What do you do in the evening? I need ideas. I so bored.

[ApolloandDaphne]

I'm age 61 and retired. DH still working but will be retired soon. I have a dodgy hip so a lot of exercise is out. I'm bored watching TV and i do a lot of things during the day that come the evening i don't want to do (housework, garden, dog walks, jigsaws, reading, audio books, hobby groups, volunteering etc). I am also doing a degree part time. But semester has ended now.

I need things to do in the evening to keep me busy. I haven't got the best eyesight and by the time evening comes they are too weary to read more or do anything involving close work.

DH is tired after a day at work and where i want to chat he is peopled out (this will change when he retires). I love playing board games but DH doesn't.

Is there something i have missed? What do people do in the evening?

@mathsAIoptions I am pretty sure i don't have ADHD and i am not anxious about anything. I think i just have an active mind that enjoys being stimulated by interesting things.

Join the U3A. They have lots of groups, a wide variety. It's for intelligent retired or semi-retired people. You might find something you like there.

Double post

@ApolloandDaphne can I ask about your part time degree? Did you pay the fees for this? I've looked into this and I just can't justify the fee for something which won't enhance my career but is more something for interest instead...just curious as maybe I am missing something..?

Sorry if this has already been mentioned, but I find YouTube a great resource, as long as one is being selective.

Documentaries, online language learning, history, travel, art appreciation, how to learn to paint or play the recorder, poetry, cookery and healthy eating....... the list is endless!

I am studying at a Scottish uni and I am eligible for a part time fees grant through SAAS. I have had the degree fully funded.

Consider volunteering for Shout

Learn to reupholster furniture then buy an armchair from a charity shop and upcycle it. It's really good fun. I have a quirky patchwork settee that is fabulous, and it cost me pennies.

Buy a switch or PlayStation.

I have a Nintendo switch & gaming pc I play once the kids are in bed. Currently playing Stardew valley.

Is there a games cafe/pub in your area? They have stacks of unusual and regular board games and you can take a friend or turn up and join a game? Ones that need high levels on concentration and strategy. Have coffee and cake or a drink whilst playing?

Adult colouring books? Some are detailed so may not be perfect if you have very poor eyesight but many have larger spaces without being childish.

Example of such a place:

https://thepanicroom.net/services/board-game-cafe/?gadsource=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6uWyBhD1ARIsAIMcADoZ7RuUWKglGqbX50z58JBBowZO9NSk4mWyPbp5q04PVmZijm5g9lwaAtewEALww_wcB

Sounds nerdy, but I quite enjoy buying myself the occasionally kids maths practice book, aged up to about 13 (then my maths skills run out!)

It's just the right amount of challenge and satisfaction.

I echo others who say computer/ console games. There's such a wide variety of games now available- story games, fighting games, online board games (I play risk online against other people for eg and a lot of board games have also been made into computer games where you play against the computer). You can also get one person board games, so if you want to play board games but don't have a willing opponent you could try a couple of those? Tiny Epic Games have some which can be played solo or with a group.

I loved playing Hogwarts Legacy on the switch.

@ApolloandDaphne I’m still in hospital after surgery yesterday, and every time I try to write something, I am interrupted. It is I’ll hopefully be home tomorrow and I’ll get back to you then.

Are you political at all? If there's a party you feel aligned with they would snap you up now for knocking doors (great if you like chatting to strangers), delivering leaflets (less stimulating) etc, and then after the election there's always work to do to keep things ticking over for next time (I see you're in Scotland where next time is never far away!) The "young retired" are the backbone of my local branch of my party - clever, engaged people with passion and time on their hands.

Otherwise, have you thought about getting involved at trustee level with a local charity, maybe one that relates to your degree? Again there is always stuff to do and people with spare time can make a huge difference.

Have you ever been to a WI group?

Politics. Your local party could do with help. Or become a councillor and then an MP yourself.

Get yourself a Switch lite and the animal crossing game, you will never be bored again!

Join a choir?
Become a Parish Councillor?
Join Local History society?
U3A?

I know exactly what you mean about the TV. I feel like every story has been done to death and there's rarely anything original on. Sadly I'm starting to feel this way about books too! I also have some health issues that mean that by the evening, I'm ready to just sit down so that makes a lot of activities unsuitable.

I've been dealing with it by drinking wine and going to bed very early! Not a great solution. You should try online games though. This is something I do and it does help to pass the time. I'm hoping I can pick up some ideas from this thread myself.

Swimming? Weightless exercise often is fine if you have dodgy joints!

Lots of leisure centres have adults only groups and they often lead to a sauna or pub for a drink after.

Some great ideas on this thread, I'm going to steal some!

Gaming can be fun, PC, console or something handy like the Switch.

I've got a walking pad, it's been a lifesaver over this long long winter, I've been strolling whilst listening to podcasts.

Volunteer. Guides etc run in the evenings.
Find an evening course
Join an exercise class for that dodgy hip. Pilates led by a physio maybe. Immobile old age isn't fun