21 entertaining ideas to spice up your retirement lifestyle!
If your retirement years are suddenly just around the corner – or even if they’re already here – it’s understandable if you’re wondering how you’ll spend all your extra free time.
You’ll have heard some people insist that they’ve never been so busy since they retired. For others, it’s about having a big long “holiday” first up before you move on to whatever’s next.
From getting active to starting a new hobby, travelling more, or catching up with friends and family, your retirement really should be the best years of your life – and making plans for what appeals to you is half the fun!
To help you with planning your perfect retirement lifestyle, we’ve put together these 21 ideas to get you thinking. Some are easy and relaxing, others a little more challenging, and some are downright thrilling!
Boredom busters around the home
1) Downsize your “stuff”
Retirement is a great time to clear out the clutter you’ve accumulated over the years, so that your family won’t have to eventually. And it’s not just for them – you’ll have more room, feel much lighter, and have less stuff to clean.
2) Develop your computer skills
Being able to confidently navigate the internet will open up a whole new world in retirement. Learn how to search on Google, send an email, stay connected through Facebook, or even book a holiday online. You can always ask a friend or family member to help you, or check your local library or retirement village for classes.
3) Make a new friend – or rescue one!
If your retirement village allows pets, think about welcoming a little companion to share your life. It’s fun to do your research and find the right temperament to fit your lifestyle.
4) Plant a herb garden or veggie patch
This idea will not only help you save money – fresh food is so much better for you! And if your space is limited, you can always try planting in pots.
Boredom busters in your community
5) Keep fit and healthy
In retirement there are plenty of enjoyable and social ways to get into shape. Retirement villages offer a range of facilities and activities, from pools and gyms to walking tracks and croquet courts. You’ll probably find sporting clubs and fitness groups in the local area – even walking with friends will help keep you fit and healthy.
6) Offer your time as a volunteer
Volunteering is a brilliant way to meet new people and really do some good in your community. Choose a charity, service club or group whose work you believe in and ask them how you can help. You can always check the Volunteering Australia website to get more ideas.
7) Mentor, tutor, or teach young people
You might be surprised how much you’ve learned over the years – useful knowledge that you can pass on to the younger generation.
Used your school-based skills to help students, or perhaps offer to mentor young executives in your line of business. You could also pass on home-based skills such as how to change the oil in a car, cook a basic meal, sew a button on a shirt, or keep a pot plant alive!
8) Begin a hobby or pick up a new skill
From brewing to belly dancing, painting to pottery, singing to stamp collecting, you’ll find a wide range of interests that you can pursue in your local community.
Boredom busters with your family
9) Arrange a family reunion
If it’s been a while since you’ve caught up with your wider family, don’t wait for “someone else” to organise a get-together – do it yourself! Your retirement years are an excellent opportunity to connect (or re-connect) with long-lost loved ones.
10) Offer to look after your grandkids
You might be lucky enough to see your grandchildren regularly; but if not, take some time out from travelling and socialising to focus just on them. It’s an opportunity that might not be around forever – before you know it, the grandkids have grown up and will be too busy to spend time with grandma and grandad.
11) Head off on a camping trip
If you haven’t stayed in the great outdoors for a while (or ever!), why not invite yourself on the next family camping weekend – or plan one yourself? It’s not just the social aspect – being out and about in nature will help your mental and general health too.
12) Trace your ancestry or write a family memoir
You’ll be amazed what you can uncover when you dive into your family’s past! Ask some family members to get involved and make it a pleasant experience for everyone.
Boredom busters from further afield
13) Plan holidays to your top five destinations
With a bit more time on your hands in retirement, it’s a great time to get started on all your bucket list destinations! You could start planning your own trip, or form a holiday club with friends. You can save more money and have loads of fun when you travel in a group.
14) Unlock your inner explorer!
If you’ve moved to a new area now you’ve retired, why not organise a day trip or take an overnight trip? You could be astounded at just how much there is to see and do right on your doorstep.
15) Offer to housesit for a friend
Looking after a close acquaintance’s house, garden or pets while they’re on holidays is a great way for you to have a change of scenery and explore new areas. Oh – and it won’t cost you a cent!
16) Take a retreat
What’s your poison? Whether you like to spend time doing yoga, cooking, playing music, fishing, looking after your health, or gardening, you’ll find a retreat to suit you. What’s more, they’re always held in incredible settings. Whichever activity grabs you, get set for a little ‘you time’ away from the housework... or even your spouse!
Boredom busters that will stretch you!
17) Learn a new skill that will really extend you
Now’s the time to learn a second language... or salsa dancing... or that musical instrument that’s always appealed to you! Choose a teacher you like who’s patient with you – and don’t be too hard on yourself if it takes a while to get the hang of it. Learning is always good for your brain and your soul... and who knows, you might just have a hidden genius for it!
18) Hang out with “the young ones”
Why not ask your “20 something” grandkids if you can hang out with them one Saturday night? It will definitely be something different for them, and perhaps an eye opener for you – even if you only do it once!
19) Take up some formal studies
Many retirees are returning to university to study, either to continue on from where they left off decades ago, or perhaps to set off on a completely new path. You’re never too old to get a degree!
20) Do something truly adventurous
Want to really know you’re alive? Book in for a hot air balloon trip, swim with the sharks, or take a tandem skydive. Whatever adventure gets your heart pumping... just as long as your doctor approves!
Find out why you’ll never be bored living at Kensington Gardens
You’ll find retirement is be so much more enjoyable when you’re living in a community of people at the same age and stage as you. Our Kensington Gardens residents love spending time developing meaningful friendships, celebrating milestones and creating wonderful memories together.
You’re welcome to come for a visit and see for yourself whether our retirement communities are a good fit for you.
To see Kensington Gardens for yourself, arrange your personal tour by calling us today or get in touch online to book a time to come in and visit us.
