101 Best Ways to Spend Retirement

Retirement is an exciting time to explore new interests, reconnect with old passions, spend more time with family and friends, and finally try some of the things you never had time for while working.

For some people, retirement means traveling the world. For others, it means spending more time in the garden, learning a new skill, volunteering, starting a small business, or simply enjoying a slower pace of life. There is no single "right" way to spend retirement.

To help get your ideas flowing, we've compiled 101 ways to spend retirement. Some are adventurous, some are relaxing, some can make you money, and many cost very little. You don't need to do all 101. The goal is to find the activities that make your retirement more enjoyable, meaningful, and rewarding.

Why What You Do in Retirement Matters

Work often provides more than a paycheck. It can give you structure, social connections, purpose, and a reason to get up and start the day. When you retire, you may need to intentionally replace some of those things with activities that give your days structure and meaning.

Staying active and socially connected can also be an important part of healthy aging. The National Institute on Aging recommends that older adults incorporate a variety of physical activities, including aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and balance activities. Physical activity can support mobility, independence, sleep, and emotional well-being.

Social connection matters too. Staying involved with friends, family, clubs, volunteer organizations, and your community can help reduce social isolation and loneliness.

Of course, retirement doesn't need to be packed with activities. Resting, relaxing, and doing absolutely nothing for a while can be part of a great retirement too. The key is having the freedom to choose how you spend your time.

Keeping Busy

1. Take Up Painting: Express your creativity with watercolor, acrylic, oil, or digital painting.
2. Join a Book Club: Read and discuss books with fellow literature enthusiasts.
3. Volunteer at a Local Charity: Give back to the community by helping at a food bank, shelter, hospital, or community organization.
4. Start a Gardening Project: Grow vegetables, flowers, herbs, or create a beautiful garden.
5. Learn a New Instrument: Pick up the piano, guitar, ukulele, or another instrument you've always wanted to play.
6. Write Your Memoir: Document your life story and experiences for future generations.
7. Explore Genealogy: Research your family tree and learn more about your family's history.
8. Take a Cooking Class: Master new culinary techniques or explore cuisines you've always wanted to try.
9. Explore Local Wineries or Breweries: Visit local producers and learn more about how beverages are made. Always enjoy alcohol responsibly.
10. Start Bird Watching: Spend time outdoors learning about local bird species.
11. Write Letters to Friends and Family: In a digital age, handwritten letters offer a personal touch.
12. Practice Meditation or Yoga: Focus on mindfulness, flexibility, balance, and relaxation.
13. Learn Origami: Practice the art of folding paper into beautiful shapes.
14. Join a Knitting or Sewing Group: Meet others who share your love of creating handmade crafts.
15. Attend Local Festivals or Fairs: Enjoy live music, food, crafts, and seasonal events.
16. Create a Scrapbook: Document memorable moments from family events, vacations, and milestones.
17. Host an Afternoon Tea Party: Bring friends together for conversation, tea, and treats.
18. Become a Mentor: Share your knowledge and experience with a younger generation.
19. Organize a Weekly Game Night: Host friends for board games, card games, or trivia.
20. Take a Photography Class: Improve your skills and learn how to capture better photographs.
21. Practice Tai Chi: Explore a gentle activity that combines movement, balance, and concentration.
22. Create an Indoor Herb Garden: Grow herbs in your kitchen to add fresh flavor to meals.
23. Get Into Puzzle Solving: Challenge your mind with jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, or logic puzzles.
24. Take Online Courses: Continue learning through online courses, libraries, colleges, and educational platforms.
25. Join a Walking Group: Stay active and social by joining a local walking group.
26. Host a Dinner Party: Invite friends and family for an evening of good food and conversation.
27. Become a Tour Guide: Share your knowledge about local history and landmarks.
28. Create a Vision Board: Visualize your goals and dreams with a collage of inspiring images.
29. Write Poetry: Express yourself through verse and creativity.
30. Try Flower Arranging: Learn how to make beautiful bouquets and arrangements.
31. Attend Outdoor Concerts: Relax at open-air performances and enjoy live music.
32. Join a Photography Club: Meet others who share your passion for photography.
33. Build Models: Construct miniature versions of cars, planes, ships, trains, or buildings.
34. Participate in a Historical Reenactment: Learn about history by joining a reenactment group.
35. Create Handmade Gifts: Make personalized gifts such as knitted scarves, pottery, woodworking projects, or artwork.
36. Explore Local Nature Trails: Enjoy scenic views and wildlife on relaxing walks and hikes.
37. Plan a Family Reunion: Organize a gathering for extended family to reconnect.
38. Try Pottery: Mold clay into vases, bowls, sculptures, or decorative items.
39. Host a BBQ: Invite family and friends for a relaxed outdoor meal.
40. Participate in Trivia Nights: Join pub or community trivia competitions.
41. Travel the World: Explore new countries and cultures and experience the world like never before.
42. Take a Scenic Train Ride: Enjoy the views and comfort of train travel across beautiful landscapes.
43. Explore Historical Sites: Visit landmarks, museums, historic homes, and other places of interest.
44. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience the thrill and serenity of floating above the ground.
45. Try Sailing: Enjoy the relaxation and adventure of being on the water.

