Retirement is not a subject I know a lot about (yet!), but this guest post* covers some wonderful ideas for things to do in your golden years.
For people that have been working all their life and now face retirement it can be a difficult adjustment. Going from a regimented work schedule and doing it for decades and then going right into having an abundance of free time can prove to be a rough transition. You can only vacation so much, and though many cash in on an RV or take cruise trips, there’s only so long before it get’s tiring and of course costly.
What you need to do is find something that will fill your time. Replace your work schedule with a few fun activities that are budgeted into your overall spending. You can do so by using online resources like RetirementCalculator.comto have fun while within your limits. It’s important to live as well as you can and find ways through the week that will not only give you something to do but teach you a thing or two in the process.
photo credit: garryknight
5 Budget Friendly Activities for Retirees
- Cooking class: Consider taking a cooking class with your spouse, or even by yourself. There are tons of cooking classes that are for singles and pairs. Whether it’s for casual training or expanding your culinary knowledge, cooking classes is a great way to get out of the house, stay social, or just brush up on the basics. There are different level courses for anyone of any background. Whether you’re a novice or an expert in the kitchen, you’ll be able to learn from many different techniques and regional styles of cooking to add a little spice in your kitchen and broaden your current abilities.
- Become an oenophile: In much the same vein, you can become a wine connoisseur and learn all about the wine making process and food pairings. There are wine classes that you can take where an instructor will take you through a whole list of different kinds of grapes and wines. You’ll learn about pairing wines with foods. You can take the knowledge you’ve gained from you cooking class and apply it to you ever-expanding knowledge about wines. This is truly one of those ways that you can enrich your life with fine dining and fine wines. For those more industrious individuals, you can start making your own wine at home with your own labels.
- Take up a new hobby or sport: Maybe you’ve always wanted to try golf, paint landscapes, or learn to ballroom dance. There’s no age restriction on learning new things, so take time to try a sampling of classes. Many areas offer free or low cost classes for seniors. Make a commitment to try one new thing every month for 6 months, and you’re sure to find some new skill or passion you never knew you had.
- Go back to school: Colleges and universities (particularly state schools) often offer free or low cost entrance to school for seniors. Whether you want to audit a course on plant biology, learn website design, or finish your degree there are some wonderful options available.
- Volunteer: For those who don’t like the idea of taking classes, some prefer the added pride that comes with helping others out. There are always worthwhile programs in every city that are excited at the opportunity to have seniors or retired individuals donate their time and highly valued experience and mentor a child. This has been a popular trend in recent years and all you need to do is search on the Internet for a local organization that helps children in need. It can be anything from helping children with their homework to coaching a local basketball game for youths.
photo credit: Shiny Things
Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you have to do nothing. The key is to expand on things you are passionate about, while trying new things. If you’re not sure where to start consider seeking info on your local area. You can often find free or low cost activities that are easy on your pocketbook as well as fulfilling.
* Disclosure: I was compensated for placement of this guest post on The Centsible Life.
Business Cash Advance says
Great list of activities for retirees.
That is so cool! If I had any musical talent I’d go for it! So glad you are having fun with it!
Gwen Luke says
I took up playing my saxophone after not playing for 47 years. I become retired and needed something to do. Found New Horizions they welcome beginer Seniors. over 55. They are all over the us and come different countries.
Do concerts, can travel to conventions Look it up on google and you’ll find one in your area. Now I am in 4 BANDS AROUND my area What joy……..
Kelly, these are good ideas. We are retired & are busier than ever! We both have several hobbies together, including hiking, camping, and sailing. Seniors 62 & up can get into the US National Parks for free after buying a one-time pass (about $15, i think). Most parks charge a very reduced rate for camping if you have that pass. We’ve camped some places for just $7 a night, including showers. We also spend time with our kids & their families helping out as much as we can. I enjoy knitting, sewing, & making jewelry. My husband takes a daily 1-hour walk in all kinds of weather. I need to do that too!
Bill Birnbaum says
Regarding volunteering, so very many retirees are finding this to be a wonderfully rewarding activity. In fact, upon retirement, my wife and I sold our home, put everything we owned in storage and moved down to the Peruvian Andes to work voluntarily. Bill
LOVE this post. It’s so true that retirees need to keep themselves busy and doing things. It’s easy to get caught up in depression and loneliness, but by getting out there, the elderly are shown to live happier, healthier, longer lives.
Great piece!!!
Retirement should be filled with interesting and stimulating activities. It is even more critical in your retirement years otherwise you deteriorate physically and mentally.
Retirement should be filled with interesting and stimulating activities. It is even more critical in your retirement years otherwise you deteriorate physically and mentally.