Most, however, are not just sitting around waiting for something to happen. Over and over, retirees report that they are too busy to take on much new activity. Rather, for the most part, they are doing most of the same things they did before retirement minus the restricting and tiring grind of the job. They enjoyed the sense of freedom, blocks of time for travel and other activity, not having to get up early every morning, and reduced pressure. But that is not all.
Most retirees are reasonably satisfied.
Their time is generally filled. Unless they have suffered some acute loss, they are involved with other people and with activities that they found worth doing before retirement. Some who were uncertain about retirement express general satisfaction. The exceptions are usually those unable to be active and involved and some of those who retired involuntarily, forced out when they believed themselves still to be productive and valuable. Yet, there is something more.