Lacking enthusiasm- any similar? One for over 60s.

[kamahele]

Sounds like depression if it isn't a hormonal imbalance. Has your doctor suggested trying a mild anti depressant?

[weegee]

Are you drinking too much Coffee?? sounds familiar.

[sgtsabai]

Stay the hell away from anti-depressants, in many cases worse than the depression. We all go through stages and phases, depression is one. I've been down at times when I didn't think there was an up. While I don't think I'm an adrenalin junkie, I was a USMC Sgt in Vietnam, Federal and local firefighter, cop, drag racer, bar bouncer and general hell raiser. For some reason some folks think I just might be an adrenalin junkie...lol. Do I miss it, you better believe it. I love sex, sometimes just can't get the "energy" to go through the "interview", but still..... . Oh, I'm 69 and last night I was talking with a 74 year old guy with a cute young chick on his lap that he would meet later. He has an interest in life. Live life to the fullest, that bastard (or bitch) in the black hooded cloak with a scythe will get us all sooner or later, I prefer to go down fighting. Do get a complete medical checkup, if you had a non "depressed" life before I'd bet on a medical problem. Hang in there.

[HeijoshinCool]

Bummer, Beach ...

I feel the same way, and I'm still three years off your mark.

In the States, I spent an hour or more in the gym six days a week. I used a few supplements that were easily sourced at a local health food store, and were cheap. I ate clean.

After dinner, I walked down a tree-lined street, no vehicle exhaust, no snarling dogs, no burning plastic, to the bay and fished off the dock. Or up to the community college, where there were 16 tennis courts and four practice walls, and played tennis.

I went to museums, art galleries, and restaurants where the toilet paper was in the bathroom, not the on the table, and the servers made sure we were taken care of.

If I needed something for any of my various ongoing projects --- rebuilding a '66 Mustang convertible; building and finishing a piece of furniture; finding a book I heard was a good read; locating an ingredient for a new dish I wanted to make; build a house; go to the range and fire off a few hundred rounds, or the desert and shoot a thousand, the resources were readily available. The list is long and filled with things I no longer do.

Here, almost everything I have tried to accomplish is met with obstacles. Almost everyone I try to do business with, or strike up a relationship of any kind with, considers face first.

This has ultimately led me to stop trying, and do nothing. I am not someone who does nothing. I have always filled my life with interesting, and quite intentionally, smarter folks than myself, so I could learn something. Here, I have been asked, over five years, perhaps a thousand times, do I like spicy.

For me, it's the environment. Boredom is dangerous.

No, your symptoms are not a part of the normal aging process.

If its so bad what the hell are you doing there ?

Girlfriend, soon to be wife, then I'm not going to be here.

How's that for an answer?

[HeijoshinCool]

thaibeachlovers, on 14 Sept 2014 - 15:48, said:thaibeachlovers, on 14 Sept 2014 - 15:48, said:thaibeachlovers, on 14 Sept 2014 - 15:48, said:

HeijoshinCool, on 13 Sept 2014 - 18:44, said:HeijoshinCool, on 13 Sept 2014 - 18:44, said:HeijoshinCool, on 13 Sept 2014 - 18:44, said:

Bummer, Beach ...

I feel the same way, and I'm still three years off your mark.

In the States, I spent an hour or more in the gym six days a week. I used a few supplements that were easily sourced at a local health food store, and were cheap. I ate clean.

After dinner, I walked down a tree-lined street, no vehicle exhaust, no snarling dogs, no burning plastic, to the bay and fished off the dock. Or up to the community college, where there were 16 tennis courts and four practice walls, and played tennis.

I went to museums, art galleries, and restaurants where the toilet paper was in the bathroom, not the on the table, and the servers made sure we were taken care of.

If I needed something for any of my various ongoing projects --- rebuilding a '66 Mustang convertible; building and finishing a piece of furniture; finding a book I heard was a good read; locating an ingredient for a new dish I wanted to make; build a house; go to the range and fire off a few hundred rounds, or the desert and shoot a thousand. The list is long and filled with things I no longer do.

Here, almost everything I have tried to accomplish is met with obstacles. Almost everyone I try to do business with, or strike up a relationship of any kind with, considers face first.

