Senior with no enthusiasm for life

[CanadianJohn]

So, this man is in his 70's, married, okay for money, no specific health problems. He doesn't seem to me to be depressed.

However, he has no enthusiasm for anything - doesn't want to travel, visit family, nothing. Reads and potters around the house. He says he has nothing to look forward to except declining health, both physical and mental. He says he really doesn't want to live anymore. In my opinion, he dwells too much on what he can't do, rather than what he can.

Does anyone have a guide to "maintaining enthusiasm as you age", or something similar?

Unfortunately he probably has to go to the gym, a gym for seniors. If he just stays indoors, with a declining physical health, depression will continue. Going outside means meeting new people and that'll help keeping the depression at bay. I also think a bit of carpentry, gardening, and other similarly handicrafty hobbies are listed in that manual you're looking for, even though the manual is fairly widespread among the elderly nobody has yet seen it in print. From what I gather, in that manual there might also have been mentioned "having a small dog" and "walking the dog every day".

saying he has nothing to look forward to and doesn't want to live anymore...that is depression.
men of this age often have difficulty expressing their feelings but nothing wrong with enjoying pottering about the house.
often those in this age group like routine, so anything you might want to introduce will take time and need to be fit into the current routine.
some may listen to a physician but i'd say most men don't so medication might be fiercely refused.
slow low key socialization might be helpful.

Agree with physical activity and gentle encouragement/opportunity to talk or express feelings. He does sound depressed.

He's married - how is his relationship? I know someone very similar but he is widowed. He has an allotment and I think it's key to his ongoing mental, emotional & physical health - he socialises with other plot holders there, keeps him active etc.

Round here they have mens sheds where men potter together make stuff and generally act they are in their own shed. Its hugely popular. But does need to see GP abiyt deoression.
Is there afriend who would regularly meet him for coffee/ beer ( not much) so he could establish a routine.

Where I volunteer there are loads of retired volunteers, both sexes.

Thanks for your comments - I've suggested he get checked out for low testosterone, thyroid, etc. I've known this guy for over 40 years, he has a "quiet" personality, but he doesn't seem to me to be depressed.

But there's got to be something more to life than sitting in your rocking chair watching the light die.