Retirement Ideas To Stay Active

10 Ways To Live Life To The Fullest With Activities You Love

 

If you’re starting to think about retirement, or you’re weighing the pros and cons of early retirement and wondering what you’ll do in your spare time, we have ideas for how to live life to the fullest after you stop working fulltime.

 

Here at Gifts Australia, we can’t wait until it’s time to retire! All that wonderful time for relaxation and travelling and doing things every day that make you happy. But, knowing when is the right time to retire can be tricky.

 

Beginning retirement brings many changes to your routine, with long work hours a thing of the past. While this is a positive thing, it’s sometimes hard to keep up with old colleagues and forge new friendships. Enjoying activities and finding new things to do in early retirement can greatly impact your health and well-being. So, this means putting in some extra effort when it comes to staying active, engaging with others, and staying emotionally balanced. 

 

Here are just some of the many benefits of staying active in retirement:

• Improved overall quality of health
• Controlled weight and physical fitness
• Cardiovascular and heart health
• Supports your immune system
• Better energy levels and sleeping patterns
• Positive mental attitude and memory benefits
• Keeps you smart, sharp and happy
• It’s fun!

 

Things To Do In Retirement To Keep Your Brain And Body Active

 

From learning new skills to treating yourself to a bucket list holiday, we’ve found ten things to do in retirement to keep busy and have fun at the same time. We’ve also added some great retirement gift ideas to keep you motivated. Rewarding yourself for trying new activities and treating yourself when you achieve your goals is just as important. Plus; it makes you feel good! 

 

Teach yourself something 

Learning new skills can be an exciting and fulfilling pastime, plus it helps with cognitive function and keeps you mentally sharp. Challenge yourself to master new retirement craft ideas or go back to studying with online courses. Retirement is precisely the right time to try out new hobbies, so treat yourself to anything from a Persian rug yoga mat to a DIY Ginger Beer kit to get you started.

 

Enjoy sunshine sports

Get back into a favourite sport that you used to love or join a local club. It’s how to stay active in retirement, get out in the sunshine, and enjoy competitive games with friends. Buy some golf ball finder glasses and take up golf or find a ‘Walking Sports’ club where you don’t have to run! Another leisurely sport is fishing, so why not book a full day fishing charter and try out your reef fishing skills?  

 

 

Spread your wings

One of the most fulfilling things to do in retirement is ticking off some bucket list activities and destinations. You can share exciting holidays with friends, try life-changing experiences or book special weekend trips where you meet like-minded people. Whichever new things to do in retirement you choose, treat yourself to a gorgeous weekender travel bag and get planning your adventures.

 

Keep friends close

Staying connected with friends, family and old work colleagues can really contribute to your overall wellness. Keep in touch regularly and plan get-togethers and social activities. Make it fun with mind-stimulating activities like quick chess for beginners or get inspiration with the You Only Live Once hardcover book about grabbing life by the horns. Game or cards clubs are also a great way to reach out and meet new people. 

 

 

Pamper yourself rotten

A little bit of what you fancy does you good, so it’s important to spoil yourself along the way. Inspire yourself to try new after retirement ideas by buying yourself small quirky gifts or handy tools you can use. As you complete each step towards your goals, give yourself a well-earned pampering treat. Order that mouth-watering Sweet Bites Hamper of chocolates or your favourite takeaway!

 

Get mentally stimulated

Playing any game helps to keep you sharp and increases your memory retention. So, play games every day - it’s that enjoyable! Find a mind-bogglingly difficult 1000 piece jigsaw and keep working on it until you succeed. Play cards and board games or do brain teasers, puzzles or a crossword a day. Challenge friends to interactive quizzes and reap the benefits of staying mentally active!

 

Become an entrepreneur

Once you’ve found your ideal pastimes and activities, why not turn one of them into a small business? It means you’re completely in control of your workload, and you might even make some extra cash. You can do anything you love from brewing your own unique craft beers to dumpling making for your local farmer’s markets. It’s a rewarding and fun way to retire!

 

Adopt a pet

There are many benefits to owning or fostering a pet, aside from the wonderful companionship they provide. Every crazy cat lady knows stroking a furry friend lowers stress and anxiety. When it comes to the motivation for taking a brisk morning stroll, you can’t beat man’s best friend. They’re also loveable and endlessly entertaining - take a look at this fun Dog's In The Air book! 

 

 

Get actively involved

One of the best things to do in retirement is volunteering free time to a community project or a cause close to your heart. It’s a great way to give back and meet new people. Check local papers and libraries or online for retirement community event ideas that fit. From helping out an animal shelter to planting new trees, you’ll be productive, keeping active and extending your social life.

 

Get green-fingered 

Landscaping and gardening are superb aerobic exercise, and sprucing up your outdoor space means more time in the fresh air. Spruce up your terrace, plant your favourite flowers or try your hand at farming an organic vegetable patch. If space is limited, then check out books like How to Greenify Your Space or choose cute indoor pots and start a healthy kitchen herb garden. 

 

 

Retirement Planning Ideas Bring New And Exciting Experiences

 

Making the most of your free time can be an amazing experience, and finding exciting activities can be part of the fun. Just getting outdoors and enjoying some breathtaking views in the fresh air is fantastic for your health. Be adventurous and bold. Retirement is the perfect time to explore everything about the world and turn your activities into much-loved habits. 

 

If you’re looking for inspiration for things to do in retirement in Australia, or great retirement gift ideas for a friend’s retirement party, then look no further than the full collection from Gifts Australia. You’ll find everything you need to explore new ideas for activities and find ways to treat yourself and your loved ones.