Are you ready to retire but unsure what to do with all the extra free time? You’re not alone. Here are seven great ways to spend your time in retirement from a list compiled by GreatSeniorLiving.com. They will inspire both those thinking about retirement and those already in retirement.
1. Start a Small Business
Now that you aren’t focused on making a living, you can focus on selling any product or service you like. Many retirees use their experience to become consultants or freelance employees. You could also consider starting a small business:
- Selling crafts through an Etsy shop
- Offering homemade goods at a farmers market
- Babysitting for a family
- Walking dogs or pet sitting
2. Attend Summer Camp
Specialized camps for retirees are a growing trend. They offer opportunities like canoeing, ziplining, archery, river rafting, ropes courses, and campfires. Most camps provide comfortable accommodations like air conditioning and private bathrooms. GreatSeniorLiving.com mentions a few to try: Camp Chief Ouray, Horses and Canoes Summer Camp in the Ozarks, and Camp Isabella Freedman.
3. Explore Your Family Tree
Dig into your roots. This could involve sorting through old family photos or amassing a collection of stories that have been passed down through the generations. Several online websites can help you track down the details of your family tree. Many require a paid subscription. GreatSeniorLiving.com says prices range from $80 to $200 a year.
4. Get Involved in Politics
Indulge your inner activist by getting involved in politics. There’s no better time than retirement to take a greater interest in issues that impact your city, county, or state. You can become a poll worker, campaign volunteer, organize rallies, attend town hall meetings, or even run for local office.
5. Improve Your Home
You finally have time for those house projects you’ve dreamed of completing. Make your home more beautiful, convenient, or safe. Convert a child’s bedroom to an office or exercise space: update cabinets, floors, or décor. Add a fresh coat of paint or try wallpaper. You can spruce up the exterior of your home by updating shutters, adding a window box, or installing new light fixtures.
6. Write
With more time to think and reflect, you might realize that you have special stories or know-how to share. Now may be the time to write a memoir, cookbook, or how-to guide. You could start a blog dedicated to your retirement experience. Or write down family history or special memories for your kids or grandkids.
7. Relax
There’s no shame in taking some time to relax in retirement. Not every moment needs to be packed with activities. Everyone needs downtime. Don’t feel guilty about a bit of TV or taking a nap. You’ve earned it!
A lifestyle plan is a compass by which we determine the direction of the rest of the aspects of your comprehensive retirement plan. To make the right decisions about your income, health care, taxes, investments, and legacy, you’ll need to spell out how you want to spend your time in retirement and what means the most to you. You can talk to a retirement planner about how to get started by scheduling a complimentary 15 Minute Retirement Check-Up Call. Click here to schedule your call today!
Sources: GreatSeniorLiving.com