It’s common for recently retired people to feel a bit…lost. When you’ve been working for decades and then suddenly stop that routine, it can be jarring. But the great thing about retirement is finally having time to do all those things you’ve always wanted.
If you’re looking for things to do in retirement, rest assured there are plenty of options out there. Here are some of our favorite ideas for what to do in retirement:
Ever wonder what happens after you say goodbye to that 9-5 grind? Curious about how retirees fill their days without the structure of work? I sure was! As someone who’s researched retirement lifestyles extensively I’m excited to share what retirees actually do with all that newfound freedom.
Retirement isn’t just rocking chairs and daytime TV (though, let’s be honest, that’s what it is some days!) It’s a whole new story with unexpected opportunities and challenges.
The Daily Schedule of a Typical Retiree
According to the American Time Use Survey, retirees between ages 65 and 74 enjoy nearly seven hours of leisure time per day. But how exactly do they fill those hours? Let’s break down the typical day
Sleep and Personal Care
After years of early alarms, retirees finally get to catch those Zs! People aged 75+ spend about 10.18 hours daily on sleep and personal care activities—more than any other age group except those under 25.
As one retiree put it: “I wake up with no alarm, read the news in my bathrobe, pet the cat. I have some breakfast, usually cottage cheese and fruit, then I get dressed casually.”
TV Watching (The Big One!)
Television remains the dominant leisure activity for most retirees:
- Ages 65-74: Average 3.82 hours of TV on weekdays, 4.48 hours on weekends
- Ages 75+: Average 4.56 hours on weekdays, 4.83 hours on weekends
Home Maintenance and Household Activities
Many retirees dedicate significant time to improving their homes. Older Americans (65+) spend about 2.5 hours daily on home maintenance – significantly more than younger folks. This includes:
- Gardening
- Home repairs
- Housework
- Decluttering
“I clean the house, go to stores to get things I need, do yard work, and take out the trash,” said one retiree. Since everyone has different tastes, I make four different meals. “.
Continuing to Work (Yes, Really!)
Surprisingly, not everyone completely leaves the workforce. For those 65-74, the average time spent working is 1. 42 hours per day. This includes:
- Part-time jobs
- Consulting
- Freelancing
- Side businesses
“I got bored and started a little e-commerce business in my garage,” said one retiree. I thought it would be a nice easy retirement job. Oh, I’m so busy these days. I make more money than I ever did working, but I’m having a great time. “.
Top 10 Activities Retirees Love Most
Beyond the basics, here are the most popular ways retirees spend their time:
1. Travel
With no limits on vacation time, many retirees satisfy their wanderlust. Popular options include:
- RV trips across the country
- Cruises (37% of baby boomers who travel internationally do so on cruise ships!)
- House swapping for affordable accommodations
- Campground hosting for free sites
2. Volunteering
Almost one-quarter of retirees volunteer regularly. Popular places include:
- Libraries
- Food banks
- Animal shelters
- Churches
- Hospitals and hospices
One retiree shared: “I volunteer at two hospitals. Gets me out of the house, gives me social interaction, and keeps me thinking of others.”
3. Learning New Things
Retirement is prime time for education! Many retirees:
- Take college courses (most states offer free or discounted tuition for seniors)
- Participate in lifelong learning programs
- Watch educational videos
- Listen to podcasts and lectures
4. Sports and Exercise
Physical activity is a priority for many retirees:
- Ages 65-74: About 20 minutes on weekdays exercising, 17 minutes on weekends
- Ages 75+: About 17 minutes per weekday, 13 minutes on weekends
Popular activities include:
- Walking/hiking
- Swimming
- Golf
- Pickleball
- Yoga and tai chi
As one retiree proudly stated: “I start my day by going to the gym for two hours. Those people who knew me in the past would faint if they heard that… lol!”
5. Hobbies and Crafts
Research by Wes Moss found that the happiest retirees regularly participate in 3-4 hobbies. These include:
- Gardening
- Cooking and baking
- Reading (ages 75+ spend about 45 minutes reading daily)
- Art and crafts
- Music (playing instruments or singing)
- Woodworking
6. Socializing
Retirees spend about 30 minutes per day interacting with friends and family. One retiree explained their social routine: “In late afternoon I sit on my front patio and say hello to my neighbors who are just getting home from work.”
