One of the major perks of retirement is that you’re free to devote as much time as you want to your interests and hobbies; remember the ones you didn’t have enough time for when you were working?
One of the challenges is that not everything you’ve enjoyed doing in your free time while you were working will be good for you full-time in retirement.
Too much of the same thing might get boring (Golf! Trust me on this).
Too much time alone on the sofa could be bad for your health regardless of how much you want to watch ‘The Crown’ again.
And, after you’ve scheduled a few tee times and lunches, seeing all that remaining blank space on your weekly calendar might feel overwhelming.
As we often say to clients, you still get the same amount to spend in retirement; 168 hours a week.
A new retirement hobby should get you moving while also giving you opportunities to connect with other people and give you purpose. If you’re not sure where to start, here are six suggestions that could improve your Return on Life.
Pickleball
Tennis is fantastic exercise that works your whole body, improves eye-hand coordination, and builds teamwork and camaraderie. It’s also rough on your joints and can be increasingly difficult to enjoy as you age.
With a smaller court and a more forgiving ball, pickleball has all the fun, challenge, and social interaction of tennis with a lot less wear-and-tear.
It’s also exploding in popularity, especially among the over 50’s. If you’ve never picked up a racket before, consider grabbing a paddle instead.
Cooking
Meals were a scheduled part of your work routine. Without that structure, retirees who spend most of their time at home can fall into some unhealthy eating habits, like perpetual grazing in the kitchen.
So, make mealtime special again! Start by upgrading your shopping routine.
Even if you have a pretty strict grocery budget, you probably have the means to buy some fresh fruit, vegetables, and protein from your local farmer and shops.
Dust off those cookbooks you never had time to use and make healthier, more filling, and more enjoyable meals three times a day.
You’ll cut down on your snacking while learning a few new kitchen tricks. Jools and I enrolled on a Plant based cookery course at Isle of Man College last Autumn and learnt a thing or two (mainly how to work together in a kitchen!).
Gardening
Why not turn that patch of weeds you’re sick of staring at into a garden?
According to Monty Don’s podcast, gardening has numerous health benefits, including increased exposure to vitamin D, lowered risk of dementia, and aerobic exercise.
Gardening can also be a great social activity, whether you’re planting and pruning with your spouse or pitching in at a community garden.
We joined the Manx Plant and Garden Conservation Society and with their arrangement had a hour or 2 being shown around Milntown Gardens by Head Gardener Adam Quayle.
Reading
Your brain needs a workout too! When was the last time you went down to your local library?
In addition to all the physical media at your disposal, your librarian can also help you get connected with digital resources for accessing a wider variety of books, newspapers, magazines.
A book club could help you cross some titles off your reading list while meeting new people.
Dancing
Running, walking, cycling, and hitting the gym don’t appeal to everyone.
If you don’t enjoy sports and you’re struggling to find a workout routine that sticks, take a twirl on the dance floor.
Many studies have found that dancing is good for your heart, your posture, your bones, and your mental health.
Dancing can also be a great couples’ activity that brings spouses closer together while expanding their horizons.
Volunteering
All the life and professional skills that you’ve accumulated are no less valuable in retirement.
Whether you’re mentoring the next generation of professionals in your field or helping kids master the Three Rs, you have a lot to give back.
Signing up for shifts at schools, charities, and other community organisations can give your weeks more structure and more meaning. Or, if you’re feeling entrepreneurial, start your own consulting firm and make giving back your new part-time job.
Have you given much thought to what your Ideal Week in Retirement should look like? Make an appointment with one of our Chartered Financial Planners and maybe we can help you have a great Retiremeant (spelling intended!).
