Retirement can be daunting. You’re used to working eight hours a day, five days a week, and suddenly you’re faced with 365 days a year of potential boredom. But this doesn’t have to be the case, as there are plenty of things to do in retirement. Retirement can be the start of something new: new explorations, new friends and new experiences.
It may also be a worry that you’ll become unsociable and inactive. We have gathered together a few retirement ideas that will keep you as active as you were before, or even more so. Don’t stress – here are five ideas for what to do in retirement:
- Travel: There seems to be a misconception surrounding the best age to travel. You don’t have to be young to see the world, and retirement offers a precious gift: time. You can explore areas that may not have been of interest when you were younger, and these are sometimes the most magnificent. If you can afford to, organise a few trips a year so you always have something to look forward to and make some incredible memories.
- Get a hobby: Maybe it’s something you didn’t have time to continue in the past, or something you’ve always wanted to do. Now is the time. Retirement certainly doesn’t mark the last chapter of your life; it is the beginning of a whole new book. Whether it’s joining a choir, painting portraits or turning the garden shed into a library, pursue your passion.
- Try something new every week: Now that you’re retired, you can afford to mix up your routine a little. Trying something new every week can keep you mentally active as your brain digests new information. Cook a new dish, try the new pub in town, or take the bus to go shopping rather than driving. You might also make some new friends along the way!
- Rescue a dog: If you have nothing pushing you, it can be easy to make up excuses to avoid keeping active. Why not give back and adopt a dog from a rescue home? There are thousands of dogs looking for loving homes, and it’s a great opportunity to find a loyal companion, as well as maintaining daily exercise. As well as rescuing a loving dog in need, you will also reap the benefits.
- Volunteer: Give back to the community whilst making use of your spare time effectively. There are countless opportunities to help other people and animals, as well as support local charities. We welcome volunteers of all ages to stay active and help support our Army Cadets – make friends for life and really make a difference. Find out about some of the benefits of volunteering.
Volunteering in the ACF can be a fantastic way to use some of your free time if you’re retired. The ACF offers a variety of non-uniformed roles for those aged over 65. As well as making friends, giving back to the community and using your wisdom, you can learn new skills that can be applied to everyday life. Furthermore, the ACF promotes an active lifestyle, so is perfect for those who want to stay fit and active after retirement. If you’re interested in volunteering at the Army Cadet Force and helping to shape the lives of young people, find out more about volunteering now.
