10 of the most popular ways to spend time in retirement

When you work with us at Britannic Place, we always start with your goals for the future. That way, we can design a personalised financial plan that uses your wealth to help you achieve what you want out of life.

The trouble is, it can sometimes be difficult to take that first step and figure out what you want to do with your free time in retirement.

So, read on to discover 10 of the most popular ways for you to spend your time in your later years.

1. Explore your local area

During your working life, your local area can become just part of the scenery. But there are no doubt many hidden wonders sitting right on your doorstep, from fantastic restaurants to scenic views, that you’ve never had the chance to explore.

That’s why one great way to spend time in retirement is to fully enjoy everything your local area has to offer.

You could search the internet to find the most popular things to do, or simply stick some walking shoes on and go for a wander to discover the best that your area has to offer.

2. Volunteer for a cause that means a lot to you

From charities to sports clubs, non-profit organisations are always on the lookout for willing volunteers looking to lend a hand. Retirement offers you the opportunity to give back to such causes that mean something to you.

This could be a charity that’s had a profound impact on your family, or simply an organisation that you’ve been a member of and benefited from over the years.

Volunteering can also be great for your sense of purpose and wellbeing as it often revolves around shift work. This can define your free time, giving your days and weeks a bit more structure.

3. Pick up a new hobby or learn a new skill

Hobbies and similar skilled undertakings can fall away as a priority during your working life. So, retirement is the perfect opportunity to catch up on all those skills and hobbies you wish you’d had time for.

This could be absolutely anything you’ve always wanted to do. For example, you could learn how to:

• Brew your own beer or make your own wine
• Play a musical instrument
• Speak a new language.

Learning something new like this can be a great way to keep your mind active, too.

4. Travel to places you’ve always wanted to see

One of the most popular choices of all, travel is a favourite of retirees. Using your time to explore parts of the world you’ve always wanted to see is hugely fulfilling, especially as the options for what you can do and where you can go are almost endless.

You don’t just have to choose the “standard” retirement options of cruises and country houses, either. In fact, according to the Guardian, many retirees are choosing to “rough it”, interrailing around Europe and other similar destinations instead.

Wherever you decide to go, retirement is a chance to see parts of the world you’ve always dreamed of.

5. Start a small business

If you were a business owner in your career, letting go of the working lifestyle can be difficult. So, why not start a new, smaller venture in retirement?

Starting a small business from home can offer you that sense of drive and purpose that you might be missing from your days in the office.

You might even be able to turn a hobby into a money-making venture. For example, if you enjoy activities such as baking or carpentry, you could consider selling your products at craft shows and town fairs.

Of course, as you’re already retired, you won’t need to worry about formal elements such as turnover and cash flow. Try to take a light-hearted, positive approach to the business so it doesn’t become a grind.

6. Start an allotment

If you’ve always found pleasure in growing fruits and vegetables at home, you could consider starting an allotment.

As allotments tend to require a lot of hard work, they can present a terrific long-term project for passionate gardeners who relish a challenge.

There are few greater joys than tucking into fruits and vegetables grown with your own hand. You can enjoy these moments even more in retirement.

7. Keep physically active

While retirement is often seen as a time to slow down, it’s still highly important to stay physically active. That’s why you should build in time to exercise into your retirement plan.

Cycling, swimming, and walking are highly popular ways for retirees to exercise, as these can have a lower impact on your bones and joints than running or going to the gym.

Similarly, golf is also a common choice, as 18 holes out in the fresh air can do wonders for keeping you in shape.

Exercise is well-known to have a positive impact on both your mental and physical health, too.

8. Spend time with family and friends

Retirement can lead you to lose some of your regular social interactions, whether that’s colleagues in the workplace or the staff you see every morning at your favourite coffee shop. So, remember to prioritise time to socialise in retirement.

Spending time with family should be near the top of your list. If you have children, arrange to see them regularly. And if you have grandchildren, the offer of your babysitting services will no doubt be gratefully taken.

Create time to see friends, too, whether that’s setting aside an entire evening for a meal at a restaurant or just a quick trip to the pub.

9. Get a new pet

Introducing a new, furry member to the family can be a wonderful and fun thing to do in retirement. Having a pet can offer hours of entertainment, as well as giving you a companion to spend time with.

Animals can be great for building routine without work. For example, dogs often develop their own schedule, needing to be fed and walked at similar times every day. In turn, this can offer you some much-needed structure to your day.

On the other hand, you might want a pet that presents less of a commitment. In that case, something like a cat or even a guinea pig could be a better option. You’ll still be able to enjoy the satisfaction of caring for an animal, but without the fixed commitment that can come with pet ownership.

10. Join a new social organisation

Whether it’s a sports club, choir, or a regular pub quiz, consider finding a new social organisation to take part in.

Joining an organisation like this combines many of the other activities already on this list: it provides the social aspect of regularly seeing people you know, while also giving you the opportunity to learn or practise a skill.

There will be many of these organisations in your local area. Simply find one that you think you’ll enjoy and go along for a taster session to see if it’s for you.

Speak to us

At Britannic Place, we’ll always start with the things that you want to achieve in retirement, and design a financial plan that uses your wealth to support these.

Email info@britannicplace.co.uk or call 01905 419890 today to find out how we can help you live the kind of retirement lifestyle you want.