As explained previously, we can now look forward to an extended lifetime after retirement; and perhaps you have decided that you will not use it to bail out your children and their offspring, or in working part-time, accumulating more money, or in DIY repairs on your home, so what will you do?
In the earlier years you were expected to get an education, then to work to support yourself and, for most people, to raise and educate children. But, by retirement, these obligations are fulfilled. Now what will you do? There is an urgent need for a service, based on evidence from research yet to be done, to provide advice on how to live a worthwhile and fulfilling retirement. There is plenty of advice, in the form of books and talks, on how to be successful at work, to maintain relationships, and how to rear happy families, but little on what to do in retirement.
My suggestions are very basic, and you can accept or reject them as you will:
1. As in previous years, pay attention to maintaining the health of both body and mind (exercise, medical check-ups, mental challenges).
2. Look for opportunities to use your knowledge and experience (volunteering, teaching)
3. Explore those areas of interest that you had to put aside previously (education, creative hobbies)
4. Aim for a balance of personal fulfillment, community involvement and contact with family and friends
5. Maintain and increase your social contacts
Retirement is yours to live in any way you decide. It can be a time for relaxation and pleasure; for education and personal development; exploring your creativity; giving back to community; helping the disadvantaged; enhancing the environment; supporting a political philosophy; working for a charity; helping immigrants and refugees; voluntary work in a museum, library or theatre, and so on. Anything is possible: all it takes for a successful retirement is careful thought.
Renaissance not Retirement 