10/22/2024
The most important thing you can do in retirement is build and maintain a robust social life. Whether you're staying where you are or moving across the country, there are lots of ways to keep yourself busy. If you're retired and aren't getting out of the house at least 2 or 3 days per week and interacting with others, you may be at risk for social isolation and depression. Here are a few ideas that my retired clients have shared with me...
Create a social calendar and stick to it: A lot of retirees have so much free time they don't know what to do with themselves. Putting something on the calendar that you can look forward to week after week, month after month, will help you stay active. Make Tuesday at 3pm the day you and a friend go to a happy hour. How about Thursday evenings at 7pm, you go see a movie or see live music? Maybe every Saturday morning, you go to your favorite spot for brunch at 10am. There's plenty to do and plenty of time to get it all done.
Join groups or clubs: Find groups that align with your interests and lifestyle. Book clubs, walking groups, groups for men, groups for women, groups for couples, groups for singles; cooking and wine classes are super popular, too.
Volunteer: Volunteering can help you connect with others who share your values and really give you a sense of purpose. Some of the most popular are volunteering at grandkids schools, local libraries, hospitals, and nursing homes.
Take classes: You never stop learning, even in retirement. Learning another language, learning to paint, play an instrument, yoga, pottery, and gardening are the most popular.
Attend events: There are so many things going around in your town that you've never been able to participate in while you were working 40, 50, 60 hours every week. Now that you have that free time, explore where you live! You'd be surprised at how much there is to do...and lots of times, it's free!
Travel: This seems like a given, since everyone talks about how they can't wait to retire and travel the world. Unfortunately, according to AAA, a whopping 75% of retirees don't visit anywhere new once retired. Don't be that person. You didn't work hard all your life to sit home and watch trashy reality TV for the next 20 years. Get up and go somewhere...anywhere!
Live in a retirement community: Many people - especially those moving south from up north - decided to live in retirement communities due to the social activities. It's a great way to meet new people, make new friends, and stay active.
Social isolation is a real thing and can be a health risk factor during retirement. An active social life can help you stay active both physically and emotionally, helping to prevent depression and other mental health issues.