6 Life Changes for Bored Seniors

Retirement is something we work hard towards for around 40 years. But when it eventually dawns upon us it can leave some seniors feeling a bit lost, bored or restless.

That said, retirement does bring you a new sense of freedom and opportunity. So, if you find yourself treading water in the days, months or years after giving up work, it is worth making some changes to your lifestyle to provide you with some purpose, passion and fulfilment.

Here are six things you can do to rediscover your lust for life.

1. Take up a new hobby

One of the best things to do in your retirement years is to take up a new hobby. Throughout your working life, and especially if you are a parent, there is a fair chance you weren’t able to spend time doing interests and activities that you really wanted to you.

Therefore, there is no time like the present to make up for it. Whether it’s painting, gardening, photography, or learning a musical instrument, taking up a hobby can provide a sense of excitement and accomplishment and a meaningful way to spend your days.

If you aren’t sure what you fancy doing, type ‘new hobby into Google’. You might be surprised at the sheer number of what fun and engaging activities you can be doing.

2. Go back to university

For many seniors, the need to engage their brains is paramount in their retirement years. For this reason, an increasing number of older people are choosing to enrol in a university course.

Whether you decide to attend lectures in person at your local university or study online with institutions like UNSW is up to you. However, there are plenty of subjects you can choose to read including everything from art and design and agriculture and environment to bakery science and horology.

3. Become more active

As you get older, and especially in your retirement years it is important to stay active. That is because regular exercise is essential for maintaining your physical and mental well-being.

For this reason, you should try and engage in moderate physical activity every day. This could take many forms, including jogging, walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, tai chi and dancing.

Not only does this get you out of the house, but it also goes a long way towards improving your flexibility, strength, and balance.

4. Be more social

One of the hardest aspects of retirement for many people is the social isolation they can experience.

Whereas they might have interacted with several people a day during their working lives, in their golden years, particularly for those who live alone or do not have their children or family with them, it can lead to feelings of boredom and loneliness. Subsequently, it is a good idea to catch up with people and enjoy some human contact.

Within your local community there are several social clubs, gatherings and groups that are designed to help people mingle and forge new friendships. This could be at your local church group, men’s shed, women’s group or even the library. It is a good idea to attend a few of these to widen your social network.

5. Get a pet

If you are a bit on the shy side but would like some company, consider getting a pet.

A cat or a dog can bring immense joy, companionship, and purpose into anyone’s life and also provide plenty of unconditional love and companionship.

What could be better than cuddling up with Fido or Kitty whilst watching TV?

Also, dogs need walking, so will provide you with an extra incentive to get out and about.

6. Travel

Your retirement years are one of the best times of your life to travel as you are free from the restrictions of work. So, why not tick off all of those places on your bucket list that you have been meaning to go to.

Depending on your finances, the world is your oyster. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose to cruise around the Caribbean, trek across the Andes or explore the wonders of Western Australia, travelling is a fantastic way for seniors to broaden their horizons, get out of their comfort zones and discover the beauty of the world beyond their local community.