Boredom as you get older

mr_fegelien

Does anyone personally not understand how people are able to bingewatch TV shows? I hear my friends talk about watching 2-3 seasons of Stranger Things or House of Cards.

As a kid, I used to enjoy watching TV endlessly but now, even with nothing to do at times, it just bores me. I would say it's a part of growing old but some people don't find it boring.

I've heard that recreational drug use decreases your threshold for boredom so when your sober, things that you would have been able to enjoy like listening to music and watching TV before you took drugs just don't appeal to you unless your intoxicated again. Alcohol, weed, and benzo abuse must explain that for me then.

monkeysnapper

Have you ever thought about writing to rte to see if you could have your own show ....

I think it would be a hit man .... your threads are top notch...

JustAThought

Maybe you’re just watching wrong?

IAMAMORON

I am looking forward to turning 70 and then starting a really nice Benzodiazepine habit and chasing it down with the dragon while I sit on my couch playing computer games with the fire on, all day and all night. You are more than welcome to come and watch me.

In the summer time I will sit under the umbrella outside and do something similar.

Life is really too short.

Go outside.

JupiterKid

I very rarely find myself bored - I have plenty of hobbies and interests on top of my busy working week.

Someone once told me that boredom is an indication of a lack of imagination.

marieholmfan

mr_fegelien wrote: »

Does anyone personally not understand how people are able to bingewatch TV shows? I hear my friends talk about watching 2-3 seasons of Stranger Things or House of Cards.

As a kid, I used to enjoy watching TV endlessly but now, even with nothing to do at times, it just bores me. I would say it's a part of growing old but some people don't find it boring.

I've heard that recreational drug use decreases your threshold for boredom so when your sober, things that you would have been able to enjoy like listening to music and watching TV before you took drugs just don't appeal to you unless your intoxicated again. Alcohol, weed, and benzo abuse must explain that for me then.

You should start a blog. You might be able to monetise this (not to me by the way) .

freshpopcorn

Take up knitting!

Woke Hogan

monkeysnapper wrote: »

Have you ever thought about writing to rte to see if you could have your own show ....

I think it would be a hit man .... your threads are top notch...

I’ve noticed a few people slagging this guy off for starting discussions on this discussion forum. I suppose people would prefer to debate which crisp flavour is best or who was the coolest dude: Zig or Zag,

Crimsonred

mr_fegelien wrote: »

Does anyone personally not understand how people are able to bingewatch TV shows? I hear my friends talk about watching 2-3 seasons of Stranger Things or House of Cards.

As a kid, I used to enjoy watching TV endlessly but now, even with nothing to do at times, it just bores me. I would say it's a part of growing old but some people don't find it boring.

I've heard that recreational drug use decreases your threshold for boredom so when your sober, things that you would have been able to enjoy like listening to music and watching TV before you took drugs just don't appeal to you unless your intoxicated again. Alcohol, weed, and benzo abuse must explain that for me then.

I wonder about that too, you might think that as people get older they would be more inclined to make better use of their spare time than to spend it stupified in front of the television.

Rufeo

freshpopcorn wrote: »

Take up knitting!

He can knit some nice girl a top. Ok let's see what she says after it.

RMAOK

Watch "murder she wrote"

op, you really need to find something to do outside of drug abuse.
Drugs are fine, when you are a certain age, & so long as they don't take over your life.
But people & places are so much more interesting when you personally ate not on drugs. .
Millions of places to go, things to see, & people to meet.
I would advise you to get out into the world, & leave small world drug taking behind you.

Fr_Dougal

You should do more benzos, op. Nice and chill.

arybvtcw0eolkf

JupiterKid wrote: »

I very rarely find myself bored - I have plenty of hobbies and interests on top of my busy working week.

Someone once told me that boredom is an indication of a lack of imagination.

Same here, plus I was brought up in a time when ''I'm bored'' got you a sh*t load of house work to do.

I'm older (54 in a few weeks) and rarely if ever get bored.

Ficheall

Woke Hogan wrote: »

I’ve noticed a few people slagging this guy off for starting discussions on this discussion forum. I suppose people would prefer to debate which crisp flavour is best or who was the coolest dude: Zig or Zag,

Zag.

Yester

Ficheall wrote: »

Zag.

Zig played piano though.

kowloon

I think too many sources of entertainment and indecision are the problem for many. It's not that there isn't anything to do; you're not limited to having to go out to the library/bookshop, or a music/video/games shop to get physical media anymore, and you aren't limited to half a dozen TV channels that might have something on them.
It's hard to get caught out without something to do on a rainy day as long as you have power and an internet connection, but there are so many things vying for your attention that it can be hard for people to choose, and everything is so more developed at competing for that attention that, particularly with people who are growing up with it, it's difficult to just do something and stick with it unless it's constantly keeping you engaged from moment to moment.
When people aren't getting that high from, for example, binge-watching a TV programme they're left with a void they need to fill that lives up to their heightened standards. I think that combination of intense engagement followed by a down period afterwards makes people think there's nothing to do or nothing worth their time.
I'm not sure how people growing up now are going to deal with it as they age, but having grown up before instant entertainment on demand I have no real excuse to be bored, but terrible difficulty choosing how to be entertained.

