My DH retired ablout 10 or so years ago. We have had ups and downs, but he has to keep his mind and body busy or he gets 'dull'. He finally has some carpentry/building work he is doing with a neighbor (they just built a 24' x 40' poll barn), will be siding a mtn. home next month, and I keep him plenty busy with projects around here. He actually wants a 'Honey-Do' list at all times. He also volunteers as a driver for the DAV a few times a month, runs the mens Bible study at church, and is their 'maintenance' man. He's happy, I'm happy.
We still find plenty of time to be together and have fun even though it is on about 2/3 the money he made when working as a cop. He too admires my quilting and crocheting. We garden together and play together and have for almost 36 years. He even cooks and does dishes. NO laundry, please. I like whites white, not pink. :oops:
I too feel sorry for those who have a hard time together.
Keeping healthy mentally and physically and active with a faith of some type helps. Good luck.