Retirement hobbies, a key part of every retirement plan

Retirement hobbies

One would think, that retirement hobbies would not require a lot of thought nor effort for a successful retirement plan.

However, successful retirement planning often overlooks this important fact... For some people work has not left any time for hobbies.

This leads to statements like "when I retire I'm not going to do a thing" or "whatever I please" in answer to the question..." What are you going to do when you retire?"

For the retiree that has many interests, sports and recreational interests... This is not a problem.

I am continually amazed by people working "regular" jobs in their 60s and 70s... Don't laugh there are not just a few folks that fit in this category.

Why hobbies in retirement are crucial to a successful retirement

Since I find that so many people respond like "Retire? Retire and do what?... Work is all I know".

If work is all you know I would not consider retiring until you have identified an outlet... Sport, hobby, interest, travel... For you to pursue when you retire.

If you do not do so, you are a prime candidate for an early grave or stroke... Going from a life of activity to nothing is a recipe for disaster.

Think about it folks...the old adage "you rest, you rust" is true need activity and stimulation on a daily basis.

Don't take this advice from a retiree who retired without a hobby..." Never go to the bank and post office on the same day"... That's just plain sad.

Poor retirement planning

There was a study done by a large aerospace company a few years ago that tracked a group of people that took early retirement at 50 and compared them to those that waited until 65 to retire.

If this study is anywhere near true... It should make those that know nothing but work to stop and think.



Those that retired at 50 lived to be 86...those that retired at 65 mostly did not reach 70... You read it you decide.

What is a good retirement hobby?

The simple answer, it's whatever you enjoy. Do not fall into the trap of taking up golf or hunting unless you truly enjoy golf or hunting.

If you take up a hobby or activity because of peer pressure, or because the spouse thinks it should be good for you...the new hobby or activity may be harmful rather than relaxing.

Unless you really want to do something, the new hobby, may seem like work.

Volunteering may be a good retirement hobby for you

If you are one of those rare people, that just has to be doing something that appears productive... Try volunteering.

Check what you might be able to do at your local church... Try the local food bank... Be a hospital volunteer... Drive the elderly to doctors appointments... Meals on Wheels...teach...etc.

Look beyond traditional retirement hobbies

If golf, fishing would bore you... You may have to go outside the box. How about writing, there are many opportunities, especially online... Start blogging... Share your life experiences with others.

How to start?... Do a Google search on whatever word comes to your mind that is of interest to you... Listen to yourself not others... And you to can find a retirement hobby that will enable you to enjoy your retirement for a long time.

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