Category: Past & Current Standard Articles
Keywords: retirement plans volunteer hobbies work
Landing Page URL: https://newsletter.homeactions.net/landing_page/18476/140956
Article Summary:
During busy weeks at work, you may have dreamt about quitting at 65 and sleeping in every morning. But many people find that the sudden transition is tougher than they expect. Click through for a guide to planning a happy and productive retirement.
Full Article
What do you picture when you picture retirement? Maybe you’ve given the matter some thought after a stressful workday that didn’t seem to have enough hours in it. Obviously, you’d sleep until late in the morning, have a leisurely breakfast and then settle in to watch TV all day. Maybe you’d deign to sit on the porch at 5:00 or so and watch the rest of the world start their commute home. Then you’d read for a while to unwind before bed.
That’s a fine program for the first week or so. But sooner or later, it’s bound to get boring. What can you do to fill up your schedule after retirement?
Travel
There’s no better way to celebrate your newfound freedom than by hitting the road. Luckily, you’ll find that wherever you choose to go, senior discounts are waiting for you. Whether you go by plane, train, bus, or car rental or whether you book a cruise, you’ll have no trouble finding lower rates on them, on hotels, and on destinations like museums and national parks. Check the AARP’s complete list of member benefits to plan your trip.
Work
There’s a reason many retirees end up getting part-time jobs. It’s nice to have some extra spending money on top of your retirement income, and many people miss the social aspects of work. A postretirement job is also far less stressful; you don’t have to worry about your career or promotions unless you really want to.
Volunteer
If money isn’t an issue, consider looking into volunteer opportunities. They have all the social benefits of a job; you can work as many or as few hours as you feel like working; and you can work for a cause you believe in. The government provides senior volunteering opportunities through AmeriCorps Seniors and on Volunteer.gov, the volunteer registry for the National Park Service. FeedingAmerica.org is a database of food pantries and food kitchens, and Meals on Wheels is the country’s largest distributor of meals to the homebound.
Get a hobby
Ever wished you had time to take up painting, learn to crochet, or do some hiking? Whatever your dreams, you’ve got time to pursue them now. Check out your local library or community center to find out about any clubs or classes they host. Or check out Facebook Groups or Meetup to find others who share your interests.
There’s no need to be bored in retirement. With a bit of planning, you’ll find you have time for all the things you never got around to when you were working 9 to 5.