This has ultimately led me to stop trying, and do nothing. I am not someone who does nothing. I have always filled my life with interesting, and quite intentionally, smarter folks than myself, so I could learn something. Here, I have been asked, over five years, perhaps a thousand times, do I like spicy.

For me, it's the environment. Boredom is dangerous.

No, your symptoms are not a part of the normal aging process.

< it's the environment. Boredom is dangerous. >

Not environmental. Lived in 3 different countries since it started.

Whatever my life is, it isn't boring. I have a million things to do. The problem is I don't have the enthusiasm to do them. The problem existed when I was working full time too, and nursing is anything but boring.

If I force myself, I'll go do things, but I should WANT to do them. After all, they are all things I used to enjoy immensly.

From the replies so far, it does seem as though my problem is not part of the normal ageing process. I started worrying when I found out a friend's 80 year old father was more enthusiastic than I.

This seems like a well documented syndrome with retired men, they subconsciously believe there is nothing left to do, to live for.. depression sets in and many die within 5 years of retiring, in fact they almost will themselves to die. What to do, well, get out of the house, force yourself to do something, hobbies, new activities eg dancing, volunteer work, join a local men's group etc... but DO something.

.

Yep.

I now know two things about myself, and since I don't think I'm particularly unique, I'm sure there are others out there who are the same:

1. Retirement sucks and is bad for you;

2. I am not expat material. As bad as my country is getting, it's where I need to spend the majority of my time.

[herb59]

the ISIS could need you. and they have a great program with 72 virgins.

[BlackJack]

take a blue diamond and go to the Bliss Lounge

[Dogbreath]

I suffered from the same symptoms until an endocrinologist found that my testosterone levels were way below normal for my age (63 at the time). Consult a good physician at well regarded hospital. Worked for me. I am now 71 and have energy, interest, and am generally a happy camper. Good luck.

[MediaWatcher]

HeijoshinCool, on 15 Sept 2014 - 17:40, said:

MediaWatcher, on 15 Sept 2014 - 16:57, said:

thaibeachlovers, on 14 Sept 2014 - 15:48, said:thaibeachlovers, on 14 Sept 2014 - 15:48, said:thaibeachlovers, on 14 Sept 2014 - 15:48, said:thaibeachlovers, on 14 Sept 2014 - 15:48, said:

HeijoshinCool, on 13 Sept 2014 - 18:44, said:HeijoshinCool, on 13 Sept 2014 - 18:44, said:HeijoshinCool, on 13 Sept 2014 - 18:44, said:HeijoshinCool, on 13 Sept 2014 - 18:44, said:

Bummer, Beach ...

I feel the same way, and I'm still three years off your mark.

In the States, I spent an hour or more in the gym six days a week. I used a few supplements that were easily sourced at a local health food store, and were cheap. I ate clean.

After dinner, I walked down a tree-lined street, no vehicle exhaust, no snarling dogs, no burning plastic, to the bay and fished off the dock. Or up to the community college, where there were 16 tennis courts and four practice walls, and played tennis.

I went to museums, art galleries, and restaurants where the toilet paper was in the bathroom, not the on the table, and the servers made sure we were taken care of.

If I needed something for any of my various ongoing projects --- rebuilding a '66 Mustang convertible; building and finishing a piece of furniture; finding a book I heard was a good read; locating an ingredient for a new dish I wanted to make; build a house; go to the range and fire off a few hundred rounds, or the desert and shoot a thousand. The list is long and filled with things I no longer do.

Here, almost everything I have tried to accomplish is met with obstacles. Almost everyone I try to do business with, or strike up a relationship of any kind with, considers face first.

This has ultimately led me to stop trying, and do nothing. I am not someone who does nothing. I have always filled my life with interesting, and quite intentionally, smarter folks than myself, so I could learn something. Here, I have been asked, over five years, perhaps a thousand times, do I like spicy.

For me, it's the environment. Boredom is dangerous.

No, your symptoms are not a part of the normal aging process.

< it's the environment. Boredom is dangerous. >

Not environmental. Lived in 3 different countries since it started.

Whatever my life is, it isn't boring. I have a million things to do. The problem is I don't have the enthusiasm to do them. The problem existed when I was working full time too, and nursing is anything but boring.

If I force myself, I'll go do things, but I should WANT to do them. After all, they are all things I used to enjoy immensly.

