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9 ideas for an enjoyable retirement

8 minutes

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Retirement offers untold possibilities, but all that free time can also feel daunting. Discover what to do in retirement in our helpful article.

The information on this page should not be considered as financial advice. If you are unsure what’s right for you, please make sure you speak to a financial adviser.

Retirement is an exciting new chapter in people’s lives. While it offers unlimited possibilities, it can also feel daunting due to a lack of structure and routine after decades of working.

For many, retirement offers the freedom to explore new interests, try fresh challenges, travel, go on holiday, or move home. But it can also leave you lonely, isolated, and struggling to fill all that spare time.

With professional retirement advice and careful planning, you can tackle retirement with confidence and ensure it’s the positive experience you hoped it would be. If you’re wondering what to do in retirement, here are some practical ideas.

What to do in retirement: 9 ideas to get you started

The prospect of retiring and not having to work sounds appealing. But all that freedom can turn into boredom when you don’t know what to do with your time.

You should view retirement not as the end of your working career, but as the beginning of a new phase in your life. One of the best ways to achieve a happy retirement is to plan your goals, set your targets, and work towards them.

If you’re still working, you may also find that your employer or Citizens Advice offers retirement preparation support, workshops, and helpful information. In the meantime, we’ve put together the following ideas to set you on the right path to retirement.

1. Get your finances in order

It’s important to review your finances and organise your money so that you know what you’ll have to live on during retirement. Perhaps you have a pension annuity that provides you with a guaranteed retirement income or other savings and investments to call upon. It’s common to have a lot of questions about pensions and retirement, and getting your finances in order can offer you the security you need to enjoy life when you stop working and fund the lifestyle you want. You can also take up to 25% of your pension completely tax-free and leave the remainder invested.

2. Work part-time

There’s nothing to stop you working in retirement or when you reach State Pension age. Whether part-time, full-time, or self-employed, many people choose to continue working into their later years, even if they’ve been retired for some time. There are many reasons to work in retirement such as topping up your income, paying off debts, or remaining active. However, it could also push you into a higher tax bracket. Learn more about working in retirement and what you can earn.

3. Become a volunteer

Retired people have a wealth of knowledge and skills to offer the voluntary sector. From getting involved with a youth club or sports organisation to helping at the local wildlife centre, volunteering lets you give something back to your community, build new relationships, develop new skills, and remain active. Many charities and community groups will welcome the extra help and support, and passing on your expertise can make a positive difference to people’s lives. Volunteer Now offers guidance and advice on volunteering and the opportunities available in your area.

4. Learn new skills

Whether working towards a qualification or purely for fun, retirement provides ample opportunity to learn new skills. Perhaps you’re keen to learn a new language or instrument, improve at gardening, or take a cookery course, you’ll have plenty of time to practice when you finally give up work. Learning can also be a great way to relax and socialise, and you don’t have to work toward a formal qualification either. Free courses are readily available online or from local learning hubs, providing a vast selection of topics and subjects that could pique your interest.

5. Become a personal coach or mentor

You’re likely to have accumulated plenty of skills and experiences by the time you give up work. Rather than let these strengths go to waste, people often put them to good use when considering what to do in retirement by becoming a personal coach or mentor. Not only can this help you remain active and involved in your local community, but you’ll also be able to further develop your skills while helping others achieve their own personal goals.

6. Move to a new home

Relocating to a new area or closer to family is a popular choice with many retired people. Perhaps you’ve always dreamt of a home by the sea or a cottage in the hills? Retirement can be a golden opportunity to achieve life’s goals by moving to a new home. If you’re considering accessing money tied up in your property to fund your retirement or allow you relocate, downsizing or equity release are two common options.

7. Travel the world

Is a visit to Niagara Falls top of your bucket list? Perhaps you’re desperate to see the Taj Mahal, or the ancient ruins of Athens. Now that you’re retired you will have more time and flexibility to fulfil your lifetime’s ambitions and travel extensively. Whether home or abroad, retirement offers ample opportunity to explore new places. Just make sure you organise the right travel insurance if you’re travelling with a medical condition such as a heart condition, joint problems, or any type of cancer.

8. Get a pet

When it comes to what to do in retirement, getting a pet is one of the most common solutions. If you’ve worked your entire career in an office, having a dog or cat may not have been a practical option previously. However, now that you’re retired, you’ll have more time to devote to a four-legged friend. Perhaps you could rescue a cat or dog and give it a new home? Not only will this provide love and companionship, but regular walks are a great way to exercise and keep you active. Also, studies show that caring for a pet can be beneficial to mental health.

9. Develop a routine

If you’re used to getting up early to catch the daily commuter train to work, you may find that you’re suddenly at a loss for things to do in retirement. Developing a routine can help you stay focused and create a structure in your day. That could be anything from getting up at the usual time to eating lunch when you’re used to having it. Also, planning activities and hobbies like voluntary work, gardening, personal learning, or seeing friends can give you a purpose and keep you busy.

What to do in retirement: next steps

To get the most from your retirement you’ll need to be emotionally and financially prepared. Whether you’re looking to maximise your pensions or release equity from your property, seeking professional pension and retirement advice will help you plan for the future and achieve the lifestyle you want. Contact us today and speak to one of our experts about your retirement options.