When you retire, a whole new world of opportunity can open up. Not having to go to work leaves the days free, and for many of us, it’s the first time we can really make our own rules and schedules.
But while the beckoning freedom means we can pursue hobbies and goals we didn’t have time for before, it can also come with concerns. You might not know how you’ll fill your days once you’ve retired, or maybe you worry about becoming bored or isolated.
Yet, the beauty of retired life is that it’s not static, and you can adapt your days to whatever you’re interested in at that moment. Retirement is a new chapter of life and an opportunity for you to try different things, do what you love, and challenge yourself in new ways.
So, if you’re looking for inspiration, here are 22 brilliant retirement ideas for any age.
22 brilliant retirement ideas for any age
1. Write a book
Writing a book is a dream that many of us share, and the reason most people haven’t done it yet is simply because they haven’t had the time. So, now you do have some extra hours on your hands, why not focus on making this dream a reality?
Whether it’s writing a novel, a non-fiction book, or a memoir, almost everyone has a book in them – you just need passion and discipline.
If you’ve always dreamed of being a published author, you might want to read our guide; How to write a book and get it published. Or, check out our articles; How to write and publish a cookbook, How to write fiction – 10 tips from famous authors, and How to write short stories.
In our books and literature section, you’ll also find plenty of interviews with best-selling authors, such as Kate Mosse and Tessa Hadley, which contain handy tips for fledgling writers.
2. Grow a garden
Gardening has a multitude of physical and psychological benefits – and nurturing plant life is a fun and relaxing way to spend a few hours. The beauty of gardening is that it comes in many forms: you can grow organic veg, bring a beautiful flower garden to life, or even turn your home into an exotic jungle.
If you don’t have a garden, there are still many plants that grow happily in pots on balconies or windowsills. For more creative ways to make the most of your space, check out our article; 9 tips for gardening in small spaces. Or, if you’d like a bigger gardening area, you could think about applying for an allotment.
Head over to our gardening section for more green-fingered inspiration.
3. Consider joining Oddfellows
If you’re keen to meet people and enjoy being part of a club or group, you might want to check out the Oddfellows*; a network of friendship groups across the UK. The Oddfellows supports almost 40,000 members across its 99 UK branches, many of whom are retired older adults, and they’ve got lots of daytime activities available, as well as volunteering opportunities.
Local Oddfellows branches put on free or inexpensive taster events – such as walks, talks, quizzes, afternoon teas, and online open days – to show newcomers the benefits of joining a friendship group. There’s something for everyone, and they’re always ready to welcome new members along.
Use the button below to find out more.
4. Travel far and wide
Travel is one of the most common retirement goals – and for good reason. Many of us don’t have the time to travel as much as we would like when working, and discovering other countries and cultures is one of life’s joys.
It’s important to remember that you don’t need lots of money to travel. There are many ways to travel cheaply and sometimes even for free.
If you’d like to set off on a globetrotting adventure but are concerned you don’t have the funds, why not read our articles: 8 ways to travel on a shoestring budget and 12 of the cheapest countries to visit in 2024?
You can also browse thousands of travel deals on our website, suitable for a range of budgets.
Free NHS eye tests plus 10% off glasses for over 60s
Booking an appointment online has never been easier, and with a range of offers from 10% off if you’re over 60, 2nd pairs half price & a free NHS eye test if eligible, our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer vision.
5. Explore your own corner of the world
You don’t have to get on a plane to discover new places. The UK is packed with vibrant cities, charming villages, and gorgeous countryside. So what better way to spend your time than by exploring as much of it as you can?
You don’t even need to spend a night away from home. Aside from visiting nearby locations, you can become a tourist in your own town, visiting popular attractions and seeing your local area from a whole new perspective.
For ideas on places to visit in the UK, head over to our travel section. Or browse UK travel deals below.
6. Get involved in music
Many of us are passionate about music and have always wanted to play an instrument. If you never had lessons as a child, you might think that the ship has sailed – but it’s never too late to start learning!
Learning an instrument is fun and fulfilling. Plus, it can help to keep your brain healthy, improve mood and memory, and reduce stress.
Have a read of our article, 7 of the easiest musical talents for adults to learn, to find out which instruments are easiest to pick up. Remember, many lessons can be done digitally, so you don’t even need to leave home to learn. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a social element, you might want to think about joining a choir. There are plenty of community choirs all over the country.
For more ideas about how to introduce more music into your life, head over to our music section or check out the musical events coming up on Rest Less Events.
7. Declutter your home
Many of us have lots of possessions, and when our living space is cluttered it can affect how we feel and cause our minds to feel cluttered too. So, why not give your retirement the best possible start by having a big sort-out?
While you’re decluttering, you might rediscover some old treasures – and you’ll almost certainly find plenty of things to sell or donate.
However, before getting stuck into a decluttering session, you might want to check out our articles: 8 tips for minimalist living and How to declutter and reorganise your home for some advice. And if you’re hoping to earn a bit of extra cash, our guide on making money from your clutter is a great place to start.
8. Get into exercise
Health is wealth, as the saying goes, and your retirement is an excellent time to start prioritising your physical fitness.
