Many of us look forward to retirement as a time where we will be able to fully live life on our own terms, and for good reason. It can be one of the most fulfilling chapters of life.
If you’ve recently retired and are no longer navigating the demands of full-time work or raising a family, you may be reflecting and asking yourself, “What do I want to do now? What have I been putting off because I’m too busy? What actually lights me up?”
Time is well spent with old friends – and making new ones.
One of the most common questions people ask is, “What will I do in retirement?”
Without the daily structure of work or the hustle and bustle of family life, it can sometimes be difficult to know what to do with all your newfound free time, but it’s your time to focus on you and what you enjoy. After a lifetime of working or caring for others, you’ve earned it.
Keeping active – physically, mentally, and socially – will boost your overall wellbeing, reduce the risk of chronic illness, and enhance your quality of life. From lacing up the tramping boots to creating your own art studio, to learning a new skill, there are many ways to stay engaged.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach:
In New Zealand, retirees have endless opportunities to make the most of this stage of life. From joining local clubs and volunteering to exploring scenic walking tracks, cycling trails, and immersing yourself in arts and culture, there’s something for everyone.
Ready to find your perfect spot? Check out our guide to the best places to retire in New Zealand and start planning your next adventure!
They’ve still got the moves!
Take the quiz to discover activities that match your personality and interests. If more than one option appeals to you, select all the ones that feel most like you.
1. How do you like to spend your free time?
2. What excites you most about retirement?
3. What’s your ideal way to stay active?
4. What is something you’ve always wanted to do?
5. How do you prefer to spend time with friends?
You thrive on excitement and variety and feel happiest when you’re trying something new. This is the time to book some trips or hit the road in an RV – and maybe even jump out of a plane or off the Sky Tower! If you prefer not to travel alone, a great option is to form or join a travel group with other adventure seekers.
You love knowledge, so retirement is the perfect time for you to explore online courses, take swimming lessons, go to some U3A meetings, or learn a language. You could even go to university to gain that qualification you’ve been thinking about for years.
Helping others makes you happy, and there are many volunteer organisations that would benefit from your experience. Some options to consider include business mentorship, fostering for the SPCA, volunteering for a good cause, or conservation projects.
You enjoy peaceful activities, and if you can flex your creative muscles, even better. Some retirement activities to consider are contributing to a community garden, taking a yoga class with a friend, or forming your own paint and sip group with friends.
Retirement road tripping with good friends, open roads, and nowhere we have to be.Looking to try something a little more unconventional? Here are some things to do in retirement that you may not have considered before:
Ryman retirement villages are designed to help you live a full, active, and independent life with plenty of opportunities to stay connected and inspired.
Why not come and see for yourself? Visit your nearest Ryman village or call 0800 000 290 to learn more.