Several people dread the day when they would retire from work. It makes them feel like they won’t have anything to do, nothing to keep them busy through the day or the week. While this is true to an extent, what you will do in the years after that doesn’t have to be that melodramatic or self-pitying either.
There are hundreds of things that can help you keep yourself busy post-retirement. Instead of looking at this phase of life as dull or boring, you must think of it as the golden period that you had been waiting for. Think about it… you spent more than half of your life studying and then working hard to earn money and settle down. Well, now is the time to take a backseat and enjoy the little joys of life.
5 activities that seniors can do to make good use of their free time
Here is a list of things to do in the abundance of time you find yourself having:
1. Read, listen, watch
Read your preferred types of content! From magazines and storybooks to novels and newspapers, there is no dearth of written content out there. All you need to do is find a library near you and get re-addicted to reading your favourite books. With the digital explosion, you can even access infinite free content online. If you are musically inclined, there is nothing quite like sitting in a comfortable chair and listening to your favourite music albums and artists, having a cup of chai and losing the track of time. With the influx of thousands of television channels and the recent flood of online streaming, you can catch up on old and new audio-visual content on TV or online, from films and series to animated movies and old classics.
2. Pursue your passion
We are sure you had a passion that you could not dedicate enough time as you were busy working and managing your family. What is stopping you from pursuing your passion now? Whether it is music, dance, painting, sketching, cooking, gardening, knitting, or any other activity or art form that you have your heart set on, now is the time to pursue it with complete devotion and enthusiasm. Enrol in a class if that is what it takes to brush up on your skills. Since you might not have too many other responsibilities, you can give your passion enough time and effort and who knows – you might end up creating something incredible!
3. Play mind-stimulating games
Everyone loves playing games. Intricately-designed board games, complex jigsaw puzzles, creative riddles, and brain-stimulating activities like solving Sudoku or crossword puzzles can kindle your thought process and improve your memory. While these activities are primarily recommended to seniors because they help improve the brain functioning and cognitive abilities, we strongly endorse them because they are a whole lot of fun, too!
4. Socialize by attending community events
Whether it is a get-together for a festival or a regular community event on a Sunday, indulging in social activities can really help you bond with new people and forge relationships with like-minded people. Old age can get quite lonely especially for those who live alone. Depression or isolation can turn into your worst enemy. We suggest partaking in any interesting events happening in the vicinity, so you keep yourself engaged and also end up making some great friends.
5. Visit places that make you happy
No matter what city or town you live in, India is so rich and diverse that you are bound to find interesting places to visit in your free time. Whether you are a history buff or a person who likes hanging out amongst nature’s beauty, we are sure you will find places that will help you relax and de-stress. Get all the details about the historical monuments, bird sanctuaries, joggers’ parks and gardens that are closest to where you live and then plan a visit to your preferred places (possibly on a weekday, when they won’t be overcrowded). You can spend your day admiring the marvellous architecture or simply soaking in the greenery around you!
While these are just a few ideas to help you get started on your journey into the 60s and 70s, there are several other options that you can explore. For sports enthusiasts, there is nothing quite like the joy of indulging in a sporting activity or going for a swim. For those who wish to give back to society, you can think of volunteering for an NGO near you. For the creative souls, you could even consider starting your own blog (or writing a book) where you can revisit the experiences you have had in life.
Bryan Adams reminisces the best days of his life in a popular song, but trust us, you can make these the best days of your lives! All it takes is a little bit of introspection and self-motivation.
