What is retirement really like?

Also, bookdreamer, and probably just as pertinent, the importance of having good friends to share your activities with. Not all of us have close friends with whom to meet up for lunch etc. especially if we've recently moved house, or lost friends due to bereavement.

Retirement is a joy for some, but not all, I agree.

Indeed, bookdreamer, different worlds, with my pensions I earn £4.50 over the amount needed to claim pension credit.

Retirement has meant substantial change in every area of my life. Much positive but some definitely unwanted. It seems to me that personal circumstances make such a difference. I am remembering a previous poster simply saying 'lonely'. Surely the range of experience will be as individual as we all are. Financial stringencies can trigger much worry whether we are retired or not. The difference being once retired there is little chance of improving income. For myself I now know I flourish if there is routine so I have created one. I know I need to continue to have a sense of achievement and value. I love the small freedoms retirement has brought, appreciate the increased choice over seemingly insignificant things. I value being able to give time to family. There is also worry, frustration, sleep impacted by constant pain, a need for continual adjustment of expectations. Overall I am contented, so what more can I ask?

It's true none of us know what's around the corner so carpe diem/seize the day and all that.
Yes "lonely" is so sad.
You do have to make an effort to do things. I forgot to say I'd found U3A-brilliant. There really is something for everyone. And a good church will provide support too.
Since retiring I work part time for our elder DD too who is self employed-it's easy peasy as it's a continuation of what I'd done for 30 years but it's now lovely doing it to support my DD. She and her DH work together from home, they are happy for me to walk round to them 10/15 mins and make me so welcome. While I observe what needs to be done I can pretty much come and go as I please-no more foul mouthed bullying bosses.