Ask HN: My dad just retired. What should he do?

by jharohit on 3/4/2019, 5:52 PM with 4 comments

My dad is a Physics grad who has spent his entire life in Accounting and Taxation. Is fairly OK with tech but took early retirement since he wanted to "try something else". This has mainly resulted in Netflix so far.

I am seriously not sure how I should advise him on what he should constructively do next to remain engaged and active (mentally and physically).

A lot of my friends are in a similar situation with their current parents. Feel like for this is starting to become a problem for all recent retirees! (Just tech savvy enough to browse apps/web but not motivated enough to learn programming)

P.S. We end up going into these deep topics like Universal Basic Income where his perspective from age and experience brings new dimensions https://twitter.com/jharohit/status/1097852468048814080?s=19

  • by quag on 3/4/2019, 7:35 PM

    I have been helping non-programmers at work “get into things to do with computers” for the last two years. I’m happy to have a chat with you or him, if you like. There are plenty of interesting things to get into, but mindset, motivation, and intentions are the main obstacles.

  • by peapicker on 3/4/2019, 6:27 PM

    Does he have any other hobbies?

    Based on my hobbies, I know I plan on writing plugins for DAWs and writing more experimental electronic music, and to keep on playing guitar and bass until I can't for some reason like bad arthritis.

  • by hsnewman on 3/4/2019, 6:02 PM

    I'm about to retire, and am looking at hobbies that are good for lifelong health, like biking, hiking, walking and the sort.