AIBU to worry my retired parents never want to go out?

Perhaps one of them has an embarrassing condition that they haven’t told you about that requires them to be near home.
But otherwise it’s a relatively new habit and it can be broken

Could they have financial problems that you are unaware of maybe? Lent money possibly?

They sound anxious and/or depressed. Would they see a GP? Late 60’s is hardly old.

So very true.

All these worried dcs, thinking that if their mums and dads aren't playing bingo on a cruise ship or minding the beloved offspring are heading for the care home...

Have you considered they have medical issues they're keeping under wraps?
Age or disease related incontinence can really affect seniors going out and about with confidence.
My instincts tell me it's something like this.
You could ask them

I can't help but notice that people who are not keen on socialising much, and who are quite introvert and more private, NEVER bully and nag people who are extrovert (and who like to socialise a lot,) to be more quiet, and 'calm down' and go out less.

Yet the extroverts/social butterflies, seem to nag and bully the more introverted people who prefer a quiet life, and very little socialising. I even see them mocking and deriding introverts as being tedious and boring. Why is that? Why do these insufferable, extroverted, social butterflies always have to try and make everyone like them? Why do they think they have this God given right to tell people what to do? How arrogant! It fucks me right off. Some people are free spirits and like peace and quiet, we don't wanna be in your big gang of social butterflies ta very much!

Staying home is fine as long as we're active physically and mentally. It appears that walking the dog and a spot of gardening doesn't cut it anymore. We need to be doing "strength training" so help me 😂

And don't underestimate the important of social connections. Even for us introverts!

I can't help but notice that people who are not keen on socialising much, and who are quite introvert and more private, NEVER bully and nag people who are extrovert (and who like to socialise a lot,) to be more quiet, and 'calm down' and go out less.

Yet the extroverts/social butterflies, seem to nag and bully the more introverted people who prefer a quiet life, and very little socialising. I even see them mocking and deriding introverts as being tedious and boring. Why is that? Why do these insufferable, extroverted, social butterflies always have to try and make everyone like them? Why do they think they have this God given right to tell people what to do? How arrogant! It fucks me right off. Some people are free spirits and like peace and quiet, we don't wanna be in your big gang of social butterflies ta very much!

Or you could mind your own business!!!

OP just wants a bit more childcare, that's all it comes down to. She's offered to fit out their car with toddler seats. They've said 'get lost darling daughter ' so she's having a little paddy.

Have you considered they have medical issues they're keeping under wraps?
Age or disease related incontinence can really affect seniors going out and about with confidence.
My instincts tell me it's something like this.
You could ask them

PMSL @godmum56 I would LOVE to have had the balls Phoebe had, at a much younger age. I was afraid to say no til I was in my mid-late 40s!

Exactly. Why is there so much desperation from younger people, to force their aged 60+ parents/parents-in-law into living the high life, and travelling and socialising, and doing loads of hobbies and joining big community groups. Fuck that shit. I never did that to MY parents or in-laws. They'd have told me to piss off and mind my own if I had.

For the most part, DH and I are happy in our own company, we enjoy chatting to the neighbours now and again, going on little day trips, having the odd pub lunch, and meeting up with our few friends and adult DC. And we LOVE being in the garden, and bingeing box sets on Netflix and ITVX. (And watching films.)

We have already done all the shit that people are trying to force their older parents into doing. (Socialising, partying, travelling, hobby groups etc,) what's wrong (when you're past 55-60) with just chilling at home, and doing very little, and just enjoying your garden and going for walks around where you live?

It's so tedious and irritating to be badgered and poked at by people who think they know what's best for you. And your own adult children doing it?! WTF? So patronising and in this case - ageist. "Now now mother, let's get you out of this patio chair, and off to the join the Womens Institute, and then we'll get you booked on a long weekend to Ibiza. Live a little!" (Because by 60-odd, most people have done fuck-all.) 🙄

.

This!

I can imagine myself just pottering around the house when I hit retirement, as life until this stage is busy. I will know that I’ve done everything I want to do - infact I’m starting to feel that way now at 47 - so now I can just enjoy being home.

@Bluebell12378 the only thing that would ruin it for me is if my nearest and dearest judged how I liked to spend my time. It would make me feel as though I have to be doing something, as doing nothing is unacceptable, even if deep down I just don’t want to.

Ask them if they’re happy and enjoying retirement, if yes, then leave them be.