ideas that can enrich your life in retirement. Here's the list...
- Take up a hobby you never had time for
I have vivid memories of my late grandmother doing crochet till almost the last week of her life. And that memory is actually a great one because she seemed so content and absorbed in what she was doing. Till today, I see her handiwork around the house and there's a knot in my throat and a prayer in my heart for her.
Retirement is really the best time to use your free hours in pursuing a hobby of your choice. It could be gardening, Sudoku, knitting, painting, pottery, singing, writing or anything you have a flair for. Your hobby will not just keep you occupied, you may even be able to make some pocket money selling what you create... and your creations will ultimately make you immortal. - Work part-time and continue to make some money
You've just finished a long innings working and building a career and this advice may seem ironic, but the beauty of a part-time job is that you can choose the number of hours you wish to work in the day. It's a great option for seniors who are highly strung and still have more to give professionally. It allows them a less structured way to contribute to the workforce.
You can explore the options of being a consultant, taking tuitions at home, blogging or copyrighting which are lucrative and can be done from your desk, lecturing at nearby colleges or reinventing your skills for another industry. You can also consider starting a small business of your own, this will help you use all the knowledge gained in your career as well as add some entrepreneurial skills to your bouquet. - Travel to places you've always wanted to go to
Were you often sitting at your desk surfing pictures of far and exotic places... blue seas, high mountains, clear skies, never-ending deserts, gush waterfalls... Well, now you have the time and the money to check them out in person.
Almost everyone's bucket list has some must-see places on it, so take yours out, open your atlas or Google your favourite destination, find the best deal online and get ready to pack your bags for the place of your dreams. Of course, be practical and do what your health permits, but don't hesitate too much as life is really too short to ponder over the negatives. - Join groups that have similar interests like you
Being alone really doesn't add much to your life. Especially in the older days, it can lead to heightened feelings of loneliness and depression. To avoid leading a solitary existence, join different clubs and groups. The other day I addressed a Rotary Club meeting in the city and it was great to see so many senior citizens eagerly listen to my views on social media.
Many such opportunities are available nowadays, there is a group for almost every area of interest. If you're a wine or cigar aficionado, find out which groups in your city help you pursue that; if you're an avid reader, join a reading club and if you like bridge, join a bridge group. - Volunteer your time and expertise
Volunteering is particularly popular among seniors. They have time, don't need to work for the money anymore but would like to impart their skills to the lesser privileged. With age and wisdom behind you, NGOs generally look at silvers as pillars to further their cause.
So look up options near your home, find an NGO whose cause you can relate to and see how much time you would like to give it. You can even start your own cause and impact a few people in your own small way. But make it a regular habit and you will see huge benefits... your life will get enriched manifold by all the lives you've touched through it. - Stay connected with people of all ages
An aunt of mine in her 80s picks up the phone and talks to almost everyone in our family. It's amazing but she can talk to just about anyone of any age and listen to them patiently. What's more she is genuinely concerned about everyone's well-being. Her qualities not only keep the family together, but her qualities also keep her mind younger and more alert.
When you're older, it becomes even more important to know what people younger than you are thinking. If you listen to them without judging them, you may just guide them to take paths that are more suited for their growth. So interact, inquire, be curious about new trends and stay connected with people of all age groups. - Don't hesitate to fall in love again
This is one idea which comes out very strongly from the Marigold Hotel movies and I actually feel it's a great one, because there's no reason that you need to be alone in your golden years. In fact, there's a host of dating and even matrimonial sites for senior citizens.
After all, everyone has a right to love, no matter what age. At times it's difficult to start over, especially if you carry the memories of a late spouse or partner. But the truth is, as long as we live we love... and sharing all the love you have with someone special is just the next step.
So smell the roses once again, wake up with a smile and rejoice in the rays of a new morning. Life has only just begun in retirement... it's up to you how you wish to live it up!
By Ritika Bajaj
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