We do love it when someone refers a family member or friend to us. Sometimes the question is, “How can we introduce them to you?” Well, there are multiple ways but a very easy way is to simply forward them a link to this webpage.
Here are this week’s items:
Portfolio Update: Murs and I have recorded our portfolio update for May 5, 2025
Retirement Hobbies and Activities – What Today’s Retirees Love to Do
Radon and Murs discuss the fun and fulfilling side of retirement: retirement hobbies and retirement activities. After years spent working and raising families, many retirees look forward to rediscovering passions or picking up new interests. Radon and Murs explore why hobbies after retirement are so important for mental, physical, and emotional well-being and share some of the most popular retirement lifestyle ideas embraced by today’s retirees...
Retirement Hobbies and Activities – What Today’s Retirees Love to Do
This blog explores some of the most popular retirement hobbies and retirement activities that today’s retirees love. Whether you’re planning your next chapter or are already enjoying it, these ideas can help you build a fulfilling and engaging retirement lifestyle…..
Retirement is often imagined as a finish line. But in reality, it’s a starting point for a whole new phase of life — one filled with possibility, freedom, and opportunity. As work responsibilities wind down, many retirees look forward to diving into long-neglected passions or even discovering new ones.
This blog explores some of the most popular retirement hobbies and retirement activities that today’s retirees love. Whether you’re planning your next chapter or are already enjoying it, these ideas can help you build a fulfilling and engaging retirement lifestyle.
Why Hobbies and Activities Matter in Retirement
Choosing the right hobbies after retirement isn’t just about staying busy. It’s about:
Maintaining mental sharpness
Enhancing physical health
Fostering social connections
Providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment
Lowering rates of depression and anxiety
As you plan your retirement, it’s also time to think beyond your financials. Planning retirement lifestyle choices is just as crucial to retiring comfortably and living with joy.
Top Retirement Hobbies and Activities
Here are eight hobbies and activities many retirees embrace — and why they love them.
1. Cooking and Baking
Many retirees rediscover the joy of the kitchen. With more time on your hands, you can finally dive into those cooking classes you’ve been putting off or master the art of baking a perfect loaf of bread.
Benefits:
Creative expression
Healthy eating habits
Social opportunities (hosting friends and family)
Cooking is a perfect example of a hobby that keeps both your body and mind active.
2. Reading
Reading remains a favorite hobby for retirees. Whether it’s catching up on classics, diving into thrillers, or exploring new topics, reading stimulates the mind and fuels imagination.
Benefits:
Mental engagement
Stress reduction
Endless learning opportunities
Audio books and e-readers make this hobby more accessible than ever! You can start a book club with friends or join a local book club to add a social element to your schedule (and a little accountability, too).
3. Gardening
Gardening is one of the best hobbies for seniors because it’s physically rewarding and mentally soothing. Whether you have acres of land or a small balcony, there’s a type of gardening for everyone.
Benefits:
Physical activity
Stress relief
Sense of achievement
Plus, studies show that spending time in nature can improve your mood and reduce anxiety. Wondering where to start? Check out a local gardening center to learn about what plant might be best for you and remember- indoor gardening counts!
4. Travel
It’s no surprise that travel consistently tops the list of best hobbies for retirees. After years of hard work, many look forward to exploring new cities, cultures, and adventures.
Benefits:
Expanded worldview
Lifelong memories
Opportunities for physical activity
Many retirees choose to frontload their travel, making the most of their energy and health during the early years of retirement. There are options for travel planning; you can plan your own trip, work with a trip planner, book a cruise. Choose your adventure!
5. Volunteering
Volunteering in retirement can be one of the most fulfilling ways to spend your time. Whether it’s helping at a food bank, tutoring students, or working with a charity, retirees find immense satisfaction in giving back.
Benefits:
Sense of purpose
New friendships
Mental and emotional well-being
Many retirees say volunteering gives them structure and meaning, enhancing their overall retirement lifestyle ideas. Looking for ideas? Ask at your local library.
6. Photography and the Arts
Pursuing photography, painting, pottery, or other arts gives retirees a creative outlet. Even if you’ve never considered yourself “artistic,” this is the perfect time to explore.
Benefits:
Creative expression
Stress reduction
Community and classes for social connection
Photography can even combine with travel for double the enjoyment! Whether you’re jumping back in or picking up some new skills, finding a local club or class can be a great place to start.
7. Lifelong Learning
Learning doesn’t end with a career. Retirement opens the door to new subjects, skills, and passions. Popular topics include:
Technology (like AI and smart devices)
History or literature
Languages
Libraries, community centers, and online platforms offer countless classes.
Benefits:
Cognitive sharpness
Increased confidence
Sense of accomplishment
On the other hand, if you have a knowledge base in a particular subject area and enjoy one on one connections, you can consider becoming a mentor. It’s a great way to meet people you may not have encountered otherwise, and a different way to share your life experiences. Ask at your local library.
8. Fitness and Outdoor Activities
Staying physically active is vital to retiring comfortably. Many retirees embrace new activities like:
Not every hobby will resonate with you, and that’s okay! Here’s how to explore your interests:
Try one new activity per quarter. Low commitment, high discovery!
Join a local group or club. There are groups for everything from hiking to book clubs.
Use technology to research. AI tools and websites make it easy to find new hobbies and local opportunities.
Take a class. Learning with others can spark inspiration and introduce you to new friends.
Remember, the goal is to find activities that excite and fulfill you, not to overwhelm yourself with obligations.
The Impact on Your Retirement Plan
Incorporating hobbies into your life can affect your retirement checklist in a few ways:
Budgeting: Certain activities like travel or photography might require additional savings.
Health Planning: Staying active can reduce healthcare costs.
Social Security and Income Planning: Knowing your activities can help structure your income needs in retirement.
By weaving hobbies into your overall retirement planning, you’re setting yourself up for not just a secure financial future, but a vibrant, joyful one as well.
Final Thoughts: Secure Your Retirement Lifestyle
Retirement is your chance to embrace life in new and fulfilling ways. Whether it’s through learning, traveling, volunteering, or discovering a new passion, today’s retirees are proving that retirement is just the beginning.
Start exploring now. Try different activities. Dream big about your retirement hobbies and retirement activities. Your future self will thank you.
