If you’re looking at retiring soon, you’re probably excited and nervous—and with good reason. While some of you might be planning dream vacations, others might be planning to downsize to a smaller home. When you retire, you have more time for hobbies, but it can also bring on more solitude. That’s why it’s so important that you make an effort to stay social and stimulated during retirement. Fortunately, there are some fun, exciting ways that you can do both at the same time.
Earn Extra Income
While in retirement, you can still bring in a certain amount of income. There are several great ways to meet new people, stay social, and even earn some pocket change for your next big vacation, but none quite as exciting and successful as working part-time as a real estate agent. In fact, according to U.S. News & World Report, real estate is one of the most profitable and popular second careers for seniors. You can meet new people while showing houses and enjoy part-time work that keeps you energized. For more information, check out this informative guide from Redfin.
Stay Active
Yes, there are going to be days where visiting with friends over coffee or tea is an ideal way to spend a relaxing afternoon. However, be sure to balance that by getting active with your friends. Taking fitness classes with your friends who are also enjoying their golden years is a double win. You can catch up with your nearest and dearest, while also getting in exercise. Many seniors’ health insurance plans come with access to senior-only classes, like Silver Sneakers, where you can explore classes like water aerobics, yoga, and pilates. Taking fitness classes with other seniors helps to ensure your golden years are filled with health, happiness, and good friends.
College Bound
Many colleges and universities offer special discounts or programs for retirees who want to broaden their horizons. Community colleges in particular can be a treasure trove of classes that build new and exciting skills for seniors. Many of these courses are free or low-cost, which means it’s easy to convince a friend to join you. Will you and a friend be going on an international adventure? Take a class together that teaches the language you’ll be reading and hearing (and maybe even speaking!) abroad.
Get Cooking
If your doctor frowns every time he takes your blood pressure, gather your friends to hone your culinary skills together in a cooking class. You can sign up for a series, learning new dishes designed to lower cholesterol or developing the skills it takes to transition to a vegan diet. You can also take one course at time, learning a new and exotic cuisine with your friends, like making sushi or paella. Often spending time with your friends, and sampling their handiwork, is even more fun than learning new recipes and skills.
Master the Internet
Want to learn how to chat with your grandchildren on social media? Maybe you struggle with the website that lets you communicate with your doctor or view medical bills online. You’re definitely not alone. Many seniors feel uneasy with computers and the internet, especially when it comes to safety. Taking a course with your friends not only teaches you basic computer skills, but it also allows you time to bond with your friends over internet challenges and victories. You’ve worked hard and long all these years and are starting to think about what you can do with your extra free time. However, having that newfound free time is something you may have to adjust to. With less structure, stimulation, and responsibilities, retirement as been shown to hasten declines in mental health, as well as physical well-being. Taking classes with old friends, while also making some new ones, is an exciting, enthralling way to enjoy this special, well-deserved time in your life.
If you need to find care visit caregiverlist.com you can also find resources for seniors here.
