How to keep active during retirement
You’ve done the hard part: spent a lifetime getting out of bed and going to work, taken care of your family, and saved up for a nice, long retirement. But what exactly do you do to fill all your hard earned free time? Boredom and depression are some common reactions people have to retirement, where there seems to be so much time and so little to do. Fight off restlessness by focusing on recreational activities or volunteer work to keep busy.
You have all the time in the World – write Your Journal
This could be in the form of letters to your living relatives, or journal entries every day. Recording your past experiences and adventures will allow you to share these moments with loved ones and relay life lessons to others.
- Start by recording your memories in a journal or writing letters to a specific family member, such as your children or grandchildren. Try to write a little every day to get into the habit of writing down your thoughts and memories.
- You could also take a memoir writing class at your local college or university. Many university-level classes are free or discounted for seniors.
- Do what I did, enroll in a University course for three years a get a degree course. You might surprise yourself.
Catch up on all those books you promised yourself to read
Maybe you have an ongoing list of books you’ve been keeping all these years for when you have the time to delve into them. Head to your local library and work your way through a book list, whether it’s a personal one you have been keeping, or a comprehensive book list of Western classics the top thrillers and mysteries non-fiction must-reads , or great sci-fi books.
- You can also choose a specific genre or topic that you are interested in and focus on reading as much about a topic as possible. For example, World War II historical fiction, or woodworking.
- Ordering books online is easier than ever now on Amazon or Indigo. Simply googling the title or author of the book, look for it online, and order it for fast and cheap shipping straight to your door.
- Books on tape, or audio books, are also a good option if you prefer resting your eyes and listening to a good book read by a professional actor or voice artist.
Learn a new language.
I did a degree in German Language and German Literature. Get those your brain cells moving by learning a new language, it will keep your mental facilities sharp and clear. Try a computer-based language program like Rosetta Stone or Duolingo. There are also over 48 languages, from Spanish to French to Chinese, that you can learn online for free through courses you can download and complete at your own pace.
If you are looking for a reason to get out of the house, sign up for a language class where you do in person activities and practice sessions to improve your conversation skills. It builds your confidence to speak another language when you visiting abroad.
Be Physically Active
My wife and I have joined a gym and its the best decision we made. Staying active is another important way to stay busy during retirement. A physical activity like tennis, golfing, swimming, or jogging, done once a week, can keep you healthy and grounded. If you’re looking to meet other people or socialize, go for team activities or sports. I don’t see myself as a senior member just a very active and energetic one.
- Look for master classes set up for older or senior participants. Sign up for a specific class to allow you to meet other people and socialize.
- You can also sign up for lessons or classes to improve your serve or your breaststroke. These classes will also help you meet other people who may be interested in the same hobbies or activities as you.
Join a club – Meet up Groups World Wide
Did you know there are worldwide meet up groups that will suit your needs, start meeting up with a group near you?
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Take a Cruise with your Partner
Want to meet friends and see exotic places at the same time take a cruise – consult your travel agent for various destinations
and you get senior special deals.
Early Retirement does not mean an Early Death
According to the latest research on retired men, it was suggested that those retiring from work younger are more likely to die earlier than those staying in jobs. Most men continue working until retirement age and find they cant cope being at home doing nothing.
Earn While You Learn
I retired at the age of sixty and have been looking at different ways to earn passive income. Internet marketing intrigued me but I was reluctant to dip my toe into the water, for fear of being scammed.
I took the challenge anyway and have not looked back since. I became a member of Wealthy Affiliate and I am so proud of myself that I designed Flourishing Dads.
I needed this ongoing project in my life to let the world know that Dads have a major role to play in their children’s lives. Wealthy Affiliate has given me the confidence and competence to understand how internet marketing works.
I forgot to mention I was a stay at home dad many years ago and promised myself that I would start my own online business one day. Here I am, today! blissfully writing my weekly blogs, recommending readers to tap into their own earning potential by joining Wealthy Affiliate. I earn a commission each time I recommend a potential member.
Conclusion
Retiring does not mean the end of life – it’s the beginning of a new and exciting journey. Retirement comes with wonderful benefits FREEDOM! to do whatever You want to DO NOW!
Hi!
I never heard of that saying and generally feel that those that have no job still act as if they have a job or worse. My father went early retirement and is now busier than ever. One should perhaps also be careful with being too busy at a higher age.
The ones that do nothing at home anymore after early retirement. Do they die quicker because of staying too close to their partner or kids? Haha I am joking.
Learning about affiliate marketing or generally how to start an online business is helpful for anyone that wants to stop with working a regular job. Wealthy Affiliate is absolutely the best place for this. I am active there too and got some sites running already.
Steven
Your points are very valid. It’s not the end of the world when you retire young.I see it as a new cycle with endless opportunities to start a new one.
Thanks for th in put
Richard
Interesting article about early retirement and I believe it is true that one has to do something when they are retired. Whether if it is doing sports that you have wanted to do or going to places, it is very healthy and keeps your mind pre-occupied. The other important thing is a lot of free time to do what you are passionate about and making passive income. One has to be stress free and financially free in order to enjoy a long life.
Thanks for the feedback. Retirement does mean the end of living – Its the begining of a new cycle
Hallo there,
My dad retired a year ago and things have not been going so well for him. He said he would figure himself out six months after the retirement but until now he’s still at home.
I think the idea of learning a new language is great. He could use the mental benefits it brings. I will be sure to recommend him the two websites. Thanks a lot.
Glad you found this website helpful for your Dad. Senior members of society can live fruitful and happy lives
I can see how this can end up being an issue in retirement. I am nowhere close to retiring bu there are times when I have a long weekend where I go stir crazy.
I can see the value in starting a nice little home business online though. It’s something that will keep you busy, add an additional income source and something that is by no means physically demanding.
I hope and look forward to the day when I can quit my day job and work form home full time and with Wealthy Affiliate this will happen sooner rather then later.
Thanks for your input – Its everyone’s dream to retire young and financially settled
These are all great suggestions of things people can do when they retire.
I think the main thing is to find a hobby your really passionate about, and also exercise at least 30 minutes every day to stay healthy.
Other than that just relax, enjoy life, and spend time with your loved ones.
I agree its finding something that will keep you interested and keep those brain cells moving
Richard,
This is great information. My dad retired about 6 years ago and he really does manage to keep himself busy. I think that it helps to have a hobby before you retire. My dad really loves to play golf and he has been on the course practically every day.
I really like your suggestion to learn in retirement and to try to make money off of it. Even if you have a great retirement fund, it certainly would be helpful to have some stream of steady income from something that you enjoy.
This post definitely makes me wonder about the effect of our culture on our attitudes towards work and retirement. Perhaps it is because I am quite young, but it seems like it should be a joy to get out of the office and choose what you want to do with your time.
A survey has been done that most men die five years after they retire – because they feel useless and get under their partners feet. There is life after work and learning a new set of skills gives one a news lease of life