When you retire, you have a lot of time on your hands. And your retirement years are cold golden years for a reason!
It’s time for you to live a little! Here are the fun things to do in retirement to try out and choose what works best for you.
Advice for Having Fun in Retirement
#1 Make a Bucket List
A bucket list is a list of all things you wanted to do in life. Since now you’ll have a lot of time to do whatever you’ve always wanted, why not make a retirement bucket list? Think about the things you’ve always wanted to try or do. Jot down some realistic options but also include the wild ones like traveling to the Maldives or something else a little bit out of the reach.
#2 Rekindle Relationships With Your Family
When you were working you were always busy and didn’t have enough time to spend with your immediate family much less visit other relatives. Well, now you’ve got the time! So, focus more on your grandchildren and children but also visit some of the relatives you grew up with. Reminiscing the old days will feel so good.
#3 Become a Mentor or Coach
As a retiree, you’ve got lots of experience and lots to share with the younger generations. Depending on your former profession, you could consider becoming a mentor to young professionals in your field or a coach. Or you can become a life coach of sorts and share your wisdom and experience with the youngsters. It will be fun for you and you might learn something new, too!
#4 Get Involved in Your Community
Giving back is so rewarding! So, go out and see in what ways you can get involved in your community. Maybe you can organize amazing potluck lunches or dinners for your community to bond or babysit for young families? Everything is so much better and easier when a community is close-knit and if yours is not, why not make it?
#5 Volunteer or become an activist
Have you always had a cause you were passionate about? Well, now you can do something about it and become an advocate or activist! It will give you a sense of purpose and it’s also a great way for you to meet like-minded people. You can also volunteer at your local kitchen soup or another charity organization.
#6 Take up Photography
Have you always been the photographer at your family events? Well, now you have a chance to develop your talent or become one! There are plenty of YouTube videos on photography, cameras, and tips and tricks that will help you hone your skills and make little works of art. Make great shots of the nature around you or save precious family moments – you’ll love it!
#7 Take Cooking Classes
If you can’t cook, now’s your chance to learn! Cooking can save you a lot of money and you’ll be eating healthier food that way which will be good for you at this stage. Besides, you can learn to make all kinds of national cuisines and impress your family, friends, and neighbors on potluck lunches! Try it out and see how it goes!
#8 Get To Know Your City
We never get to fully experience our hometown or the city we live in properly. So, go on those tourist tours of your place and get to know it. You can also read up on your place’s history! Or simply google stuff around you and discover new events, places, and great restaurants. It will be interesting and it will help you better connect with the place you live in and meet new people.
#9 Go on Road Trips
Don’t stop at meeting your town – explore the interesting places and sights around you! Learn about historic or other cool sights in your vicinity and plan short road trips with your spouse or friends! Traveling is so much fun and always a learning experience, even if you are just visiting the neighboring town.
#10 Travel
If you get a chance, you can also visit some other places in our country. Experience New York, the Grand Canyon, Los Angeles, Texas, Seattle, Chicago, or whatever place you’re interested in. National parks are amazing! If it’s within your means, you can also travel abroad and visit Europe! If it’s not, just put a country you’ve always wanted to visit on your bucket list. You never know!
#11 Enjoy your retirement!
You’ve deserved this free time you’ve got and make sure you use it to the fullest! There’s so much to see, learn, and experience so seize all the opportunities life has in store for you. And be proactive about it and make opportunities for yourself. Have fun in your retirement – that’s officially your job now!
