect weather.

 

[Dtail]

Good to recognize what makes you happy. Lately, we are traveling less in total, but the cost per day is higher.

 

[JohnnyPHX]

Also fun to check in here at earlyretirement several times a day or hang out and read different threads. I really like the Similar threads links at the bottom of each page.

Also if you haven't played around with ChatGPT or similar AI sites they can be very entertaining. Not always 100% accurate but amazing results none the less. It was a new toy to me a few months ago. After watching The Sound Of Music on TV I said to myself that movie could use an update. I decided to put AI to the test. Below link is the result. But be warned (as I was) this is not the way to post about AI conversations here. It was too long for most here and they prefer a summary in your own words. The first post is as far as I would go if you are interested in seeing what The Sound of music 2.0 could be like.
I ask ChatGPT to help remake The Sound of Music.

There is also a great thread to view and share photos here. Some very nice travel and nature photos have been shared in there.

The Photographers' Corner - 2021 to ?

Pics from today's trip to Gilbert Riparian duck feeding adventure. Taken with my cell phone so not the sharpest pics.

www.early-retirement.org

 

[MichaelH13]

I am staring my retirement in the slow go years, and I am comfortable with it.

My husband has health problems. He can do short walks if the weather if perfect. No snow, no ice, no high winds, good air quality. No stairs.

We have several restaurants within walking distance so we do go out on occasion. And sometimes we walk around the neighborhood.

I will sometimes go local places on my own.

I have lots of hobbies I enjoy at home. And I live in the suburbs of DC, so I have access to lot of museums without traveling. I have so many enjoyable things to do.

It doesn't really feel like a big sacrifice to me since I am a homebody by nature.

I did some travel earlier on my life. I have good memories. But I also have good memories of fun things I have done at home (alone or with family and friends) and local events and attractions I have gone to.

Travel just wasn't as big a thing for me as it is for a lot of people.

It sounds like you’ve really embraced this chapter with clarity and contentment, which is refreshing to hear. There’s a lot of pressure around retirement to travel the world or chase big adventures, but there’s just as much value in finding joy and meaning in the everyday. Being at peace with a quieter lifestyle—especially one filled with hobbies, local gems, and quality time—is a gift. Thanks for sharing your perspective; it’s a great reminder that retirement doesn’t have to look one specific way to be fulfilling.

 

[Koolau]

We have certainly slowed down as we approach our 80s. We're happy and have lots to do.

Thanks for sharing your story Happy Homebody.

 

[kilgore]

Clarity and contentment is a nice way to put it. Get to that state and you are "there." Lovely.

 

[imnontrad]

My husband has health problems. He can do short walks if the weather if perfect. No snow, no ice, no high winds, good air quality. No stairs.

You can still travel if you want. On the last cruise I was on, there were a LOT of people with scooters so they did not have to walk.