Being retired doesn’t mean life has to stop. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Now that you’ve retired, the world is your oyster. Retirement is a rewarding phase of life that allows us to enjoy the fruits of our labour without the demands of a daily work schedule. It offers the freedom to pursue hobbies, travel, spend quality time with family, and engage in activities that bring joy and fulfilment. And because we’re living longer and healthier lives these days, the choices available to us at retirement are endless.

Below are 20 activities for you to consider if you’re wondering what to do when you retire.

20 Retirement Activities to Keep You on the Go

1. Traveling to New Destinations
   Now you’ve retired, travelling has never been easier. Travelling to a new destination should be at the top of your bucket list. Without the constraints of a work schedule and the ability to lock up your home, knowing it’s safe within a gated Lifestyle Community, you can explore the world in your own time. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in different cultures, experience new cuisines, and visit historic sites. The freedom to travel at a leisurely pace will make the experience enjoyable and fulfilling. Whether it's exploring a tropical beach, a bustling city, or a quiet countryside, travel during retirement enriches life with new memories and adventures.
   
   
2. Taking up Gardening
   Becoming a gardener in retirement can be extremely fulfilling. It’s a therapeutic activity that will connect you to nature and make you appreciate the outdoors. It offers the chance to grow fresh vegetables, beautiful flowers, or lush greenery, providing both physical exercise and mental relaxation. Gardening promotes a sense of accomplishment as plants flourish under your care, and it can be a creative outlet for designing landscapes or arranging plants. By spending time outdoors in your garden you will improve your well-being, reduce stress, and create a healthier lifestyle. At Lifestyle Communities, you have complete control over your backyard, but we help with maintenance in your front yard, cutting down tasks on your to-do list so you can focus on doing what you love.
   
   
3. Joining a Book Club
   Joining a book club after retirement is a wonderful way to stay intellectually engaged and socially connected. It provides the opportunity to explore genres and authors you may never have come across before while enjoying stimulating discussions with like-minded individuals. Many people trying to decide what to do after retirement, join book clubs to make friends and be part of a community. After working alongside people for many years, keeping a social circle is important to enrich your retirement years with both mental stimulation and meaningful interactions.
   
   
4. Learning a New Language
   Keep the brain ticking by learning a new language. This fun and exciting avenue is a great way to keep the mind sharp and embrace new challenges. Imagine being able to explore different cultures, enhance your travel experiences, and connect with people from around the world. The process of learning a new language stimulates cognitive functions, improving memory and problem-solving skills. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and boosts confidence.
   
   
5. Volunteering For a Cause
   Some of you may be feeling a little lost without the steady routine of your job, but volunteering may be able to fill the void. It offers you the chance to share your skills, experience, and time with those in need, creating a sense of purpose and fulfilment. You can choose to volunteer in a number of areas, from mentoring youth, and supporting local charities to helping at shelters or hospitals. Mentoring can help build social connections, promote personal growth, and enhance well-being by making a positive impact on others’ lives to enrich your retirement with a sense of contribution and purpose.
   
   
6. Starting a Blog or Writing a Book
   Have you always dreamed of being an author? Or have a ton of ideas and opinions ready to share? Then why not start a blog or write your own book? Now that you’re retired you have the time to sit down and create a masterpiece; or create blogs on topics that interest you, such as cooking, travelling, sewing etc.
   
   
7. Painting or Drawing
   Starting an artistic activity allows you to express yourself, explore your imagination, and develop new skills. Painting and drawing are both relaxing ways to spend your time. Engaging in art can be therapeutic, reduce stress and promote mental clarity.
   Whether taking classes or creating art independently, painting and drawing offer endless possibilities for personal growth, enjoyment, and the creation of beautiful, meaningful art. Our Markers Studio is the perfect place to get creative while connecting with your neighbours.
   
   
8. Taking Cooking or Baking Classes
   If you love being in the kitchen, then taking cooking or baking classes is a delightful way to learn new culinary skills and explore different cuisines. It gives you the chance to explore your creativity while enhancing healthy eating habits, and providing a fun, social activity. You can then share delicious creations with loved ones and even teach them something new.
   
   
9. Participating in Yoga or Meditation
   Practising yoga and meditation promotes physical health and mental wellbeing for all ages, but it is especially useful for those who have retired. These activities enhance flexibility, strength, and relaxation, helping to reduce stress and improve the overall quality of your life. Yoga and meditation offer a peaceful retreat from daily pressures, fostering mindfulness and inner calm. They also provide a gentle way to stay active and centred.
   