Odyssey 2005

freshpopcorn wrote: »

Take up knitting!

In space

feelthepower

Had six **** today to pass the time. Probably another six tomorrow.

Spanish Eyes

Go down the rabbit hole of YouTube and you will never be bored again.

completedit

I’d love to be able to entertaining independently. I realized I am easily pleased but rely on external stimulants, would love to find enjoyment my own ideas, own comedy and own insights.

AllForIt

Binge-watching a TV show is fine - it's sitting in front of regular telly all evening I don't get. Your subjected to annoying advertising all evening for a start which personally drives me spare.

I find there is tonnes of content on youtube, whether it's a sports event you weren't able to watch live at the time or a chat show interview with a guest you're particularly interested in. Not to mention all the educational stuff there.

So no, I don't think I get bored as I get older, rather there is so much online content that I wish I had when I was younger.

uch

mr_fegelien wrote: »

Does anyone personally not understand how people are able to bingewatch TV shows? I hear my friends talk about watching 2-3 seasons of Stranger Things or House of Cards.

As a kid, I used to enjoy watching TV endlessly but now, even with nothing to do at times, it just bores me. I would say it's a part of growing old but some people don't find it boring.

I've heard that recreational drug use decreases your threshold for boredom so when your sober, things that you would have been able to enjoy like listening to music and watching TV before you took drugs just don't appeal to you unless your intoxicated again. Alcohol, weed, and benzo abuse must explain that for me then.

You've obviously never had an experience like sticking some class B's up yer jaxie so

Graces7

kowloon wrote: »

I think too many sources of entertainment and indecision are the problem for many. It's not that there isn't anything to do; you're not limited to having to go out to the library/bookshop, or a music/video/games shop to get physical media anymore, and you aren't limited to half a dozen TV channels that might have something on them.
It's hard to get caught out without something to do on a rainy day as long as you have power and an internet connection, but there are so many things vying for your attention that it can be hard for people to choose, and everything is so more developed at competing for that attention that, particularly with people who are growing up with it, it's difficult to just do something and stick with it unless it's constantly keeping you engaged from moment to moment.
When people aren't getting that high from, for example, binge-watching a TV programme they're left with a void they need to fill that lives up to their heightened standards. I think that combination of intense engagement followed by a down period afterwards makes people think there's nothing to do or nothing worth their time.
I'm not sure how people growing up now are going to deal with it as they age, but having grown up before instant entertainment on demand I have no real excuse to be bored, but terrible difficulty choosing how to be entertained.

Ditch the TV etc and start living a real life. Active pastimes. Volunteer. Plenty to do out there.

monkeysnapper

monkeysnapper wrote: »

Have you ever thought about writing to rte to see if you could have your own show ....

I think it would be a hit man .... your threads are top notch...

Perfect white noise for bedtime.

Graces7

JupiterKid wrote: »

I very rarely find myself bored - I have plenty of hobbies and interests on top of my busy working week.

Someone once told me that boredom is an indication of a lack of imagination.

More like sheer laziness.. reminds me of baby birds with their beaks open" FEED ME!" Even when they are quite able to feed themselves

Badly Drunk Boy

Woke Hogan wrote: »

I’ve noticed a few people slagging this guy off for starting discussions on this discussion forum. I suppose people would prefer to debate which crisp flavour is best or who was the coolest dude: Zig or Zag,

Zog, because he introduced the Mint Choc Ice and Rancheros to Albania.

Johnny Sausage

Woke Hogan wrote: »

I’ve noticed a few people slagging this guy off for starting discussions on this discussion forum. I suppose people would prefer to debate which crisp flavour is best or who was the coolest dude: Zig or Zag,

dont you dare slag off the ultimate crisps tournament you heathen

The odd binge watch is great for some down time

sbsquarepants

Get yourself a mortgage and a house full of kids.

I would give my right arm to be bored OP!

NeinNeinNein

Salt and vinegar.

Graces7

bluewolf wrote: »

The odd binge watch is great for some down time

I ditched TV 30 years ago and never a minutes regret.

There is a whole world out there; go for a walk, dig a garden for you or someone else ( one here needs it!) , volunteer at charity; walking dogs, helping at food banks. Plenty to do. We need you!

Jim_Hodge

I'm not sure how old you are or what you consider older but I suspect you are still relatively young. Drug use is by no means the answer to boredom. Meet some friends, go for a walk, read a book. There must be some hobby you can take up or something you can study that you have a real interest in. I don't remember the last time I was bored and it was a real worry when I was coming up to retirement. Having a full time job and a family will fill most of your middle years. TV can fill a gap and there are some very educational programmes out there as well as good old fashioned entertainment if you are selective and don't just mindlessly sit in front of the box. If you're really stuck for something to fill a few hours then volunteer to help at a charity or community initiative. Call in to a lonely or housebound neighbour. Even walking around your home town with a view to learning about it's history can become an absorbing pastime. Visit the library and research your local area's history. Take up a sport or just go about getting yourself fitter. There are hundreds of solutions to boredom and drug use isn't among them.