Exercise isn’t just good for your body, it’s also great for your mind and can lead to better brain health. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never lifted a weight or gone for a run because there’s an activity, class, or programme out there for everyone, no matter your ability or interest level.
To start off, you could try slowly increasing your daily step count or trying some low-impact exercises. Or why not use your extra time to dive into something new, like martial arts, running, or Pilates?
To find out more about why we should prioritise fitness later in life, you can read our article: The importance of building strength and balance in your 50s and 60s. Or check out the fitness classes on Rest Less Events to start getting fit from home.
Free NHS eye tests plus 10% off glasses for over 60s
Booking an appointment online has never been easier, and with a range of offers from 10% off if you’re over 60, 2nd pairs half price & a free NHS eye test if eligible, our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer vision.
9. Volunteer
Volunteering is one of the best things you can do with your free time. It’s not just a wonderful way to help others and give back to the community, but it’s also incredibly rewarding, confidence-boosting, and a great way to meet new people.
Because volunteering isn’t about money, you can afford to be choosy about what you’d like to do. It’s always good to pick something you’re passionate about – whether that’s working with children, protecting animals, or helping the homeless.
Have a read of our guide on volunteering for over 50s to find out about some of the most popular opportunities available. Or, if you’re interested in volunteering from home, check out our article on volunteering online.
For more inspiration, head over to our volunteering section, or browse volunteer opportunities using the button below.
10. Buy a sports season ticket or club membership
Whether you love football, rugby, or cricket, buying a season ticket can help you get more involved with your favourite sporting teams and communities.
A season ticket will give you access to all regular-season home games, without additional charges, for a set period (for example, a year or a ‘lifetime’). Prices range from around £250 all the way up to £3,500.
Season tickets may seem pricey, but they actually work out cheaper than paying separately for each game. Most will also give you discounts in shops, bars, and restaurants at the match venue and access to member-only areas, among other benefits.
To find out more about season tickets and how to buy them, it’s worth visiting the website of your favourite sports clubs and seeing what’s on offer.
11. Get creative
Getting creative and using the artistic side of your brain has a myriad of benefits. It’s therapeutic, can sharpen your motor skills, improve memory and concentration, and give you a sense of achievement. Plus, learning creative skills is almost always lots of fun.
Just like exercise, there’s a creative pursuit out there for everyone. You can take up photography or knitting, learn to paint or draw, or give carpentry or calligraphy a go – the choice is yours.
If you’re interested in exploring your artistic side but don’t know where to start, head over to our art and culture section. Or browse our range of creative classes and clubs on Rest Less Events.
12. Learn a language
Another great way you can engage the creative side of your brain is by learning a language.
Contrary to popular belief, it’s never too late to learn a new language – and it’ll mean you can break down language barriers in different countries and have the opportunity to meet new people. Plus, learning a new language is excellent for your brain and cognition.
If you’re not sure which language you’d like to learn, you might want to read our articles: 9 most spoken languages that are useful to learn and 6 languages that are easier for English speakers to learn.
Remember, you don’t need to go to actual lessons to learn a language; you can also use apps like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone. Or, if you’d like something a bit more structured, you can browse the upcoming language classes on Rest Less Events.
13. Make new friends
By the time we reach retirement age, many of us have already formed our friendships and tend to socialise with the people we know. But making new friends and widening your circle is a wonderful thing to do, whatever age you are.
Meeting different people exposes us to new experiences and opinions, and making intergenerational friendships can keep us young at heart. Plus, younger people benefit from spending time with people with more life experience, too.
It’s true that making new friends can be more difficult in later life – especially if you’re shy. But hopefully, our articles 12 ways to make new friends and 9 different ways to meet new people can give you some helpful tips.
Free NHS eye tests plus 10% off glasses for over 60s
Booking an appointment online has never been easier, and with a range of offers from 10% off if you’re over 60, 2nd pairs half price & a free NHS eye test if eligible, our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer vision.
14. Downsize
Whether your children have flown the nest or you’d simply prefer a smaller place to look after, downsizing is a great way to free up some time, energy, and money to spend on the things you love in retirement.
You could even think about moving to a different area of the UK. Perhaps you want to be closer to friends and family. Or maybe you’ve always dreamed of living in a lovely seaside town or a quiet country village. If so, retirement is a great time to make the move.
If you’re interested in moving but aren’t sure where to relocate to, you’ll find some inspiration in our articles: 14 of the best places to retire in the UK and 20 happiest places to live in Great Britain.
15. Do up your home
If you’re happy where you live and don’t want to move, there are plenty more ways to mark this new chapter and adapt your surroundings to better fit your new lifestyle. One of our favourites is making home improvements.
Whether it’s installing a new bathroom, upgrading your kitchen, or adding an extension, there are many ways you can improve your home – and boost its market value should you come to sell your property down the line.
To help you get started, why not check out our articles: 18 home decorating ideas and 8 ways to revamp your home for next to nothing?
16. Upcycle
If your home doesn’t need much work – or you don’t have the finances for a big restoration project – you might want to have a go at upcycling.