   
10. Playing a Musical Instrument
    We all know that music is medicine for the soul, so imagine how rewarding it would be to learn a musical instrument. Playing an instrument helps to stimulate the mind and improve coordination, while simultaneously offering you creative expression. It also offers opportunities for social interaction, whether through performances or group classes, enriching your retirement with personal growth and musical enjoyment.
    
    
11. Going on Nature Hikes
    Hiking is a refreshing way to stay active and connect with nature. It provides physical exercise, boosts cardiovascular health, and enhances mental well-being through immersion in scenic landscapes. Hiking also offers opportunities for relaxation and reflection, making it a rewarding activity that combines fitness with the enjoyment of the great outdoors.
    
    
12. Exploring Photography
    If you’re someone who loves to document your life, then exploring photography is for you. It’s a fulfilling way to capture and appreciate the beauty of the world and the people living in it. Photography allows you to document your personal experiences, travel, and nature, creating lasting memories. This hobby gives you the chance to pursue an artistic lifestyle in a relaxed environment.
    
    
13. Playing Golf, Tennis or Pickleball
    Meeting on the golf course, tennis or pickleball court is a great way to stay physically active and socially engaged. These sports offer exercise, improved coordination and a fun way to enjoy the outdoors. They also present opportunities for social interaction and friendly competition, making them ideal activities to maintain fitness and enhance the enjoyment of retirement. Lifestyle Communities offer an easy way to stay active, by including sporting facilities customised for homeowners.
    
    
14. Taking Dance Lessons
    Dance lessons are a joyful way to stay active and connect with others. Dancing helps us to stay fit in a fun and exciting way while improving our coordination and balance. It also provides a creative outlet for self-expression and gives the opportunity to enjoy lively, rhythmic movement. Embracing dance can make retirement seem much more agreeable.
    
    
15. Attending Local Theatre or Concerts
    Going to the theatre or concerts is a delightful way to experience culture and entertainment. It’s also a great way to experience social outings with like-minded groups or individuals. Concerts or the theatre offers you the chance to enjoy live performances and connect with the arts, which can add excitement and joy to everyday life.
    
    
16. Engaging in DIY home projects
    Still considering what to do once retired? Well now is the perfect time to get started on or complete the odd jobs around the home. The shelf that has been patiently waiting inside the cupboard can now be put up, or the spare room can finally get the fresh coat of paint that it’s been needing for the last year. Need space to store tools or get to work? Our Makers Studio has a specialty workshop for all your needs.
    
    
17. Get Back into Dating (if You’re Single of course!)
    Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you can’t get involved in the dating scene. Dating can be a fulfilling way to form new connections and enjoy companionship. It’s exciting, fun and can make you feel like a teenager again, giving you a new lease of life. Embracing dating in retirement enriches life with love and companionship, making this stage of life vibrant and rewarding.
    
    
18. Birdwatching
    Birdwatching is a retirement activity that is peaceful and engaging. It can be done as a solo activity or fellow bird enthusiasts can participate together. Birdwatching enhances mindfulness and patience while offering the joy of spotting and identifying various bird species. This hobby encourages outdoor exploration and can be a relaxing way to spend time. You will discover a deep appreciation for wildlife and natural beauty.
    
    
19. Taking Online Courses or Adult Education Classes
    Online courses are a great way to continue learning and stay intellectually active. It allows you to explore new subjects, develop skills, or pursue long-held interests from the comfort of your home. Adult education classes provide opportunities for personal growth and give you the opportunity to engage with a community of learners, enriching retirement with ongoing education and discovery.
    
    
20. Spending Quality Time with Family and Friends.
    There's no better way of spending your new-found freedom than with your family and friends. Make the most of having the time to play with the grandchildren or teach them how to bake their favourite cakes and cookies. Enjoy spending time with your children and discovering what’s new in their lives. And revel in the fun and excitement that can be had when you get together with your friends. With no time restrictions, you can plan group holidays and much more.

Get Used to Living Life to The Fullest

At Lifestyle Communities, we believe retirement should be celebrated and enjoyed. With a constant 9-5 no longer in the mix, you should be living the life you’ve always wanted and what better way to do that than by downsizing and joining Lifestyle Communities? We’re spread across Victoria and serve the over 50s, whether you’re a couple or a single person. Why concern yourself with maintaining a home when you should be focusing on living a life of luxury? Our downsizing homes for sale are, low maintenance and have gardeners who will keep the area looking spotless while you are enjoying all the on-site amenities like pools & tennis courts. You will feel safe within our gated community and will have the security of knowing that your home will be looked after when you leave to travel. There’ll be no need to question what to do when you retire, as we’ll offer you an experience you’ll never forget.