Looking for Resources on Defining Purpose/Establishing Goals

[Zacharias]

My father was recently "forced" out of his job at age 68. We've gone over his finances together and he is well established to live off of his investments.

However, I think he misses having his "purpose" somewhat defined by the job and was looking for resources that he might be interested in looking at or that I could read and help him along the way.

I don't plan to force anything upon him. This is just how I read his situation and want to be a helpful son.

Thanks for any suggestion!

[chrisgermany]

Get him the book 'get a life'by Ernie Zelinsky.
Ther is an exercise to draw a 'get a life tree' along your interests, hobbies etc.
Very helpful.

[Mother Fussbudget]

Does he want to float with the tide, or swim toward a goal?  That's not something anyone can answer for anyone else.
Hunter S. Thompson's letter to his friend Hume Logan mentions this, and might be a good read.

My advice would be to get him to do some traveling - via train, backpack, hostel... whatever.  He'll find time to think about his purpose, and get to see-the-world.  What better way to spend some time off?

But finding one's purpose, or getting excited about something - it's not something you can do for him.  It's like the old joke:
   How many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb? 
   None.  It has to WANT to change.

(Good luck to you both!)

[sakura]

My mom and grandmother love to study. There are some super cheap courses that they attend. Some are special for older folks, others are open for anyone and some are even official part of university courses (my mom and grandma can attend as "listeners" because they are not unrolled in the university, it means they dont get a grade, or a certificate, but can attend classes normally).

They have studied so far many languages, foreign cultures, astronomy, geology and much more! These courses are offered by a public university, private knowledge schools and embassies. Check out if theres something like that around. If he's interested he may apply, make friends, have homework to do, places to go..

[arebelspy]

Following!

This may be THE premier ER question (and life question?), IMO.

[Zacharias]

Thanks for the replies so far everyone!

Does he want to float with the tide, or swim toward a goal?  That's not something anyone can answer for anyone else.
Hunter S. Thompson's letter to his friend Hume Logan mentions this, and might be a good read.

My advice would be to get him to do some traveling - via train, backpack, hostel... whatever.  He'll find time to think about his purpose, and get to see-the-world.  What better way to spend some time off?

But finding one's purpose, or getting excited about something - it's not something you can do for him.  It's like the old joke:
   How many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb? 
   None.  It has to WANT to change.

(Good luck to you both!)

You sum up the situation well. I certainly don't want to force him to do anything. It's just my understanding that he's basically had his course set by the employer for so long (44 years!) that taking the reins seems a little daunting. If he wants to "float with the tide," I certainly think he's earned it and would be behind that 100% as well.

Thanks again for the great ideas. Keep them coming!