Upcycling is the act of repurposing old furniture and possessions to give them a second life. Not only is it a great way to save money while giving your home a new look, but it can also help you live more sustainably.
There are many ways you can use upcycling to improve your home. You can reupholster sofas and chairs, turn cans and jars into pretty plant pots, or paint tired wooden furniture bright colours. The options are endless!
For more inspiration, check out our article: 16 creative upcycling ideas.
17. Learn to dance
Dancing is an excellent way to keep both your body and brain healthy. It can improve your fitness, boost confidence, reduce stress, and keep you feeling young. One of the best things about dance is that you don’t have to be good at it to enjoy it – and it’s never too late to start learning.
Because there are so many different styles of dancing, you’re sure to find one to suit you. You can try ballroom, ballet, salsa, tango, tap, or belly dancing. Plus, you can choose between learning online, via one-to-one tuition, or in a group class.
If you’d like to get into dance, you may want to read our articles: 11 online dance classes for beginners and 9 dance styles from around the world – and how to get involved. And why not check out the dance classes run on Rest Less Events? There’s everything from ballet and belly dancing to Afrofusion dance fitness sessions.
18. Become a tour guide
If you have a passion for history, architecture, or beautiful places, you might be interested in becoming a tour guide.
Volunteering for organisations like the National Trust allows you to indulge your interests and get ‘behind the scenes’ access to some of the most fascinating places in the UK. Plus, you might make new friends along the way.
You don’t need any previous training to become a tour guide – just passion! To find out more, head over to the National Trust website or explore the website of whichever museum, gallery, or site you’re interested in volunteering for. You can also browse volunteering roles on our website using the button below.
Free NHS eye tests plus 10% off glasses for over 60s
Booking an appointment online has never been easier, and with a range of offers from 10% off if you’re over 60, 2nd pairs half price & a free NHS eye test if eligible, our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer vision.
19. Experiment with different recipes
Cooking can sometimes be a bit of a chore when squeezed around work commitments, with many of us prioritising quick and easy meals.
While there are plenty of healthy, tasty meals that you whip up in a flash, having extra time can allow you to be more creative, explore new and interesting recipes, and develop some new cooking and baking skills.
For example, you could learn how to temper chocolate, make the perfect flaky pastry, or create homemade pasta. You could even take cooking classes to learn from culinary experts.
Visit our food and drink section for more ideas and inspiration.
20. Start blogging
If you’ve always enjoyed writing but don’t think you’re cut out to write a book – or you’d like to start off with something smaller – why not think about starting a blog?
Blogging is a brilliant way to begin your writing journey because you can write as much or as little as you’d like. Plus, your blog can be about absolutely anything – from topics you’re interested in to your own life and experiences.
If you’re hesitant about putting your words out in public, you could consider keeping your blog private until you’re ready to share it with the world. You might not want to make it public, instead using it as an online journal.
Setting up a blog is probably much easier than you think. Our article How to start a blog in 6 easy steps will help you get started.
21. Start a small business
If you’ve retired but don’t necessarily want to stop working altogether, you could consider starting a small business. This can allow you to earn a bit of extra money while challenging yourself in new ways. It doesn’t mean starting a new, stressful, full-time job, but rather turning a passion, hobby, or skill into a money-maker.
For example, if you’re into cooking or baking, you could make jams and cakes to sell at food festivals or in local shops and cafes. If you’re good at arts and crafts, you could sell your creations online or in markets. Or if you’re skilled in languages or music, why not try your hand at private tuition?
Our complete guide to self-employment and articles like 20 popular self-employment ideas and popular side hustle ideas to help you earn some extra cash are great places to start your entrepreneurial journey.
22. Make a career change
It’s becoming increasingly common for people to use their retirement period as a chance to change careers.
As well as wanting or needing to top up their income, many people also want to continue reaping the benefits that come with working – such as socialising with others and developing new skills.
However, it’s important to remember that retirement is your time, so if you do change careers, try to make sure your new role is something that you enjoy and suits your lifestyle.
For some ideas for what roles are out there, head over to our job ideas section. We also have plenty of personal stories from people who’ve switched careers later in life, so you can hear what it’s like first-hand.
Free NHS eye tests plus 10% off glasses for over 60s
Booking an appointment online has never been easier, and with a range of offers from 10% off if you’re over 60, 2nd pairs half price & a free NHS eye test if eligible, our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer vision.
Final thoughts…
Retirement is a chance to pursue your passions, develop new ones, and embrace a range of experiences.
You might have big dreams – like a round-the-world trip or a massive home development project – but sometimes it’s the smaller things that bring the most happiness. This can be true whether you’re learning to play a musical instrument or volunteering for a cause you believe in.
The wonderful thing about retirement is that you don’t have to pick one thing to pursue or settle on one goal. You can try something new every day; whether it’s a different style of dance or a brand-new recipe.
If you’re thinking about retiring but are still unsure, you might want to read our article: 9 things to consider when you’re thinking about retiring.
Do you have any hobbies or interests you’re looking to pursue once you’ve retired? Or maybe you’ve already retired and have some ideas to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.