Making Money

Retirement doesn't necessarily mean you have to stop earning money. Some retirees enjoy working a few hours a week, turning a hobby into a business, or using their professional experience in a new way. The goal is to make work fit your retirement rather than allowing work to take over your retirement.

46. Start a Blog: Share your wisdom, experiences, hobbies, or travel adventures online.
47. Create a YouTube Channel: Share your hobbies, tips, reviews, or stories with an audience.
48. Teach a Skill: Offer lessons in something you know well, such as woodworking, cooking, music, or crafts.
49. Work in a Community Garden: Combine gardening with community involvement.
50. Offer Freelance Services: Use your professional skills in writing, design, consulting, bookkeeping, coaching, or another area.

Exploring

51. Plan a Road Trip: Take a scenic drive and discover new places.
52. Visit National Parks: Explore the beauty of national parks and other protected areas.
53. Attend Farmers' Markets: Enjoy fresh, local produce and crafts while supporting local producers.
54. Take a Cruise: Travel by sea to new and exciting locations in a relaxed setting.
55. Explore Your City's Hidden Gems: Check out lesser-known landmarks, parks, museums, trails, or restaurants.

Trying New Things

56. Learn a New Language: Pick up a new language for fun, travel, or family connections.
57. Learn Calligraphy: Master the art of beautiful handwriting and lettering.
58. Join a Dance Class: Learn ballroom, salsa, swing, line dancing, or another style.
59. Try Jewelry Making: Design and create your own necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or other pieces.
60. Start a Collection: Collect anything from stamps and coins to antiques, art, or memorabilia.
61. Take a Cooking Workshop: Master culinary skills or explore a new cuisine.
62. Experiment with DIY Projects: Try your hand at home crafts, woodworking, restoration, or improvements.
63. Attend Art Exhibitions: Explore local galleries, museums, and art exhibitions.
64. Try Geocaching: Participate in a modern-day treasure hunt using GPS coordinates.
65. Go Horseback Riding: Enjoy the serenity of riding through nature.

Helping Others

Retirement can provide an opportunity to give back. Volunteering can also provide structure, social connection, and a sense of purpose. Whether you volunteer once a month or several times a week, helping others can become a rewarding part of retirement.

66. Mentor a Young Person: Offer guidance and support to someone starting out in their career or life.
67. Volunteer for Local Schools: Help with tutoring, events, reading programs, or administrative tasks.
68. Donate Blood or Plasma: If you're eligible, consider becoming a regular donor.
69. Start a Community Fundraiser: Organize events or campaigns to support local causes.
70. Create Care Packages: Assemble and distribute packages containing useful items for people experiencing hardship.

Relaxation and Self-Care

71. Take Up Meditation: Practice mindfulness and give yourself time to slow down.
72. Enjoy Spa Days: Pamper yourself with massages, facials, relaxing baths, or other forms of self-care.
73. Read for Pleasure: Dive into novels, biographies, history, or any genre you love.
74. Take Long Walks: Enjoy the simplicity and benefits of walking outdoors.
75. Practice Gentle Exercise: Try activities such as stretching, swimming, tai chi, or gentle yoga.

