Retirement can be an exciting new chapter in life. After decades of working, you finally have the freedom to do whatever you want! But with all that free time, it’s common to feel a little lost on how to spend your days. The key is staying active – both mentally and physically. Here are 16 great ideas to make the most of your retirement:
1. Travel the World
One of the most popular things to do when retired is to travel. With no job tying you down, retirement is the perfect time to check destinations off your bucket list. Start local with road trips to explore your state or region. Then work up to taking that dream vacation abroad you’ve always wanted. Traveling exposes you to new cultures foods and experiences. It exercises your mind and satisfies your sense of adventure.
2. Take Up New Hobbies
Retirement frees up a chunk of time to delve into hobbies you’ve always wanted to try but never had the time for. Gardening, photography, painting, woodworking – the possibilities are endless. Not only are hobbies enjoyable, but they also challenge your mind and skills. Learn at your own pace and find a hobby that excites you. Local community centers often offer affordable classes to get you started.
3. Get a Part-Time Job
You don’t have to stop working completely when you retire. Many retirees enjoy part-time work to stay active and supplement their income Good options for retirees include consulting gigs, teaching, tour guiding, or working retail Seek out flexible roles that allow you to set your schedule. Working part-time allows you to share your knowledge while engaging with people.
4. Exercise More
With no job eating into your day, you have ample time to focus on your health and fitness in retirement. Regular exercise reduces your risk for chronic diseases and boosts energy levels so you can get the most out of your days. Take a daily walk, join a gym, or try dance or yoga classes tailored to seniors. When you’re retired, every day is an opportunity to get moving. But be sure to check with your doctor before significantly increasing physical activity.
5. Start a Blog or Website
Do you have a passion, expertise, or unique perspective to share? Start a blog or website and become a thought leader You can blog about topics like retirement finances, gardening, family life as a grandparent, or your favorite travel destinations Share advice and insight gleaned from your life experiences. Monetize through advertisements, affiliate marketing, or selling digital products. Plus blogging helps sharpen your writing and technology skills.
6. Volunteer in Your Community
Give back to your community by volunteering for a cause important to you. Animal shelters, museums, churches, libraries, schools, conservation groups, and more rely on retiree volunteers. You can assist on a regular schedule or just occasionally. Volunteering to help others provides a sense of purpose and keeps you engaged in the community. It’s also a great way to meet fellow retirees and do good locally.
7. Take Classes
Go back to school in retirement – no homework required! Many local colleges and community centers offer classes on topics from arts to technology, tailored for seniors at a discounted rate or even free. Take a painting class, learn a new language, study photography, or brush up on computer skills. Classes challenge your mind, introduce you to new subjects, and connect you with other lifelong learners.
8. Spend Time with Family
Retirement gives you the freedom to better connect with your family. Schedule regular visits with kids and grandkids. Offer to babysit your grandchildren so the parents can have a date night. Attend the school plays, sports games, and big events you may have missed while working. Make new family memories together going on trips, playing games, or cooking meals. Your family will appreciate the extra time with you.
9. Get Involved at Your Place of Worship
If you belong to a church, temple, mosque, or other house of worship, retirement is the perfect time to become more involved. Volunteer for their community outreach programs, join the choir, serve on event committees, or teach youth religious education classes. Places of worship offer both social connections and opportunities to give back. Your time, skills, and wisdom will be invaluable to the congregation.
10. Pick Up New Hobbies
Challenge yourself to learn new skills and hobbies. Playing an instrument, woodworking, knitting, coding, photography – the possibilities are limitless. Local community colleges or recreation centers likely offer affordable classes in dozens of hobbies. Or you can teach yourself through library books, YouTube tutorials, or private lessons. Having varied interests keeps your mind sharp in retirement.
11. Do More Things That Bring You Joy
Make a list of activities that make you genuinely happy, then do them more often in retirement. For some that may be reading, playing with pets, gardening, or scrapbooking. Eliminate obligations from your schedule to free up time for meaningful hobbies. Surround yourself with people whose company you enjoy. Make your days joyful by spending time on the things that fulfill you most.
12. Write Your Memoirs
Record your memories and life lessons for future generations by writing your memoirs. Start by compiling old photos and journals to spur memories. Then flesh out meaningful stories chapter by chapter. Local writing groups can provide feedback and inspiration. Consider self-publishing your finished book to share with family and friends. Putting your experiences down on paper is extremely fulfilling.
13. Learn a Foreign Language
It’s rarely too late to pick up a foreign language – and retirement is the perfect time to do it. Knowing basic Spanish, French, or another second language allows you to connect with new cultures through travel or in your diverse community. Look for tutors, language learning computer programs, community classes, and free apps to start conversing en otro idioma.
14. Join a Book Club
Book clubs encourage reading, provide social connections, and stimulate interesting conversations about literature. Find one through your local library or start your own with friends. Read a variety of fiction and nonfiction to continually expand your knowledge. Discussing books with others offers different perspectives. A book club gives you deadlines to finish pages while enjoying the journey of diving into a new book each month.
15. Try Your Green Thumb in a Garden
Gardening is a soothing hobby that provides beauty, fresh air, and homegrown vegetables or flowers. Start small with a few planters on your porch or patio if you don’t have a yard. Read up on planting schedules for your climate and tips for beginner gardeners. Grow herbs, tomatoes, or your favorite colorful annuals. Caring for living plants and watching them grow is extremely rewarding.
16. Take Up Arts and Crafts
Get creative in retirement by taking up arts and crafts. Pick a medium that appeals to you, like painting, pottery, quilting, jewelry making, wood carving, photography, or calligraphy. Local community centers offer affordable classes for seniors. Give handmade gifts to brighten loved ones’ days. Selling your creations at craft fairs can even provide extra income. The artistic process stimulates your mind while producing something beautiful.
The key is staying active and engaged. Retirement is the time to explore your interests, give back, stay fit and healthy, grow through new experiences, and spend time with loved ones. Fill your days with activities that provide purpose, joy, and new learning. Follow your passions to each day feel fulfilling during this new phase of life. The possibilities are endless – retirement can be the most exciting chapter yet if you make the most of your free time.
#5 Research your family tree
Wondering if you’re descended from royalty (or rogues), where your ancestors lived and what their occupations were?
Due to a whole host of online resources such as *]:inline decoration-current” href=”https://www.gov.uk/government/news/expert-advice-on-starting-a-business” rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank”> advice on starting a business.
The BEST Retirement Advice EVER From Retirees (7 Examples)
What does ‘I’m retired’ mean?
I’m retired is the normal way of indicating your current state (like I’m married – the date of your marriage is usually irrelevant), but shouldn’t be used with since. However, I can imagine someone adding a time as an afterthought: I’m retired – as of last summer. So someone might say 2, but it can’t be recommended.
What should you do when you retire?
Once you retire, you may have some immediate goals like travelling, buying a car or gadget, or learning new skills. But just a few years down the line, they may not look attractive to you. Photo: Unsplash
Are retired Boomers more pronounced?
But in the past year the number of retired Boomers increased more than in prior years, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of monthly labor force data. The recent increase in the share of Boomers who are retired is more pronounced among Hispanic and Asian American Boomers and those residing in the Northeast.
