You have finally reached that lofty goal set by the United States Government: retirement is finally here! What do you do now? After all those years focused on work, everything else gets pushed aside for after retirement. What were all of those things? Here are a few tips to help you find your passion post-retirement (or just closer to retirement).
Continue working. I know, it seems counterintuitive. However, some people need a job to continue to have a purpose. But this time, find a job that you want to do and enjoy. Don’t choose a job for the money. As an example, possibly you have always loved animals but worked in the business world. Perhaps you will take a part-time job at the humane society or a vet office. Maybe you can work at a local farm caring for the animals there. Or, if you are an empty nester, perhaps you can house/dog/cat sit.
Invest in your friendships. Take this time to have all of those lunches, dinners, and coffees that you never had the time for before. Put a weekly meeting on your calendar with your friends and make sure that you follow through. When someone mentions something that they would like to do, put it on the calendar. Make a plan and follow through. Take that trip to New York to see a Broadway Show. Visit the waterfalls in Tennessee. Go see the Grand Canyon for yourself and ride a donkey to the bottom.
Practice compassion. Compliment a stranger, do a good deed for someone else (without seeking recognition), SMILE. These small gestures can change the course of an entire day for the recipient. It will also give you a sense of happiness.
Find joy everywhere. This is a little continuation of the previous item. Search for joy in the mundane. Enjoy a cup of coffee while the beautiful snow is falling (and you don’t have to go out in it). Take notice of the bird at the feeder outside your window. Watch the squirrels chase each other. Slow down, smell the roses – literally. Take the time to truly enjoy the beauty all around and the small joys that can be found every day.
Get active. This can mean different things for different people. This doesn’t have to mean exercising or even actual movement. It can be taking part in an exercise group, taking a walk, or going to the gym. These types of activities can be good for your body and your mind. Many groups are welcome to those who may need chair exercises or are restricted. They are happy that you are there and moving in some way. Being active can also mean participating in an athletic activity such as golf, frisbee golf, bowling, or pickleball. It can also be still activities such as cards, board games, puzzles, participating in the library murder mystery dinner, or going to the theater.
Get creative. Some people have a knack for the arts. Perhaps a crafter who can create a doll from everyday household items. Maybe you are a painter, or quilter, or you can crochet or knit. Maybe you are a musician and can play an instrument or sing. Fine arts, visual or interactive are a great way to express yourself. You may even be able to make a few bucks if you sell those items at a craft fair.
Work with your hands. You may know someone who is a fix-it type of person. They see something broken and figure out a way to repair it to use or maybe even reuse it in a different way. Now is the time to spend investing in your woodworking interest or learning other fix-it skills. Make a birdhouse for the birds you have been watching out the window.
Practice gratitude. Just like working to find joy, take time to practice gratitude. Acknowledge the things that you are thankful for. Share in the pleasure that comes from appreciating the substance that makes your day nicer.
Age gracefully. Show those around you how wonderful aging can be. Focus on the positives that surround you every day. Be a good role model. Aging can come with a number of challenges: increased health issues, increased pain, decreased sleep, and decreased ability to do the things that you once could do. Make sure that you acknowledge these challenges and focus on continuing to enjoy every day.
I remember participating in a weekly horse event as a teenager. There was a 90-year-old gentleman there every week. He would show up, ride his horse, talk with the people involved, and go home. He did it every week. He couldn’t participate in the events any longer, but he still showed up and did what he could do. He never complained. He never had negative things to say. He shared his knowledge. Every week he left with a smile as big as his cowboy hat.
If you need help finding a hobby or connecting with others after retirement, check out CareWell Services’ activities at the Kool Family Community Center or the activities at Heritage Commons Senior Enrichment Center in Marshall or Forks Senior Center in Albion.