Retirement is what you make it. If you’re sitting and wondering what to do when retired and bored, it may be a relief to know that there are plenty of options out there. See our resources below to learn about what to do in retirement.
What Are Some of the Very First Things You Should Do When You Retire?
The important thing to remember is that it’s common for people, within the first few days and weeks of retirement, to feel lost. When you’ve been working for decades and then suddenly stop that routine, it’s jarring. But the great thing about retirement is you can finally do all those things you’ve wanted to do that you didn’t have time for previously. Here are some of our ideas for what to do when you are first retired:
Move Somewhere New: Have you ever wanted to live in the country? Or in the big city? Perhaps you stayed in a certain area because of your job but now that those constraints are gone, you can move wherever you like! Now is the time to decide where you would like to spend retirement.
Travel the World: One of the top things people hope to do when they retire is travel the world. Odds are, there is probably somewhere that you’ve always wanted to visit. Well, now is the time to do it!
Get a Rewarding Part-Time Job: If you miss the routine of working, you can always get a fun part-time job. Perhaps you could do something like be a greeter at a store or work at a museum.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust to a Fixed Income: Another big adjustment to retirement is living on a fixed income. It’s important that you give yourself time to adjust to this and figure out how to best live within these means.
Exercise More: Everyone wishes they could exercise more often. And now you have the time to do it. You can either find classes or try doing your own workout program at home. Either way, getting into an exercise routine early in your retirement is highly recommended.
Educational & Rewarding Hobbies for Retired People
Retirement can be a great opportunity to enrich yourself and expand your mind. Below are some of the best educational hobbies to explore in retirement.
Be a Mentor: Want to impart your wisdom to others? There are many mentor programs out there that are always looking for people willing to help.
Take Classes: There are plenty of free (or inexpensive) classes available for you to learn a new skill or explore a topic in further detail.
Read: Just like with exercise, everyone wishes they could read more. Perhaps there are books you always wished you could read. Or you could just do a search online for the best novels of the past 25 years and start there. Either way, reading is a fun and rewarding hobby that will also help keep you mentally fit.
Learn a Second Language: Even if you don’t travel the world in retirement, learning a second language is a popular hobby among retirees and can even help stave off mental decline.
Volunteer: Perhaps you’re not ready for a part-time job just yet. Volunteering can be a rewarding hobby, as well. Find a cause/non-profit that means a lot to you and see if they accept volunteers.
Active Hobbies for Retired People
Want to stay physically active during retirement? Here’s a few ideas of what to do when you’re retired and bored:
Babysit: Spend more time with your grandchildren and give your children a break from the kids by babysitting!
Pick Up Tennis, Softball (or Any Sport You Want!): What sport would you like to take up, or what sport do you wish you had more time to dedicate to before retirement? Whether you take up a new sport or want to get back in to a sport you love, retirement gives you that opportunity.
Start a Blog/Write a Book: Have you always wanted to write? Maybe you dreamed of writing the great American novel? Or you just want to put down your thoughts into an online journal.
Conclusion
Retirement allows older people to relax and enjoy some free time after several years of working. Above are some tips you may find helpful in living a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement.
