Setting goals at 57 any ideas

[cleo333]

Hello the issue is I’m bored of life , doing the same things , visiting the same places . I work part time ( I’m changing that) and feel a bit lonely .i have a lovely partner but he has no family around . My kids live away and I have minimal family . Money is not abundant but some can be spared .

I am a sociable person getting my energy from being with others and not sure what to do but a now often dreading time alone - any ideas ?

Look at hobbies..not all need to be expensive. What interests you? Music, choir, martial arts, cycling, running..all would be sociable, and give you a purpose.

Not helpful but I’m exactly your age, my adult children will be off this year and although dh and I have a social life, it isn’t enough to fill all my time as I don’t work at all! You sound more sociable than me. Do you have a dog as so easy to meet people on walks?

How about you come up with 60 things to do by the time you're 60? They could be big or small. I'm sure people would suggest ideas if you want.

Volunteer? Something with people. Can be a one-off or a regular thing.

I listened to a podcast episode recently about goal setting (Rebel Entrepreneur podcast, the magic of goal setting episode if you want to listen) . Write down 50 goals. They can be big or small, just write down everything that comes to mind. When you are finished, choose 4 that you want to achieve in the next 12 months. Write down why you want to achieve them, what kind of person you need to become to achieve them. Next, write down the first step you need to take to achieve those goals and do it. Revisit your list every month and note down what you have done towards achieving them in the last month, and what you need to do in the next month.

i think it’s brilliant advice. Listing 50 means you can really access those things that maybe don’t seem important or high priority, but are almost hidden goals you don’t think you can achieve or are allowed to wish for.

You probably want some short, medium and long term goals. Short term like: try a new dish every week, listen a new podcast, watch a new film or series, read a new book, call and old friend once a week or message one every day.

Or trying to embed habits you have but aren’t quite there yet like - yoga three times a week instead of once, consistent skincare etc, sort your wardrobe into things you like and look good together.

Medium term could be - join a new group, try a new hobby, arrange to meet an old friend or a new friend every month, visit somewhere new but local, try a new cafe, etc

Long term - take a course or adult education class, travel somewhere new in the uk every year, learn a new language on Duolingo every year, visit a friend abroad, think about what causes you’re passionate about and how you could get more involved e.g. volunteering, raising money for charity etc.

I’d also encourage you to think about yourself and enjoying time on your own. How is your health? Is there anything you’d like to improve ?

How about volunteering with Beavers , Cubs or Squirrels? We always need leaders and it is good fun for the adults too.
I was at the same point at the beginning of the year so have taken up kayaking and am loving it.

I'm same age & discovered gaming :). Plenty of goals there !

Ok this is a bit left field but you have 3 years before you are too old to get a post graduate loan. I'm roughly the same age as you and about 6 years ago I had a mid life crisis and decided to do a part time masters in a different subject to my main job. People said I was mad to go back to uni but it was the best decision ever. Now doing a PhD. Most masters are hybrid so you don't have to travel often if you don't want to. It gave me the opportunity to meet lots of new people of all ages. I know it's not for everyone but thought I'd mention it because of the funding cut off as a friend decided to do the same but had turned 60 so it was too late. Unless you earn over a certain amount you may never repay the loan.

Learn the saxophone! And get good enough to join a big band for the social side

Hike the Camino de Santiago (would involve lots of mini goals along the way!)

Do a pull up

Open a book swap box in the community

Join amdram

Be on TV

Do a skydive

Take a dance class/upholstery course/ukulele course/willow weaving course/pottery course

Start or join a supper club

Book club??

Travel club?? Don’t know if there’s such a thing. Find some pals to take trips with?

What about ParkRun? I've just started investigating them and you can walk the course! That's my plan to begin with.

They also need volunteers, and I turned up for the start of a one in Ludlow a couple of weeks ago. Really nice chatty people. Just got a sense of how it all worked... Next I'll do the same near where I live and try walking the course on my own. Then I'll actually join in.

The great thing is they have a different approach to the Ramblers (who are great in a different way.) Every Saturday, the run/walk start at 9:00 am. Simple, memorable, and leaves the rest of the day free.

Thanks so much for your fabulous ideas . I’m going to look into these x