Five Things to Do When You Retire

For every person who has ever said, "I do not have time," retirement provides an opportunity to do some of those things you never found the time for earlier in life. Here are five suggestions for things to do in retirement.

Learn
Some say, "you can not teach an old dog new tricks," but retirement can be the perfect time to learn something new. Why not take up a new hobby, learn a sport, or practice a new language? In retirement, you have the leisure time to devote to learning something new, whether you want to teach yourself or join others in taking a class. Learning for seniors does not have to be expensive. Some universities offer tuition waivers for senior adults or even allow seniors to audit their courses for free.

Teach
You possess a lifetime worth of skills and talents. What if you used your retirement years to teach a skill you've mastered to someone else? We're all experts in something, and others could benefit from your skills and knowledge. You may find it very rewarding to share the benefits of your years of experience with others who are eager to learn.

Work
You may be thinking, "Wait a minute – I just retired, so why would I want to work?" Retirement is a great time to try your hand at a job that just did not fit in with your career plan or budget earlier in life. If you've had your life's fill of working for someone else, then maybe now is the time to start your own business.

Volunteer
When thinking of things to do in retirement, many people turn to volunteer work. You can tutor a child, shelve books at the library, walk dogs at the Shelter, sign up for a cause you're passionate about, build houses, deliver meals, help in disaster relief, lead tours, or campaign for your favorite politician.

Travel
Maybe you postponed travel during your working years, but now you're ready to hit the road. Travel to exotic locations can be expensive. But there are also ways for the more budget-minded retiree to travel. Consider driving instead of flying. Be sure to ask about senior discounts. Many restaurants, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines, and airlines offer discounts based on age. Sometimes you can find good deals by traveling with groups, such as tour companies, church groups, or alumni associations. Or maybe instead of leaving home, you can plan some "stay-cations" and visit the sights in your own hometown.

If you're struggling to come up with things to do, consider these options! With a little planning, the rewards of retirement can be great.