10 ways to beat retirement boredom

The ads on television make retirement look great – a luxury beachfront condo or a yachting adventure around the world would certainly be nice!  But as retirement looms closer as a reality and not a fantasy, many start to worry about what will really happen.  Will you be bored, lonely, or apathetic? There’s no reason to think so. Many retired people say they are busier than they were before they left work – particularly without work as a reason to turn down commitments. 

Here are some ways that people continue to be involved, to learn, and to grow – well after the retirement party!

1) Volunteer
Volunteering can be a great way to stave off both boredom and isolation.  Many organizations offer interesting and flexible volunteer positions that make use of individual skills and experience, and keep your own personal goals and needs in mind.  From mentoring to activist roles there’s a position out there for you.  Choose an organization that matches your beliefs and interests, and start by volunteering for a single event or project to see if it’s a good fit. Don’t be afraid to set limits on your time or to explain your goals – today’s volunteers armore demanding than ever before, and many organizations are happy to work with you to be sure your experience is a positive one. The Volunteer Canada website (http://www.volunteer.ca/) has lots more information on how to get involved in your community.

2) Learn
This may be the best time to start pursuing those interests you have never had time to explore.  Many of Canada’s post-secondary institutions offer reduced or even free tuition to seniors over 65 years of age (or 60 years in some cases), provided that they still meet the requirements or prerequisites for each course.  Others go a step further and offer specialized programs for seniors, such as the Seniors Program at Simon Fraser University (http://www.sfu.ca/seniors/).

There are also a number of courses offered at the community level – computer classes and language classes, for example.  A good place to look for these is through your local library.

3) Take up a new hobby
It may be a bit of a cliche, but many retirees still find that they finally have time to devote to their favourite hobbies – which often become a vocation all their own.  Whether it’s quilting, gardening, woodworking, birding, or cooking, there’s nothing like having the time to perfect one’s art and complete various projects.  You can get started through your local craft or hobby shop. In some areas there are resources like a woodworking co-operative – where you pay a fee and have access to a studio full of professional quality tools – guilds, or just informal groups that like to get together and gab about a common passtime.  There are also many mailing lists over the Internet where people trade sources and ideas for projects or new techniques.  And right here on 50Plus.com we have a hobbies forum (http://discuss.50plus.com)

4) Meet new fitness goals
If you’ve always wanted to run a marathon but have never had time to train, now’s the time to get started.  If you have any health concerns you may want to check with your doctor first, but many seniors find themselves catching a second wind with regard to fitness.  Many also take up a new discipline or sport, like yoga or ice skating.  Check with your local community or recreation centre for classes specifically geared to seniors.

5) Uncover your roots
Retirement can be a great time to get in touch with your past – and even create a legacy for your family.  This is the time to start researching geneology and make a collection of family stories and memorabilia. It’s also a great excuse for getting in touch with family in the present – and you never know who will become your research partner in tracking down yet another branch of the family tree. 

6) Travel
Travel is a goal for many retirees.  There are many options from which to choose, from guided tours to a year or more spent on the road in a recreational vehicle.  You can explore continents away – or stick close to home and become an expert on getaways in your area.  Make use of off-season discounts or be adventurous and try something like a home exchange program – for an example of how such a program works check out http://www.homelink.ca/.

7) Work again – part time
Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean that you can’t still choose to work.  Many seniors find that a part-time job allows them to make use of their skills – or develop new ones.  Teaching a hobby or consulting can allow for flexible hours – you don’t have to commit beyond the next class or current project.  It can also add to your financial stability – just be sure to check on the tax and pension implications.

8) Reconnect with others
One of the best things about having enough time is that you can finally get back in touch with old chums and far-flung family members.  You can build or rebuild a social network and keep interesting people with new ideas in your life.  The Internet has also opened up a whole new way of finding old friends and making new friends. You can use a facility like Canada 411 (http://www.canada411.com) to track down addresses, or search a site like Classmates.com (http://www.classmates.com) for old familiar faces.  You can also join discussion forums, email lists, and email pen pal groups to make new friends, across the world or right next door.

9) Become a critic
You don’t have to literally become a critic – although you could see if your community newspaper is looking for one – but you can decide to hone your taste by exploring the delights of wine, dining, books, movies, or music.  Remember the last time an author really caught your attention? Retirement’s the time to start tracking down and enjoying artists or experiences that you haven’t had the luxury to fully enjoy.

10) Appreciate what you have
And finally, one way to stop feeling bored is to take a look at what’s become routine with fresh eyes.  Rekindle that spark in your marriage, or find a way to show your best friend how much she means to you.  Train your pet a new way, or redecorate the home you already have.  Bake extra bread and cookies and share with neighbours and friends. Take walks in your neighbourhood and stop to smell the roses. Whatever it is that you’re doing, there’s a lot of potential for joy right there!