Posted in Triplett & Carothers on July 5, 2021

Ever known people who couldn’t manage to retire? They quit their jobs the moment they turned 65, but a few months later, they were back and working part-time at the same desk. If anyone asked, they would sigh and say, “I just can’t sit in my recliner and watch baseball all day.”

If you’re in a busy career, you probably think people like that are nuts. After all, you’d love to sit in a recliner and watch baseball all day. But many retirees find out that the need for a life plan doesn’t stop when you turn 65. Here are some ideas regarding things to do when you finally have all the time in the world.

• Volunteer. If you’ve ever said to an organizer, “I’d love to volunteer with your group, but I just don’t have the time,” well, you’re out of excuses. Volunteering on a regular part-time basis can give you the same kind of social circle you once had at work, and the purpose of working for a worthy cause. You might consider joining Americorps’s Senior Corps, which provides a number of volunteer opportunities.
• Travel. It’s been said that no one has both the time and the money to travel. However, you may find that your retirement income will get you farther than you think — literally! Check out destinations with senior discounts, such as America’s national parks, or adventure in budget-friendly areas such as South Africa or Southeast Asia. Even if you think you’re too old to backpack through India or sleep in hostels, you may find that adventure is out there and it’s affordable.
• Join a club. Social clubs for seniors are on the rise, thanks to websites such as Meetup and Facebook Groups. But you can just as easily join one the old-fashioned way, through a religious or community center. Whether you want to spend your free time on game nights, crafts, book discussions, or exercise, there’s a fair chance there are seniors in your area who would love to keep you company.
• Go back to work. Yes, we said it. Maybe your coworker who never managed to quit had the right idea. Returning to your job on a part-time basis is a great way to stay in touch with your old circle of friends and give your days some structure, without any of the stress you used to have about managing your career or vying for promotions. Plus, you get paid.

When you daydream about retirement after a busy day of work, chances are you’re thinking about things such as not setting your alarm or never having to crowd onto another rush-hour train. But sooner or later, you’ll have to plan out what you will do with the next stage of your life. Whatever you decide you want, you’ll finally have the time to make it a reality.

Reach out to Roz Carothers and her team at Triplett & Carothers to learn more.

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