Fun ideas to get the most out of your retirement lifestyle
Whether it’s making new friends, keeping in touch with old ones, or just spending time with a group of like-minded people, there are many engaging and enjoyable ways to stay connected in retirement.
And in retirement it's so important. Feeling isolated or lonely over an extended period can erode your self-confidence and sense of worth, or even lead to depression and anxiety.
That’s why (once you’ve relaxed into your retirement lifestyle!) you should look to stay active and engaged, while connecting to your local community.
Here are a few of the ideas we’ve put together, based on what our Kensington Gardens resident have shared with us.
1) Connect with your local community
Wherever you decide to retire to, chances are there’ll be many opportunities to connect in your local community.
For example, you’ll find yourself welcome at seniors clubs, your nearest community centre, the University of the Third Age (U3A), and even the local library.
And of course, if you live in a retirement estate such as Kensington Gardens, you’ll never be short of things to do. From social outings and sports activities to craft groups and exercise get-togethers, retirement estates offer many interesting ways to connect.
2) Try travelling with a group
If you’ve always travelled by yourself (or not at all) up until now, retirement is your chance to join a group tour and make some connections while you explore. Many travel companies specialise in group tours for seniors – so why not choose a destination that takes your fancy and be prepared for a memorable experience while you make lifelong friends?
3) Pursue a long-held passion
If you’d like to expand your friendship base while exploring the activities you’re passionate about, there’s nothing like joining a local club. From book clubs to photography groups, dance clubs, film societies and fishing clubs, you’ll find many opportunities to meet with folk who share a common interest with you.
4) Volunteer your time and skills
You won’t have to look too far to find a charity organisation in need of volunteers. Whether it’s the local tourist information centre, a charity shop, or Meals on Wheels, you’re sure to be welcomed with open arms.
You can also try approaching a volunteer organisation in your local community to let them know your skills and experience. They’ll be able to match you with charities in need of what you can bring to the table.
5) Get your body moving!
As we’ve spoken about before, in retirement it’s very important to keep your body moving to stay active and healthy. And of course, it’s the ideal chance to meet like-minded people doing the same thing.
Whether you enjoy lawn bowls, a gentle round of golf, aquarobics, tennis or croquet, make sure you get out and get moving. Not only will your health improve, chances are your social connections will too.
6) Learn something new
Picking up a new skill or taking a class are great ways to create new connections once you’ve retired. And there’s so much opportunity – wherever you choose to live, you’ll most likely find someone close by running a class in what you want to learn; or what you never thought possible!
Either way, learning something new is your chance to build social connections with like-minded people.
7) Help someone else to connect
We have just one final thought to leave you with. Always remember, you don’t have to sit at home and wait to connect with someone!
Instead, why not look for someone else who may be feeling lonely and reach out to them? Whether that’s reading to elderly people in a nursing home, taking time to talk to someone with a disability, or simply saying g’day to the neighbours.
If you’re living in a retirement estate, you’ll always have plenty of opportunities to connect. Try hosting a cards or games night, coming up with a themed party, or just invite people to “bring a plate”. With the right attitude, you’ll never be short of company!
You'll find connecting easier when you live in a retirement estate
With so many facilities available to our residents (such as our community vegie garden and workshop), as well as an active and welcoming social scene, Kensington Gardens Albury and Shepparton offer you a myriad of ways to stay connected once you’re retired.
We invite you to come and see our estates for yourself. To arrange your personal tour, call Kensington Gardens today or get in touch online to book a time to come in and visit us.
