What to Do in Retirement

Additional Lifestyle Articles

One of the hardest things to move towards once we begin to age is finding a new hobby or following a new passion. An important part of remaining healthy both mentally and physically is finding something you are passionate about.

After decades in the workforce, retirees finally get complete control over how they spend their time. There are many terrific things you can do with your time and energy in retirement.

You earned your retirement - now make it last. If you have a fixed income each month from a pension, make sure you create and stick to a budget to stay within your limits. If you are spending down your nest egg, be sure to research your appropriate withdrawal rate and the tax rules that might apply.

Travel the World
Now that you don't have to worry about the limits of vacation time, take extended vacations. Live in a foreign country for a while or take a long cruise.

Buy a Motor Home
Buy a new or used motor home and take your bed and kitchen with you on your travels. Make it a goal to visit each national park or every major league baseball stadium.

Remodel Your Home
Use your time to make home improvements. It could be something as simple as organizing the stuff in your house or a big project like adding on additional space. You've got the time now, so learn to make the changes yourself.

Move to the Country
Are you tired of the traffic, noise and expense of the city? Move out to the country. Since you don't need a job anymore, you can live where you want. Use your new space to start a garden, orchard or raise animals.

Move to the City
Do you want all of life's necessities within a few city blocks? Move to the city. Downsize your house and become an active member of the metropolis, where you'll get to experience the best of art and culture.

Start a Business
Now that your career is over, start that business you've always wanted. Consider using your career experience to start a consulting firm, or take your existing part-time business and expand it into a full-time enterprise.

Learn to Dance
Dance can be learnt at any age, by anyone. It's a myth that you have to learn to dance as a child. It's a myth that dance classes are full of people who can already dance.

Work Part-Time
Do you still want a place to go everyday? Find a fun part-time job with a company you love. Having this job will not only bring in a little extra income, but it will give you a place to socialize each day. If you still need insurance, perhaps you can find a part-time job with benefits.

House Sitting
This is a service where a homeowner entrusts their property, possessions and in 98% of cases, their pets, to one or more "house sitters" for a specified period of time. Usually to cover vacations or longer travel trips.

By mutual agreement the sitters get to live with no accommodation charges in exchange for carrying out house sitting duties. This usually includes taking care of pets, look after the home and keeping it clean and tidy, organizing occasional maintenance in the event of something going wrong, and generally making sure that everything runs smoothly, just as if the owner was at home.

Teach
Use your hard-earned wisdom and experience to teach others. Start a free course at your local library or community center. You could even possibly teach at a local community college or university.

Volunteer
Use your time in retirement to give back. Contact your local church or other charitable organization to find volunteer opportunities that suit your skills. Don't forget to consider overseas opportunities as well.

Go Into Public Service
Serve your community by participating in the political process. Become a local representative or school board member.

Spend Time With Friends
Get to know some of the other retirees in your area. Make plans daily or weekly to just hang out.

Visit Family
Spend more time visiting with family members, near and far. Explore your roots and find relatives you never knew you had.

Babysit
Use your free time to help your family or local families in need of a babysitting service. This could even be a way to bring in a little extra cash if needed.

Be a Mentor
Find a young person to mentor. Many young people would love the chance to learn from the experienced and successful. Take time out of your week to change the life of someone else.

Foster Pets
Pet fostering provides temporary care to shelter animals who need to live in a home environment prior to adoption. People who need care for their pets due to emergency or disaster rely on pet fosters while they re-establish their lives. Deploying military personnel may need temporary yet long-term pet care if they do not have reliable family or friends who can commit to their pet's care during long deployments. Pets and Older Adults

Go Back to School
Finish your diploma or get a graduate degree. You could even take classes just for fun to learn a subject of interest. Many colleges offer discounts to retirees above certain ages.

Catch-up On Reading
Spend your days reading all of the books you never had time for. Aim to read all the classics or join a book club and add a social element to your passion.

Write a Book
Writing a book takes time. Now you have plenty of it. Write a novel, a cookbook, a how-to guide or even your memoirs.

Start a Blog
Learn to blog and start sharing your retirement experience online. You could also start a blog sharing your knowledge from your past career or a hobby you have.

Learn a New Language
If you have plans for foreign travel in retirement, take the time to learn the language. It will serve you well on your extended vacations, and it will keep your mind sharp.

Learn to Play Music
Take lessons and learn to play the piano, guitar or your favorite instrument. You'll impress your family at the next get-together with your new musical talent.

But most important,  keep a healthy mind by getting exercise. Although we are not able to lift heavy weights or run long distances there are several exercises and low impact sports that will keep you on your feet without running the risk of hurting yourself.