Walter looked out the window but he didn’t notice the lush green of the garden. It had rained tor three days straight, sometimes with thunderstorms, and the grey skies suited his mood. The weather had kept him inside and he couldn’t think of a thing he wanted to do. The book he had started a few days ago wasn’t holding his interest and none of his friends were available for a game of cards. The last time he’d worked in his workshop, he’d messed something up, and his next trip out there would have to be to fix his mistake. He could do some cleaning in the house, but that didn’t inspire him.
He was bored.
Boredom is the third plague of the elderly. It can stem from many sources:
Post retirement adjustment
Retirement is a huge adjustment which takes planning and forethought. Many people plan a trip or vacation-like experience, but the question becomes, what is normal life going to look like? Daily work can provide purpose and a sense of making a contribution in life, and this must be redefined in retirement.
Isolation
When elderly people have physical constraints which limit their ability to get out of the house and connect with others, they can become isolated. Lack of mobility, no longer being able to drive, weather and other health concerns can isolate. One of the strongest arguments for adult housing, assisted living or long-term-care is the community which surrounds each elder. Those living alone, or away from peers (such as in one of their children’s houses) struggle with this.
Depression
Depression is a “chicken-or-egg” situation. Does boredom lead to depression or the other way around? (We’re referring to a low mood, not clinical depression, which is a chemical imbalance which needs medical treatment.) The blues can hit for so many reasons: not enough sunshine, a monotonous routine, or even grieving the death of a friend. Sometimes two or three situations develop and you feel yourself sliding into sadness.
How to handle boredom
None of my suggestions are rocket science, but sometimes, in the midst of boredom, you need to find one small solution, cling to it, and build from there. I’m hoping your “one small step” might be among these ideas.
- Exercise. I know I beat this drum often, but even if it’s the last thing you feel like doing, go for a 30 minute walk. I guarantee your mood will improve. Take one of the free tai chi, salsa dancing, line dancing or other forms of exercise available at your local community centre.
- Connect. One of the benefits of life in 2026 is, there are so many ways to connect. Phone a friend, send an email or text, FaceTime or set up a Zoom call, send a letter in the mail! Make a plan to meet. Do one of these every day for week. (Then start on next week.)
- Volunteer. Do you feel like you have no purpose? No reason to get out of bed in the morning? I guarantee you that someone needs your help. Check your local newspaper, church or community club. Ask at the schools near you. A regular volunteer responsibility will chase boredom in no time.
- Learn something new. Take piano lessons, use Duolingo or Jumpspeak to learn a new language. Take up a craft you’ve never done before. Not only will you benefit cognitively and have fun, you may have some Christmas presents ready for the season!
- Read a book. Get some recommendations in your favourite genre, and borrow for free from the library. Or use the Libby app. Multitask by walking and listening to an audiobook.
- Remove the clutter. Maybe this isn’t inspiring for you, but sometimes we need to create some open space and organize to get our heads in the right place. Maybe someone else could use what you clear out.
The three plagues of elders–loneliness, helplessness and boredom. As elders and as care partners, let’s work to eradicate these plagues.