From the replies so far, it does seem as though my problem is not part of the normal ageing process. I started worrying when I found out a friend's 80 year old father was more enthusiastic than I.

This seems like a well documented syndrome with retired men, they subconsciously believe there is nothing left to do, to live for.. depression sets in and many die within 5 years of retiring, in fact they almost will themselves to die. What to do, well, get out of the house, force yourself to do something, hobbies, new activities eg dancing, volunteer work, join a local men's group etc... but DO something.

.

Yep.

I now know two things about myself, and since I don't think I'm particularly unique, I'm sure there are others out there who are the same:

1. Retirement sucks and is bad for you;

2. I am not expat material. As bad as my country is getting, it's where I need to spend the majority of my time.

I hate the word "retire", seems like a death sentence, semi-retire yes...but we need to keep busy. I do have returned to my home country, taking my Thai wife with me, the main reason being she will always be better off here than Thailand, especially after I pass away, but also for me, medically Australia is far superior to Thailand, there's also so much more that I can do to keep busy as well as the government not being anti me, or for that matter anti my wife, lol and will not keep changing its policy.

[smotherb]

That is too bad, perhaps you need a change. Get a hobby. Take a course online in any subject you like. Learn a new language. Try going to another country and stay a month. Go out every day to a different restaurant an/or bar. Make new acquaintances and enjoy new things. Show yourself you have something to do which may be fun.

Or you could just lay back and accept it.

[BradinAsia]

To the OP -- it's certainly not easy to give you any helpful advice. From what you've told us, it's fairly

obvious that your circumstances are very real and daunting for you. My ideas may not help at all, but

over the last 7 years since I retired I have had brief periods when I felt very much like you describe.

Of course, everyone is different, but some of the solutions I've found may give you some useful ideas.

The term libido comes to mind. An elusive term which is sometimes described as the center of male

enthusiasm. Some men take Andriol Testocaps to boost their libido, which is often used to mean their

sex drive, but actual a boosted libido significantly affects other male drives, such as enthusiasm, energy

and desire to accomplish something useful.

You might ask your doctor about Andriol Testocaps, which is not a drug but doses of testosterone, a

naturally occurring hormone in all mammals.

I have True Vision cable TV, but I watch TV very little. Other than a few science/nature/educational type

programs, for me most of the programming is a huge waste of time, provides absolutely no "satisfaction

in accomplishment" and adds very little to my quality of life in retirement.

I started out making long lists of things I wanted (or needed) to accomplish; here are some examples --

(1) write an adventure novel based on my own experiences

(2) reorganize my bookshelves

(3) reply to a stupid letter from the IRS

(4) Set up a filing system for all my important papers

(5) Tidy, sort and file all my accumulated papers

(6) Write letters (snail mail) to old buddies who lack email addresses

(7) Write to XYZ Bank about their recent very poor customer service

(8) Sort, tidy and file papers

(9) Prepare materials to study Thai, Japanese and Ilonggo with my wife

(10) Research performance & price of SUV tires (Nitto, Ohtsu, Sumitomo, etc)

Then I started dividing my "Items to Accomplish List" into short-term and long term. Then at least once or

twice a week, I update my list, add some new items and delete those that are completed.

The end result is, I have no time to get bored. I'm always doing something. If I get tired of a project bcoz

it is taking to long, I simple choose another. I'm the owner of my list and since the content is totally at my

discretion, I control all my own activities and pastimes in my daily life. Of course, when making my list I do

confer with my wife about what she wants accomplished and any scheduling issues.

For me, it's important to be in charge of my own life -- I don't want to have doctors or drugs in control of

my life like millions of my fellow countrymen. Being in control of my own life give me the satisfaction of

taking charge of my own happiness and my own future.

I simply do the things that satisfy me. And my main reward is satisfaction in accomplishment.

Hope this helps... even a little.

Edited September 15, 2014 by BradinAsia

[Jimbo2014]

Im not 60 but have had down years before - you may want to try

exercise - 40 min 4-5 days a week.

vegetarian diet and cut the processed carbs

Hormone replacement (Testosterone and/or HGH)

Supplement Vitamin B, D, fish oil

joining clubs and getting involved in activities - particularly outdoor.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

running or cycling.

Force yourself to do it every day for a month.

Bet you will see an improvement in your outlook.

