Is this the fate all people are doomed to as they age?

Dad is 66, formerly a practical man who once focused on getting the best out of any situation and refusing to be beat by negativity.

He’s been retired almost two years and now his small talk is based on a things that annoy him. When idle he watches British and American politics - I suppose they are rants rather than news reports - and has generally a dim view of everything.

I try to get him out the house regularly and give him lots of time with his granddaughters to keep his mind active. But in the short space of two years he’s gone from pragmatic capable guy to a grumbling old git.

Do I keep trying to give him other things to think about other than online rage or let him become just another angry old ranter?

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

ArishMell · 70-79, M

No, by no means all people are so doomed.

I am very sorry to read about your Dad's state, which makes me wonder - and I am NOT a doctor - if it's depression.

Some people do find it very hard to adapt to being retired, and maybe it's something not often recognised. It may depend a lot on what sort of leisure and social time they had previously, and to which they can now give more time and effort.

If he's always been very practical would he find a new life involved in some craft hobby with its own social life, such as a "Men's Shed", helping as a volunteer in a museum, or joining something like a local model-making or horticultural society?

Are there local events like public lectures and small-scale music recitals that might attract him?

WintaTheAngle · 41-45, M

@ArishMell No. He seems to resent leaving the house

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@WintaTheAngle That's so sad - he must have worked himself into a little corner of his own and can't see a way out of it. Agoraphobia perhaps?

WintaTheAngle · 41-45, M

@ArishMell No just a complete loss of interest