Fun Activities to Do After Retirement

An active retirement means engaging in activities that keep you moving and connected with others. This could be anything from fishing to gardening to playing cards with friends, to singing in the church choir and volunteering at a local organization. Our later years are a great time to explore new hobbies and revisit old passions that we might have pushed to the wayside while working on a career or raising children. The key to staying active is to find the things you love to do and the people you love to do them with.

Take Some Trips

Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a day trip or a vacation to visit family, adventure is restorative for the heart and soul. And for seniors, there’s no better time to go than now. Not only because you have the time, but also because travel is good for your physical and mental health. It’s time to create your bucket list, or travel to-do list. It can be as simple as planning an outing to the orchestra or the art museum, an excursion to the local park or the zoo, or a special trip to the Sunday matinee. If you don’t want to travel alone, consider senior-only trips. Not everyone can afford an extended trip and you may prefer traveling with friends or family. You don’t have to go on a big trip or plan an expensive vacation to have an adventure. It could be the simple pleasure of discovering a new restaurant in your own neighborhood or spending the day experiencing a cultural event in a neighboring town.

At Copeland Oaks, you will find that we offer a number of exciting off-site trips and an activities calendar full of musical and theatrical performances and social engagements.

Find a Fulfilling Part Time Job or Volunteer

If you’re seeking a more structured routine, consider taking a part-time job that offers pay and enough free time to pursue leisure activities and family life. Or consider volunteering for an organization you believe in or for a cause you care about. Seniors have spent a lifetime learning important skills and acquiring valuable experience that can be passed on to younger generations. With additional time on their hands many older adults become an important asset to civic and community groups as an active volunteer. And volunteering has proven to improve both the physical and mental health of seniors. In fact, research shows that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for those 65 and older. According to The National Institute on Aging, participating in meaningful social activities like volunteering can improve longevity, mental health, and reduce the risk of dementia. 

Enjoy Your Hobbies

Hobbies are an important part of life at every age. They can enrich your life and allow you to explore your talents. They’re a great stress reliever that can also help boost your immune system. Hobbies help seniors stay active, connect with friends, and socialize. Plus, they can offer an important sense of accomplishment. 

Copeland Oaks also offers many ways to actively pursue hobbies and get involved in social activities. Our creativity center, woodworking shop, game rooms, computer lab and activity areas give you the opportunity to spend time doing what you enjoy – either by yourself or with a group. A beauty/barber shop, sundries and gift shop, library, chapel, and on-site transportation make it easy to go on shopping trips and attend special events.

Learn New Things

It’s important to keep the brain active as we grow older. Lifelong learning can help seniors enhance mental and intellectual wellness. A study from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that seniors who were involved in higher learning throughout their lives showed a marked delay in the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms. Master classes, auditing courses at local colleges and online learning offer ample opportunities to challenge yourself, keep your mind sharp and perhaps even earn a degree. 

Copeland Oaks has joined the Senior Learning Network, a virtual learning program that allows participants to learn from programs all around the world, right in the comfort of their villa, apartment, or our Bennett Auditorium.

Copeland Oaks

Looking for a new place to call home? One that includes plenty of activities, exciting travel and a chance to explore new hobbies? Consider visiting Copeland Oaks. Our beautiful, serene campus is full of active seniors enjoying their retirement. Schedule a visit or contact us today to find out more information.