Sitting around doing nothing will kill you.

[jacky54]

Become an alcoholic, it makes the day go faster.

[laobali]

Mate (OP), I have led a fairly active life, one way or another , as an older guy than you I am now in a similar position, the adventure has gone, though I have found a couple of things that interest me. When I look at stuff I am very similar to my parents as they aged, meaning perhaps stuff changes as we get older, the way we look at things.

For me friendship is a big plus, but alas hard to find cos folk have their idea in older life and for sure friendship ain't one for many, just their wee world that "age" has brought them. Sorry, difficult to put into words...

I do still have adventures. I take my wife lots of places in Thailand. The bummer is though, that when we go somewhere I'd have been enthralled with 10 years ago, I'm thinking ho hum. That's what I mean about lacking enthusiasm. I just don't get a buzz out of life anymore, which really is a shame.

I went to Penang on a visa run a while back, but when I got there I was so unenthusiastic I cut my planned week there to 2 days and came back home to watch rubbish on tv instead.

For what it's worth, you might benefit from a complete change of environment - out of SE Asia and away from all things Asian (including people). Leave everything as it is in Thailand and go back to your home country for a couple of months at least. Stay with relatives or friends. See what life would be like living there again at your age and financial situation. See how it's changed; the pros and cons. You may well come back with a different outlook on life. I did, and decided after 17 years that I'd had enough of Thai and Lao ways. You may decide you're better off or at least happier staying there (the wife obviously being an issue). But at least you'll have comparisons to mull over. Right now you're in an 'Asian rut'. Get out of it for a while.

[wabothai]

Sounds like a culture shock. I had several of them.

[kinmaew]

I am no where near that age but when I look at those miserable Rolling Stones (I really love em) they all have a smile on their face, keeping positive, healthy and active. My uncle used to say (About his daughter who had issues), depression? put on a pair of track suit pants and go for a run. Keep moving, dont brood over problems too long, and most of all have hope.

[Minnehaha]

I am no where near that age but when I look at those miserable Rolling Stones (I really love em) they all have a smile on their face, keeping positive, healthy and active. My uncle used to say (About his daughter who had issues), depression? put on a pair of track suit pants and go for a run. Keep moving, dont brood over problems too long, and most of all have hope.

Reading this thread and having known many people who have suffered from depression (and other mental disorders) I can relate to the OP and many posts. When a person says something like what the OP says... many folks reactions is to tell them "cheer up". That kind of response is well-intentioned but lets recognize there are mental illnesses just like there are physical illnesses. In fact, many mental illnesses are best treated with physical solutions (meds etc.) although therapy is also a great tool.

The OP already mentioned he tried these paths. I respect that. But when a person is suffering from this kind of outlook for more than a few days, weeks. or months and does not drink to excess, do drugs, or have any huge conflicting behaviors or experiences in their lives the options point to some kind of un-treated depression.

There are many medications. Although in Thailand this topic is a stigma and the therapy options are very few... one can find solutions... options... even if one does some homework on Internet and joins groups, etc. And one can get a psychiatrist to prescribe many of the meds available in larger more developed countries. ( I realize the OP sounds like they are in UK or some western country so this may not directly apply).

Having said that, ADD is a real mental illness and it often manifests as depression or is co-diagnosed with depression. It is controversial, I know but I also know many who have only realized this diagnosis fit them - several in their 50's!

I would suggest the OP keep active, stay in shape and take care of the body. Similarly I would suggest keeping an open minded approach to addressing mental health.

Finally, even if you are within the Testosterone 'natural' numbers, it may be worth trying boosting these, and / or trying other meds to see what works. Its not a crime. Remember the tagline "Better living through chemistry".

[Minnehaha]

I am no where near that age but when I look at those miserable Rolling Stones (I really love em) they all have a smile on their face, keeping positive, healthy and active. My uncle used to say (About his daughter who had issues), depression? put on a pair of track suit pants and go for a run. Keep moving, dont brood over problems too long, and most of all have hope.

what is miserable about being a rock star, doing all the drugs and women you ever wanted, playing music that you would do anyway and getting paid for it, and living to tell the story... write a book, etc. I read Keiths book and it was interesting. He is one incredibly lucky guy. His comment that doing only the highest quality drugs was helpful to his health, I agree is very likely helpful. Also having doctors at beck and call also helps.

