I think hobbies are important for everyone. I know just getting by is enough of a hobby for most of us, but to those who have a little free time--develop some

I think hobbies are important for everyone. I know just getting by is enough of a hobby for most of us, but to those who have a little free time--develop some interests? My father was content with his job. He loved to talk about his job, something I didn't inherit. He was his job. He never pursued any hobbies. When he retired he literally didn't know what to do with his free time. He had the money to do pretty much whatever he wanted--within reason, but was lost. Looking back, he never should have retired? Well he decided to retire at 55. The first few weeks were o.k., but I was worried because he didn't cultivate any outside interests/hobbies. Well he started drinking more, and died a painful death from liver cancer 10 years later. My mother is afraid to retire because she saw what happened to my father. I got her into photography years ago, but she still needs something more. I think the secret is incorporating a hobby with others in a social setting? She's not into meeting new people, like myself, so I just hope she finds a group of people she feels comfortable with. She's not a drinker, so I don't have that to worry about. She is prone to depression though. When I hear people stating I just don't care about "that stuff". I tell them just give it(whatever) a shot? The Internet has made learning a hobby so much easier?