Family Time

76. Create a Family Cookbook: Compile favourite recipes and family stories into a keepsake.
77. Plan Family Game Nights: Spend quality time together through board games, cards, or trivia.
78. Organize Family Photo Albums: Sort, digitize, and preserve family memories.
79. Teach Grandchildren a Family Tradition: Share skills, recipes, stories, or traditions passed down through generations.
80. Host a Family Talent Show: Encourage family members to showcase their talents.

Health and Wellness

Retirement is a great time to make health and fitness a regular part of your lifestyle. You don't have to become a marathon runner. Walking, swimming, gardening, dancing, strength training, balance exercises, and other activities can all contribute to an active lifestyle.

The National Institute on Aging recommends that older adults include aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and balance activities. Its current guidance notes that even everyday activities such as walking, gardening, dancing, household chores, and playing with grandchildren can contribute to an active lifestyle.

81. Join a Fitness Class: Participate in classes such as water aerobics, strength training, yoga, or Pilates.
82. Take Nutrition Workshops: Learn about healthy eating, meal planning, and cooking.
83. Visit a Wellness Retreat: Attend a retreat focused on relaxation, health, movement, or rejuvenation.
84. Explore Relaxation Techniques: Learn breathing exercises, stretching, meditation, or other ways to unwind.
85. Challenge Your Brain: Engage in puzzles, strategy games, reading, learning, or other mentally stimulating activities.

Creative Projects

86. Start a Home Renovation Project: Update or improve your living space with DIY projects.
87. Create a Personal Website or Blog: Share your experiences, interests, or expertise online.
88. Write a Novel or Short Stories: Let your imagination run wild with creative writing.
89. Make Your Own Candles: Experiment with different scents, containers, and designs.
90. Design Your Own Greeting Cards: Create custom cards for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.

Educational Pursuits

91. Enroll in a University or College Course: Take a course simply because the subject interests you.
92. Attend Lectures and Seminars: Stay informed on topics of interest through educational talks.
93. Take Up a Research Project: Delve into topics that fascinate you, from history to science.
94. Learn to Code: Explore programming, websites, apps, artificial intelligence, or other technology.
95. Join a Study Group: Collaborate with others on academic or interest-based topics.

Community Engagement

96. Participate in Local Theater: Get involved in community plays, performances, costumes, or backstage work.
97. Join a Local Club or Organization: Find groups with similar interests and become part of the community.
98. Host Community Workshops: Share your skills or knowledge with others.
99. Support Local Artisans: Visit craft fairs, galleries, farmers' markets, and local businesses.
100. Advocate for Local Causes: Get involved in community initiatives or causes you care about.
101. Celebrate Milestones with Community Events: Organize or participate in celebrations, festivals, and neighbourhood events.

How to Choose What to Do in Retirement

With 101 possibilities, you might be wondering where to start. You don't need to fill every hour of your retirement with activities. Instead, think about the things that give you a sense of purpose, connection, enjoyment, movement, and curiosity.

One simple approach is to choose something from several different categories. You might choose one activity that keeps you active, one that helps you connect with other people, one that challenges your mind, and one that is simply fun.

Most importantly, experiment. Try something for a few weeks or months and see whether you enjoy it. Retirement gives you the freedom to change direction. If something isn't for you, move on and try something else.

Don't Forget to Budget for Your Retirement Lifestyle

The activities you choose can have a significant impact on your retirement spending. Traveling frequently, maintaining a boat, joining clubs, renovating your home, or taking expensive classes can require considerably more money than gardening, hiking, volunteering, reading, or spending time with family.

That's why your retirement lifestyle should be part of your financial plan. Think about the things you want to do—not just the bills you have to pay—and make sure your retirement income can support the lifestyle you actually want.

The Retirementize retirement planning calculator can help you model your income, expenses, savings, investments, and retirement goals so you can see how your plans may affect your financial future.

Conclusion

Retirement is a new chapter, not the end of the story. You have the opportunity to spend more time doing the things you enjoy, learning things you've always wanted to learn, exploring new places, helping others, and spending time with the people who matter most.

You certainly don't need to complete all 101 ideas. Pick a few that make you excited, curious, or simply happy. Then give yourself permission to try something completely different next month.

The best retirement is one that reflects your interests, your relationships, your health, and your priorities. The freedom to decide how you spend your time may be one of the greatest benefits retirement has to offer.

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