What do people do when they retire?
With the absence of work opening up a large chunk of time, it’s a natural question. Here are 20 possible answers for a fun, meaningful life without 9-to-5 jobs.
Simplify your life.
Simplifying is simply satisfying once you get started. Take the time to declutter and organize all of your belongings.
Spend time with friends and family.
Social bonds are key for not only a happy retirement, but a gratifying life overall. For instance, you can make Tuesdays a night of tacos with friends or choose a day out of the month to go see a new movie.
Get a part-time job, or start a business.
Why exclude yourself from the work field if you enjoy the stimulus, interaction and satisfaction of employment? Consider a part-time job related to your former career or a different area of interest. Or consider starting a business or service. Love kids? Do babysitting. Enjoy baking? Open a small sweets shop.
Volunteer in the community.
Volunteering is meaningful and a way to meet new people and increase social interaction. Animal-rescue centers, food pantries, and parks are all great places to volunteer at.
Travel.
Take this time to visit the places you have always wanted to go. Examples: The Grand Canyon and other national parks, an Alaskan cruise, or a European tour.
Teach and/or study.
With the wealth of knowledge and wisdom gained over your lifetime thus far, teach others, including at the library and as a tutor. Also, why stop learning? Take a course to master a foreign language, grasp computer skills, and learn new hobbies. A community center is a great way to stay connected to the public by attending free seminars and classes.
Dance or play sports.
Dance is a great way to stay in physical shape and to augment a healthier brain. Join a sports league to for bowling, tennis, pickle ball, softball or soccer. Or participate in leisure sports and activities such as fishing, hiking, running, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, surfing and scuba diving. The emphasis isn’t so much on the activcity, but rather that you remain active and enjoy its participation.
Read and write.
Along with keeping physically active, continuously stimulating the brain has shown to improve cognition and memory. So get a library card and read the bounty of books. You can also write your own. You never know, you could become a best-selling author. And if online is your thing, free blogging platforms allow writing and sharing thoughts with others.
Get spiritual.
Spiritual wellness can bring a sense of meaning, comfort, and purpose, all aspects seniors may feel disconnected from following retirement. Activities that promote spirituality include meditation, yoga, church, and simply getting out in nature.
Get artsy.
Art is a way to stimulate the brain, promote self-expression, and enhance creativity. Get artsy through drawing, painting, sculpting, scrapbooking, woodworking, and other favorite forms of crafting.
Gardening and cooking.
Gardening increases movement in the day. Moreover, being out in nature for even a five minutes has shown to instantaneously boost emotions and feelings of solidarity. Or, dust off the recipe book and prepare those more time-intensive (but oh-so-worth-it) recipes. Have your kids and grandkids join you in the kitchen, along with gifting them with recipe copies to carry on for generations to come.
