on January 8, 2019
After working for several decades, it’s nearly impossible to completely put on the brakes. If you’re used to staying active, working on projects, and keeping both your brain and your body busy, it will feel odd and unsatisfying to sit in an easy chair all day and do nothing. As it should! As humans, we’re meant to stay active and engaged. In fact, author and researcher, Wes Moss, found that the “happiest retirees engage in three to four activities regularly; the least happy, only one or two.”
Though staying active is clearly beneficial, it also matters how you stay active. It has been found that retirees find the most enjoyment from social activities like restaurant outings or golf—things that they don’t do in isolation. Volunteering or doing meaningful work is also one of the better ways to stay active. According to Janet Taylor, a psychiatrist and certified life coach, “When people, especially couples, have a sense of purpose and have activities that support their values [they are happy]. That includes volunteering, giving back to the community and living in a way that reinforces their sense of purpose and value.”
What are some of the ways to stay active? Here are eight ideas…
Join a book club
It’s more fun to read when you have someone to discuss how much you loved (or despised!) the book you just read. Start a book club with friends or join one through Meetup.com. You could even theme the snacks and beverages of each meeting to reflect that month’s book.
Plan group trips
Whether brief weekend escapes or longer getaways, it’s fun to travel with a group. Just be sure to test out a few shorter trips before agreeing to fly across the world together. You may discover that your traveling styles are not compatible.
Hunt for treasures
Seek out antique or thrift stores and have fun perusing the selection. This activity could be done solo, but it’s more fun with friends.
Take to the outdoors
Plan a hiking trip with friends. Add a picnic lunch to the itinerary to make the day more fun and manageable.
Volunteer
Volunteers are sorely needed in spaces such as hospitals, after-school programs, or environmental organizations. What causes do you care about? Now is your chance to devote as much time and energy as you’d like to them. Not only will your volunteer work keep you busy, you’ll also be making a positive difference in the world–and that’s the kind of legacy most people want to leave.
Learn a new skill
Try out a cooking class, take a course in making stained glass, or try woodworking. Learning a new hobby is a fun way to pass the time and keep your brain sharp and engaged.
Start a garden
Find pleasure in growing your own food, herbs, or flowers.
Work part-time
Though it may sound counterintuitive, working part-time can be a welcomed (even fun!) distraction IF it’s a job you enjoy. Plus, you’ll be earning a few extra dollars, which could never hurt. Just make sure you don’t work too many hours (you are retired, after all) and the job isn’t stressful in any way. Some possible part-time occupations could involve leading tours at a historical site or conservatory, working at a park or rec center, helping to run a farmer’s market, or writing a column for a neighborhood newspaper.
Whatever you choose to do in retirement, make sure it suits you and your interests. My sincere wish for you is that you will find joy and satisfaction in anything you set out to do. If you’d like to talk over your plans, I’m here to help.