I don't want to just 'fill my time' when I retire!

Thanks for the useful information mancgirl.

We both retired together 7 years ago and a month later DH was diagnosed with cancer - all OK now- but after a fairly grim year we made a conscious effort to enjoy our retirement. We do what we want when we want, inc voluntary work, hobbies, travel etc. Or it may be choosing a lazy day with books and papers. This is your time, there is no timetable. Explore all possibilities and enjoy this special time in your life. ?

Whitewave, you have just reminded me that I had bought watercolour pastels and artists pad about ten years ago and I put them away saying I may have time to use them when I retire! I'll have to look for them. Good idea JackyB tacking it a month at a time. I think I was feeling a bit overwhelmed, but am much better after all your suggestions. Thank you

I had to retire early due to having a stroke, but I used it to start a local disabled charity which is needed in a village outside Rotherham. Rmbc did away with the disability officer 9 yrs ago. Parish council had not got the foggiest. When checking with the local health centre I was quoted around 260 disabled. Yet the Papworth trust says there is a ratio of 1 in 5 that are disabled in england. I have just got involved recently in setting up thr Rotherham Disability Network. Pleas help in your area if you are a carer for someone who is disabled especiwlly with the smaller disabled charities as the bigger ones only support any that comes under there area,s and Age uk leave a lot to be desired when helpin disabled people especially in communicating and helping on a weekly basis.