Why am I suddenly being transferred all the time and not given any significant work to do?

I've been transferred twice in the last five years with no reason given. When I asked this last time, they mumbled something about budget cuts. Every transfer is also to a lower ranking supervisor within the department. Since my latest transfer this past September, my new supervisor has given me no significant work to do. Other people there all seem to have ignments are are busy working on them. It's my gut feeling that my last supervisor before this told him that I make too may mistakes and don't work fast enough, a frequent contention between us and a problem when working with people who are roughly half my age. Having nothing to do makes the days long and frustrating, so I tried Internet browsing to fill the boring hours. Now twice within the last week he has told me - no Internet use unless it is work-related. Then I brought in a word puzzle book. He is not happy with that either and said he didn't want be doing any games or puzzles because if someone came in the room and saw it, it would reflect badly on HIM. What am I supposed to do all day - just sit, stare at the ecru walls and twiddle my appendages? I'm afraid if I complain to HR, they will investigate and determine my services aren't really needed and get canned, if I am not on the brink now. After putting in 36 years with this employer, and on the verge of retiring, you think they could treat me a little better. Right now I feel like I'm just treading water until I'm eligible for retirement in 5 years. One of my friends theorizes that since I am near retirement, they may be trying to frustrate me to the point I quit so they won't have to pay my pension. What's your gut feeling? (I know you're only hearing my side of it, but that's all I can tell you).