More things to do when you retire
The days where retirement signaled the end of our best years are long over. These days retirement is seen as a golden opportunity where we can try new experiences and do the things we’ve always wanted but never had time.
So what can you do to fill all that time you may now have on your hands?
Staying active in retirement is generally accepted as a good way to remain physically and mentally healthy. Afterall, most of us could have 20, 30 or even more retired years ahead of us so it makes sense to take care of our health.
Studies have also shown that having a sense of purpose can help you live longer. When you retire, it just means that purpose is no longer linked to work. In fact many of today’s retired people find themselves busier than when they worked for a living (especially those who have grandchildren).
If you need additional ideas, here are some more things you could do when you retire:
Start a business
Just because you’ve retired, it doesn’t mean it has to be the end of your working life – not unless you want it to be. It’s never too late to start your own business, and many retirees begin a new career.
So what have you dreamed of doing but have never had the time? Perhaps you could set yourself up as a consultant or a professional speaker, or launch an online business. Or maybe do something completely different, such as run a bed and breakfast or start a dog walking business.
If you’re thinking of starting your own business, you could qualify for our business start-up fund of up to £2,000. We’ll also help provide the support you need to get your idea off the ground. Call +44(0) 1788 556 366 to chat to an advisor about our business start-up funds.
Go on an adult gap year
If you’ve always wanted to go travelling, take a leaf out of the school-leavers’ book and go on a gap year. There’s plenty of evidence that people aged 60 and older are travelling further afield these days and staying away for longer too. Most of them aren’t content to lie on a beach either, and it’s not unusual for people who have retired to want the kind of adventure that only younger people used to embark upon. For inspiration and advice, visit www.gap360.com.
Visit your dream destination
If a gap year sounds too extreme but you love going on holiday, now’s the time to plan the trip of a lifetime. According to a survey by Skipton Building Society, seeing the Northern Lights, gambling in Las Vegas, scuba diving in the Maldives, driving along Route 66 in the USA, travelling around Europe in a camper van and visiting the Great Wall of China all feature on a list of the top 25 things to do after retirement.
If you’re on a budget, on the other hand, taking a hot air balloon ride, joining the National Trust, taking a trip to Stonehenge, getting a spa treatment and having tea at the Ritz also featured on the list. But if none of these are your idea of fun, have a think about the things you enjoy and start compiling your own list.
Write a book
It’s never too late to publish your first novel/self-help book/memoire. The literary world is full of examples of late bloomers, including Frank McCourt (who’s first book, Angela’s Ashes, was published when he was 66), Mary Wesley (whose first novel for adults was published when she was 70, with The Camomile Lawn published a year later), and Daniel Defoe (who finished writing Robinson Crusoe just before he turned 60).
There’s heaps of advice online if you need help with writing a novel. Simply search ‘how to write a novel’ for millions of results.
Write a blog
If a book or novel sounds like too much of a daunting task, but you’re keen on the idea of writing, why not start a blog? Everyone’s doing it these days (apparently). You could blog about your interests/hobbies, your pets, your home town or even your thoughts on retirement.
As with novels, you can find lots of help online with publishing your blog – 2 of the most widely used free blogging platforms are Google’s Blogger and Wordpress (both are fairly easy to set up, even if you’re not that computer literate).
Pass on your knowledge
Helping others is always a worthwhile activity as it keeps you involved in your community and allows you to continue developing your interpersonal skills. Being a coach or mentor is one way to make sure the skills and experience you’ve gained during your personal life and/or career will make a difference. Whatever type of coach or mentor you’d like to be – personal, business or otherwise – you’ll be supporting others and helping them achieve their potential.
• Need more inspiration? There’s a huge list of activities you could take part in when you retire at earlyretirementextreme.com, or visit bucketlist.org for even more suggestions
For advice and information call +44 (0) 1788 556 366 or chat to an advisor online 24 hours a day.