Most people have big dreams for retirement life. They imagine how much easier things will be and all the fun they’ll have when they no longer need to work 8-10 hours a day. But it’s the little things that really make retirement the most enjoyable. Here are the 8 things that make retirement life the best.
Sleep in
By the time you retire, there shouldn’t be any small children in your home to wake you up too early in the morning. And since you won’t be headed to work every day, your teenage dreams can finally come true and you get to sleep in.
Travel
Of course, retirement life is filled with travel. You no longer need to wait to save up vacation hours or travel on school breaks, because by now the kids are raised and out of the house. While your travel could be as simple as visiting a small town nearby, or as extravagant as walking the Great Wall of China, you’ll finally be able to get out and see something new.
Read a book
Get lost in stories, learn more about history, or have a good laugh when you have a book nearby. The best part is you can read it at any time of the day because you won’t be at work.
Get a new hobby
Have you always wanted to learn to paint, plant a garden, ski, bird watch, or build amazing things? While retirement is a time to relax, it’s also a time to try new things. Find something to do that you’ve always wanted to try.
Make new friends
With all this free time on your hands, you can easily spend retirement life with friends old and new. Senior centers and town parks and recreation activities are two great ways to connect with people just like you. It can be a challenge, but staying social when you retire has many benefits including keeping you healthier.
Volunteer for a great cause
While you may not need to work for money anymore, you can donate your time to great causes in your neighborhood. Whether you spend your time helping the homeless, animals, at-risk youth, or for an organization like the American Red Cross, there are so many ways to give your time. You have incredible talents and skills that are desperately needed at many non-profit organizations. Whether you work with computers, with people, or you build things, give back to your community.
Exercise
Keep your bones, heart, and muscles happy and healthy when you exercise. Fill your retirement life with walking, biking, hiking, swimming, and more. You’ll have fun and stay healthy. Getting outdoors has the added benefit of boosting your immune system and improving your mood.
Visit family
Want to see the grandchildren more often? Then do it. The best part of retirement life is that you’re no longer bound to someone else’s schedule. Go to soccer games and ballet recitals. Visit your family for dinner. And if they live far away, hop in your car or get on a plane to go see them. The things that matter most are our relationships. Everything else is just a bonus.
