[Michael 61]

I think most of us were attracted to The Villages because we sought an active retirement. I’ve been a resident here now almost two years, and am busier now than ever. I keep a huge desk calendar to track all my activities, clubs, entertainment, recreational and social obligations. For the next several months, I literally have at least 2-4 obligations every day, with no downtime on my calendar. I hit the ground running first thing in the morning and stay busy into the evening most days. After two years here, I am busier now than when I first moved here, checking out all the activities. Granted, it’s a “good busy”, and I love everything I do, but it can be exhausting at times keeping up with everything. It’s common for me to be double and tripled booked, having to reschedule and juggle social obligations. I keep saying I need to “pair back” on some of my activities, but I enjoy socializing with all my various friends here. Does anyone else share this sentiment ? Two years here - and the “cool aid” effect that others told me about hasn’t worn off yet (thinking now it may never will - lol)

[Altavia]

Same here Michael at the 5 yr mark! Will keep going as long as physically able. Only regret is not retiring earlier!

We have picked one day as a "recovery" day with no heavy physical activity. And one afternoon a week for appointments when needed.

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I think most of us were attracted to The Villages because we sought an active retirement. I’ve been a resident here now almost two years, and am busier now than ever. I keep a huge desk calendar to track all my activities, clubs, entertainment, recreational and social obligations. For the next several months, I literally have at least 2-4 obligations every day, with no downtime on my calendar. I hit the ground running first thing in the morning and stay busy into the evening most days. After two years here, I am busier now than when I first moved here, checking out all the activities. Granted, it’s a “good busy”, and I love everything I do, but it can be exhausting at times keeping up with everything. It’s common for me to be double and tripled booked, having to reschedule and juggle social obligations. I keep saying I need to “pair back” on some of my activities, but I enjoy socializing with all my various friends here. Does anyone else share this sentiment ? Two years here - and the “cool aid” effect that others told me about hasn’t worn off yet (thinking now it may never will - lol)

The cool aid wore off about year 10. In hindsight after the slowing down of activities due to COVID restrictions I realized the activities were becoming like groundhog day and I was becoming a slave to schedules - mind you this was year 15. At year 18 now my busiest activity is doctor appointments.

[Bilyclub]

Definitely busier, but sitting in front of a Television and getting fat is not the way to go. I’m staying away from the super serious stuff like softball for now.

[MrFlorida]

I think we're busier now because we have more time on our hands. Most people move here because they want to be active in retirement.

[Kenswing]

I was a business owner so I really can't say I'm busier now. But I can say I'm enjoying more the things that are keeping me busy now.

[Susie9910]

I’m trying to be.

[Two Bills]

My wife and I have been doing this retirement lark for the last 28 years.
Can't remember if either of us worked before.
Have some vague recollections of getting up early, and leaving the house to go somewhere else, but not sure where we went.
Still staggering around and being as big a nuisance as we can manage.
Some years ago, I used to act the silly old man and get away with murder.
Sad thing now is, I am no longer acting!

[Pairadocs]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I think most of us were attracted to The Villages because we sought an active retirement. I’ve been a resident here now almost two years, and am busier now than ever. I keep a huge desk calendar to track all my activities, clubs, entertainment, recreational and social obligations. For the next several months, I literally have at least 2-4 obligations every day, with no downtime on my calendar. I hit the ground running first thing in the morning and stay busy into the evening most days. After two years here, I am busier now than when I first moved here, checking out all the activities. Granted, it’s a “good busy”, and I love everything I do, but it can be exhausting at times keeping up with everything. It’s common for me to be double and tripled booked, having to reschedule and juggle social obligations. I keep saying I need to “pair back” on some of my activities, but I enjoy socializing with all my various friends here. Does anyone else share this sentiment ? Two years here - and the “cool aid” effect that others told me about hasn’t worn off yet (thinking now it may never will - lol)

Nothing like pre-retirement, but to clarify, only because I have complete control of my time and responsibilities now so I can be as busy each day as I care to be, and have no urgency to do, or not do, any activities here. Autonomy is GREAT. Never have experienced any double, triple, etc. booking or feelings of exhaustion like during career years, again, became I have total and complete control !

[thelegges]

So far I can’t find 60 plus hours a week of busy stuff, plus nobody is calling at 2am cause the chopper is 20 minutes out to come to work

[villagetinker]

I could easily be busier in "retirement" than I was working, but I do try to keep my activities under control.

[fdpaq0580]

Definitely not busier. Used to work 40-60 hrs a week plus 2+ hrs daily commute. Plus home activities (clean, cook, maintain, etc) = ? Hrs. Weekend was where all the fun stuff happened (not always "fun"). Always moving when not actually sleeping. Worked hard, played hard.
That was then, this is now. Mind is still busy (for now), body is relaxing, and my soul is (mostly) content, for the time being. 🫠😉

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by thelegges

So far I can’t find 60 plus hours a week of busy stuff, plus nobody is calling at 2am cause the chopper is 20 minutes out to come to work

Have another cup of coffee, put your feet up and play sudoku. You've earned it. Forget the sudoku, just rest your eyes. That's what I am going to do.😊☺️

[La lamy]

Definitely not busier than when I worked. Back then my career was all encompassing, even my sleep was spent visualizing my work!!! I now only play pickleball once or twice a day, various puzzles, some socializing, some house projects, but mostly lots of rest. Early retirement has been awesome and I have zero desire to stress myself out anymore.

[Greatlawn]

So far retirement has been like a treadmill. I can run as fast or slow as I want to but you don't really go anywhere. Getting off is the hard part because you are faced with the same old question "now what?"