How to prevent boredom in retirement
Written by Glen James
Host of the Retire Right & money money money (formerly my millennial money) podcasts & author of The Quick-Start Guide to Investing.
Imagine this: you've spent decades working all day, every day, and then suddenly, you stop. It's retirement. You no longer need to go to work. So, what do you do? Sit around staring at a wall all day?
Many people hit retirement years and discover they’re fairly…bored. It might sound basic, but it's an important topic to discuss. So, I asked our Facebook group what they've been doing with all those free hours, and the responses were great.
Here are some ideas to kick the boredom and stay active in your retirement years:
#1 give your home a spring clean
There’s no time like the present to freshen up your home! Start by decluttering—sort through old paperwork, shredding what you no longer need and organising the rest. This is also a great opportunity to pass on your children's old artwork and memorabilia to them, creating space and nostalgia. Consider giving your living room a fresh coat of paint to brighten up the space and make it feel new. Tackle those forgotten corners, clean out the garage, and wash the windows to let in more light. Rearrange your furniture to create a new feel and even introduce a few new decorative items or plants. You’re entering a new season and giving your space a thorough spring clean is a great way to start fresh and embrace the changes.
#2 get active!
Staying active in retirement is crucial to keep your mind and body healthy. One of the most popular physical activities in our community is pickleball! Line dancing is also popular in that it combines both physical and cognitive activity in learning the steps. Lawn bowls and golf are also great options that are a little more relaxed and social. If you’re up for a bit more adventuring you can go for bushwalks, bike rides, a surf or motorbike riding (for the daring). Or if you’d like to use your body in a more relaxed way then yoga or Tai chi might be good options.
#3 enjoy the great indoors
For those rainy days or cold winter months, consider indoor activities to keep boredom at bay. Popular favourites in our community were book clubs or spending time at the library exploring new genres or catching up on your favourite authors. Games like Mahjong, bingo, and trivia can provide hours of entertainment plus can add some social fun if you do it with friends. Craft or needlework projects were also popular, as was baking delicious treats (the grandkids will love this too). A few community members shared about picking up their guitars again after not playing for a few years. These activities ensure that even when the weather keeps you indoors, there's always something enjoyable to do.
#4 travel travel travel
This is the retirement classic! Let’s spend some of those retirement savings, shall we? Start by making a bucket list of destinations you’ve always wanted to visit, whether it’s a dream European tour, or a big lap around Australia. Consider joining travel groups or tours specifically designed for retirees, where you can meet like-minded adventurers and benefit from planned itineraries. Take advantage of off-season travel deals to stretch your budget further and avoid crowded tourist spots. Don’t forget to plan for health and safety, ensuring you have adequate travel insurance and access to medical care if needed.
#5 join your local University of the Third Age (U3A)
A cool organisation to check out is the University of the Third Age (U3A). U3A is a movement aimed at encouraging lifelong learning and social engagement among older adults, particularly those who are retired or semi-retired. Groups are typically organised locally and offer a mix of educational, recreational, and social activities. U3A is a great organisation to join if you’d like someone else to plan activities for you. Check out the U3A Australia website here for more information and to find out if there’s a group that meets near you.
If you haven’t retired yet my question to you is what hobbies or pastimes will you build into your life now so that when you stop working, you still have some activities to be a part of? Build the habit and maintain the healthy social and physical activities that allow you to enjoy your life.
