What is "fun"? What is "so fun"? I found this research useful.

music-and-ski

Recycles dryer sheets
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I've always enjoyed the Ologies podcast, where Alie Ward interviews various scientists about their research. I think everyone, especially those retirement or those heading into retirement, should listen to the one on "funology", the study of fun Funology (YES, FUN) with Catherine Price — alie ward

The researcher, Catherine Price, did primary research asking respondents to describe scenarios in their lives that were "so fun!", and then came up with some insights. In particular, she defined fun to be the confluence of "playfulness", "connectiveness", and "flow". Each of these three things have their own definition.

I'm pretty sure I can have fun with only two of Ms Price's components — not sure I need all three. But, it's been *really* useful to think about the activities I do during the day, and thinking about whether I can make them more playful, use them to be more connected, and to do them with flow. Flow has it's own definition, which I won't get into, here, but it's also worth thinking about whether you can approach activities in a way that give you more flow.

So, anyways, it's improved my life these last few weeks since I listened to the podcast.

What sort of things do you do in retirement that are "so fun"? I like playing trombone in different bands, and skiing with my wife. These things have playfulness, connectedness, and flow. (But I also enjoy skiing alone sometimes, which doesn't have any connectiveness.). Music I have to be careful, it always has flow and connectiveness, but I have to make sure we keep the playfulness and make sure we don't argue in rehearsals if the focus is on fun in music.

I think I'll buy the book, too, called "The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again", but it's quite nice to hear the author speaking directly in her own voice in an hour interview on Ologies.
 
Thank you for posting this. I haven't listened to Ologies for awhile and like the reminder of that podcast. I'll start with Funology. I've been short on fun since DH died 16 months ago except for some trips and a few other get-togethers.
 
Thank you for posting this. I haven't listened to Ologies for awhile and like the reminder of that podcast. I'll start with Funology. I've been short on fun since DH died 16 months ago except for some trips and a few other get-togethers.
What I most like is that instead of "trying to have fun" I can now try to focus on its individual (alleged) components: playfulness, flow, and connection. Trying to "just go have fun" 16 months after losing your spouse might seem like a lot, I dunno, maybe not. But regardless, trying to achieve flow, playfulness, and connections are surely timely things to do. And, if you happen to achieve all three of them together, maybe you'll fund yourself doing something "so fun".
 
My library has several copies available... I'm reading something already, but put it in the queue. And I'm listening to the podcast now. I'm going to "study" this!
 
My cycling is definitely my “so fun.” I often do it alone, and there’s even connectedness involved that way with online groups like Solitary Cycling where we all share our experiences having fun on our own. 😊 The three components are interesting. Now in winter, it’s hard to hit two out of three on my activities.
 
I agree with OP that skiing is one of the top "so fun" activities for DW and me throughout the year. A few others that come to mind are things like visiting wineries (including, of course, the on-site wine tastings) and getting together for dinner parties and games with close friends. Going for hikes with DW almost makes the cut (being very high on connectedness and flow) but it's a bit short on "playfulness". Interesting to think about.
 
I agree with OP that skiing is one of the top "so fun" activities for DW and me throughout the year. A few others that come to mind are things like visiting wineries (including, of course, the on-site wine tastings) and getting together for dinner parties and games with close friends. Going for hikes with DW almost makes the cut (being very high on connectedness and flow) but it's a bit short on "playfulness". Interesting to think about.
I agree on hiking. It's *almost* playful, but not like my cycling or, I imagine, skiing. But it helps for me in the winter.
 
I have the opposite situation. Since I stopped drinking alcohol, listening to music is no fun anymore. It used to be my favorite activity.
 
TLDListen. One person's fun is another person's dread, so I'd expect only generalities about fun could have some validity across many people.
 
I did end-up borrowing the book from the library and reading it. She's the author of "How to Break Up With Your Phone", so I felt like it was a trudge to get through the repeated message of "fake fun" from the slot machine aspect of mobile devices, which doesn't affect me much.

@GrayHare there were some things that come up in these kinds of books that I know might generally apply, but don't work with me. But there were a few concepts and techniques that could be applied by anyone. Or just a tweak on what you do already to make it "so fun."
 
TLDListen. One person's fun is another person's dread, so I'd expect only generalities about fun could have some validity across many people.
That’s the beauty of this research.

For what it’s worth, I *still* don’t actually believe the researchers definition works. But, thinking about the three components she identifies has definitely improved my life lately.
 
I'm also not sure the definition works, but I do think that having the general goal to "have more fun" doesn't work and might even be counter productive. But like you, there might be some improvement just from recognizing the components and maybe trying to pull in another aspect of the definition or at least being more sure I shouldn't be doing something else.
 
It is whatever I happen to do, or not, that brings a smile to my face.
 
@ls99 There was some discussion in the book about "just do something." Which goes back to what I've been saying my whole life...in Yogi Berra style..if you don't do something, nothing is going to happen.
 
At my age physical activities give me the most fun. One key factor is that I can see the time fast approaching when I will no longer be able to perform them. So they are a great source of enjoyment now.
 
I listened to the podcast and enjoyed it. I do a few things that meet the definition and I would like to do more! Riding by ebike, alone or with friends, aqua Zumba with friends, gardening and other outdoor activities. Thanks for sharing.
 
Pickleball was my “so fun” activity until I had to take months off due to plantar fasciitis. It definitely had all three components. Can’t wait to get back on the court!
 
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