[richusa]

I'm 56, and had enough......I hope to die peacefully in my sleep.

[jacky54]

Yeah life aint all it's cracked up to be that's for sure, good luck to those trying to make the best of a bad job though

[retarius]

I sympathise with you. I am 61 and have similar feelings. I have no hobbies and only one real friend in Thailand. I go to lots of parties and the local farang bar and get hammered several times a week....and this is no answer. My g/f is very understanding, but she is 15 years younger than me and really would like to do more things, but I never seem to have the energy and am tired all the time.

I have tried all sorts of stuff to revive some energy but nothing seems to work....I'm just hoping for an early death.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

I sympathise with you. I am 61 and have similar feelings. I have no hobbies and only one real friend in Thailand. I go to lots of parties and the local farang bar and get hammered several times a week....and this is no answer. My g/f is very understanding, but she is 15 years younger than me and really would like to do more things, but I never seem to have the energy and am tired all the time.

I have tried all sorts of stuff to revive some energy but nothing seems to work....I'm just hoping for an early death.

I see your problem,

You need a gf 30+ years younger than you.

You will suddenly have a lot more energy.

After a couple of hours cycling, then a bit of a run, if I'm still feeling a bit listless, I go hang out at a shopping mall with my pals.

We can talk quietly together about the meaning of life the universe and everything and suddenly .... "Oh, my god, look at the shorts and heels on that one" ......

Everything seems so much better.

Edited September 15, 2014 by AnotherOneAmerican

[Don Aleman]

All of us have the same problem but few, like yourself and me, admit it ! You're probably in that common stage of life where, having been around, are experiencing simple old boredom which is untreatable except by searching out a new sport/hobby or death defying act like taking a Thai bus/train or 4 companions simultaneously !

[robblok]

Bummer, Beach ...

I feel the same way, and I'm still three years off your mark.

In the States, I spent an hour or more in the gym six days a week. I used a few supplements that were easily sourced at a local health food store, and were cheap. I ate clean.

After dinner, I walked down a tree-lined street, no vehicle exhaust, no snarling dogs, no burning plastic, to the bay and fished off the dock. Or up to the community college, where there were 16 tennis courts and four practice walls, and played tennis.

I went to museums, art galleries, and restaurants where the toilet paper was in the bathroom, not the on the table, and the servers made sure we were taken care of.

If I needed something for any of my various ongoing projects --- rebuilding a '66 Mustang convertible; building and finishing a piece of furniture; finding a book I heard was a good read; locating an ingredient for a new dish I wanted to make; build a house; go to the range and fire off a few hundred rounds, or the desert and shoot a thousand, the resources were readily available. The list is long and filled with things I no longer do.

Here, almost everything I have tried to accomplish is met with obstacles. Almost everyone I try to do business with, or strike up a relationship of any kind with, considers face first.

This has ultimately led me to stop trying, and do nothing. I am not someone who does nothing. I have always filled my life with interesting, and quite intentionally, smarter folks than myself, so I could learn something. Here, I have been asked, over five years, perhaps a thousand times, do I like spicy.

For me, it's the environment. Boredom is dangerous.

No, your symptoms are not a part of the normal aging process.

If its so bad what the hell are you doing there ?

Girlfriend, soon to be wife, then I'm not going to be here.

How's that for an answer?

Good reason, sorry for being blunt there are too many people who stay in a bad situation. I did.. and now I will never do that again.

[laobali]

Sounds like a culture shock. I had several of them.

Me too and the 'after-shocks' can be even worse!

[steven100]

Become an alcoholic, it makes the day go faster.

I'm trying every day ... i'm drunk in my room most nights.

[super22k]

ThaiBeachLovers. Try sucking a Vitamin C tablet each day.

[cassde]

I am now 71 years young from the UK and live in Thailand. I have a young Thai wife and feel as if I am 50 all over again. I have never experienced the symptoms the OP describes and I agree with what Costas 2008 says.

If you are still a resident in the UK come to Thailand and see the difference the diet and lifestyle makes to those symptoms.

[laobali]

I'm 56, and had enough......I hope to die peacefully in my sleep.

So do I – one day. What unhappy circumstances are you in that make you feel like this now? It's usually a relationship and/or finances.