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Retiring from work gives you time to focus on things you enjoy, such as staying active…

People’s expectations of retirement have changed a lot in recent years. Gone are the days when the focus was on slowing down and having a well-earned rest. Today, with increased wealth and better health, retirement is seen as a new and exciting stage of life, with the opportunity to enjoy new experiences. This has given rise to the idea of an active retirement—not just physically active, but mentally too. And there is growing evidence that the more active you are, the more likely you are to be happy, healthy and maintain your independence.

You could build an enjoyable routine around a simple activity such as a morning walk. There are fantastic walking trails around the Nepean River and the Lakes. Or take up golf (did you know that there are 10 golf courses within 15 kilometres of Penrith?) or go for a bike ride with some friends. Is there something you always wanted to learn but never got around to? This is your chance to do it, or take up a hobby or polish an old skill. If you’re planning a trip overseas, why not learn some of the language first? Learning a new language has been shown to be particularly stimulating for the brain and may even help delay the onset of dementia.

Another activity many retired people find both stimulating and rewarding is volunteering. You may have skills that a community group or organisation would really value–getting involved with their committees could also help you make the transition from work into retirement. You could even teach a community based course and pass on some skills.

We haven’t even touched on arts and crafts and hundreds of other things. The secret is to do things you find stimulating and enjoyable–after all, you’re doing this for you!