Strumms

Boredom as a kid was crappy as you couldn’t do anything without a parent or older siblings say-so. As an adult, you can ring someone up, meet for food, a movie, extra session down the gym, go for a drive, go into town shopping, a sporting event.... your timetable, your choices, without being reliant on the say so and help of anyone.

TomSweeney

OP getting old ?

Didn't you just leave school recently ?

branie2

I usually avoid boredom by keeping myself busy

Omackeral

Johnny Sausage wrote: »

dont you dare slag off the ultimate crisps tournament you heathen

Truly the beautiful essence and spirit of After Hours captured in tournament form.

CrankyHaus

Kaiser Ugly Producer wrote: »

Same here, plus I was brought up in a time when ''I'm bored'' got you a sh*t load of house work to do.

It's possible to fall into a pattern of getting home from work drained and wasting unsatisfied time in front of a screen. This then makes it difficult to sleep and makes one drained after work again, perpetuating the cycle. In fact I think for many this is normal.

Funnily enough I find a great cure is finding housework or other tasks to do. Leaves the weekend free for the big time-consuming activities too.

JohnnyFlash

Just go to the pub and drink pints.

wakka12

Youre mad for the drugs

Greyfox

Graces7 wrote: »

I ditched TV 30 years ago and never a minutes regret.

You've missed out on lots of great tv shows although bog standard put the tv on to see what's on is for stupid people. Personally I think any working adult who complains about been bored is just a clown wasting there life away, there's a million things someone can do with there time

Omackeral

Greyfox wrote: »

You've missed out on lots of great tv shows although bog standard put the tv on to see what's on is for stupid people. Personally I think any working adult who complains about been bored is just a clown wasting there life away, there's a million things someone can do with there time

Like learn the difference between “there” and “their”?

If you’re going to call people stupid, you deserve to be called out on this.

Lundstram

ReginaldSmythV wrote: »

Go outside.

You do realise you have more posts per day than the OP? Maybe you should go outside for a bit.

Graces7

Greyfox wrote: »

You've missed out on lots of great tv shows although bog standard put the tv on to see what's on is for stupid people. Personally I think any working adult who complains about been bored is just a clown wasting there life away, there's a million things someone can do with there time

Never seen Irish TV as I was in Scotland when I ditched it. Not interested in TV shows of any kind. Far far better ways to live, and to enjoy silence and peace . Just being alive is wonderful.

Graces7

OP; surely you know that exercise produces endorphins? A natural "high". take up running? Or digging the garden..

Omackeral

Graces7 wrote: »

Not interested in TV shows of any kind. Far far better ways to live, and to enjoy silence and peace. Just being alive is wonderful.

You can do all of that and still learn about other cultures, witness historic moments, phenomenal occasions and the beauty of nature and wildlife from places far and wide through the medium of television.

Church on Tuesday

JohnnyFlash wrote: »

Just go to the pub and drink pints.

Do not do this.

Jim_Hodge

Graces7 wrote: »

Never seen Irish TV as I was in Scotland when I ditched it. Not interested in TV shows of any kind. Far far better ways to live, and to enjoy silence and peace . Just being alive is wonderful.

Then you are missing so much and isolating yourself from a much broader view of society and the world. You ditched TV before we got so many brilliant channels via digital and cable TV. Never having seen Irish TV leaves it difficult to dismiss it. There are now whole channels devoted to News, documentaries, crafts, travel, wildlife etc. It sure beats watching biased YouTube videos. We can all enjoy some silence and peace in our lives without disconnecting completely from the world and why would we be less alive for having watch a few hours of TV?

Graces7

Omackeral wrote: »

You can do all of that and still learn about other cultures, witness historic moments, phenomenal occasions and the beauty of nature and wildlife from places far and wide through the medium of television.

If that fits your life, great for you.

Not enough hours in the day. And each to his/her own. I had TV for decades then decided to stay free of schedules and serials and learn the value of silence and prayer , and the plants and birds in my immediate vicinity in detail. An Irish coastal island.. hoping to add a flora page to my weblog this year.

Truly I am deeply satisfied and happy in heart and soul. Just watching the ocean and sky in these last years of my life is enough.

Graces7

Jim_Hodge wrote: »

Then you are missing so much and isolating yourself from a much broader view of society and the world. You ditched TV before we got so many brilliant channels via digital and cable TV. Never having seen Irish TV leaves it difficult to dismiss it. There are now whole channels devoted to News, documentaries, crafts, travel, wildlife etc. It sure beats watching biased YouTube videos. We can all enjoy some silence and peace in our lives without disconnecting completely from the world and why would we be less alive for having watch a few hours of TV?

At nearly 80 ….. Enjoy what you watch as I enjoy my peace here. Bless your enthusiasm and kind intentions.