7. Family Time
Many retirees embrace grandparenting with enthusiasm:
- Childcare for grandchildren
- Teaching grandkids skills
- Planning special outings
One grandparent shared: “My dad takes the kids on rides in his golf cart where they’ll go hunting for left-behind golf balls on the golf course. He gives them a quarter for each golf ball they find.”
8. Pet Care
Animals provide companionship and purpose. Some retirees:
- Adopt new pets
- Foster animals from shelters
- Volunteer at animal rescues
As one retiree put it: “We always wanted dogs, but we were always working and it would not have been fair to the dogs to be left alone all day. Now our lives revolve around the dogs.”
9. Technology and Games
Retirees aren’t technology-averse:
- Ages 65-74: Roughly 20 minutes per weekday and 24 minutes on weekends playing games/using computers
- Ages 75+: 28 minutes on weekdays and 31 minutes on weekends
10. Shopping
Retirees spend slightly more than 45 minutes each day shopping, whether in-person or online. With fixed incomes, many enjoy comparing prices and finding deals.
The Surprising Reality of Retirement
What really stands out when looking at how retirees spend their time? A few key insights:
1. It’s Not All Leisure
Many retirees are BUSY! Between household tasks, part-time work, volunteering, and family responsibilities, retirement isn’t always the permanent vacation some imagine.
2. Routines Still Matter
Most retirees develop new routines to replace work schedules. As one retiree summarized: “Every day is a Saturday except Sunday.”
3. Retirement Can Be Creative
Some of the most fulfilling retirements involve creativity:
- Writing memoirs or blogs
- Making art
- Playing music
- Starting businesses
One retiree shared: “I write and record rock songs on my computer.”
4. It Can Be Lonely
Not all retirees have a packed social calendar. For some, especially those who lose partners, loneliness can be a challenge. Dating and forming new connections becomes important.
Day-in-the-Life: Real Retiree Schedules
What does a typical day actually look like? Here are a few real examples:
Morning Person’s Schedule:
- 7:00 am: Wake up naturally (no alarm!)
- 7:30 am: Morning walk or exercise
- 9:00 am: Breakfast and reading newspaper
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Volunteer work or hobby time
- 12:30 pm: Lunch with friends or at home
Afternoon & Evening:
- 1:30 – 3:00 pm: Run errands or appointment
- 3:00 – 5:00 pm: Hobby time (gardening, crafts, etc.)
- 5:30 pm: Prepare and eat dinner
- 7:00 – 10:00 pm: TV, reading, or social activities
- 10:30 pm: Bedtime
As one retiree beautifully summarized their day: “I just live. I wake up with no alarm, read the news in my bathrobe, pet the cat…When I wake up, I usually tidy up my condo; I love being able to keep it pristine. Then I go to my craft room and create something while watching a movie…Not working is HEAVENLY!”
Common Challenges Retirees Face
While retirement offers amazing freedom, it’s not without challenges:
1. Finding Purpose
Many retirees struggle initially with the lack of structure and purpose that work provided. This is why activities like volunteering and mentoring become so important.
2. Budget Constraints
Living on a fixed income means some retirees must carefully budget for leisure activities. Most withdraw more savings during early retirement years (up to age 75) to fund travel and active pursuits.
3. Health Limitations
Physical abilities may change as retirees age, requiring adjustments to activities and routines.
4. Time Management
Surprisingly, some retirees feel busier than when they worked! Learning to balance activities and downtime can be challenging.
Tips for a Fulfilling Retirement
Planning to retire soon? Here’s my advice:
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Don’t retire FROM something, retire TO something. Have interests and plans ready before you leave work.
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Try new things early. The first few years of retirement are typically when people are most active and adventurous.
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Balance structure and spontaneity. Some routine provides comfort, but leave room for spontaneous opportunities.
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Maintain social connections. Work friends often drift away; be proactive about building new relationships.
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Remember it’s YOUR retirement. Don’t feel pressured to follow anyone else’s retirement “rules” – this is your time to live life on your terms!
The Bottom Line
What do retirees do all day? Pretty much whatever they want! From traveling the world to nurturing gardens, mentoring youth to binge-watching Netflix, retirement offers unprecedented freedom to design your days.
As one content retiree put it: “Not working is HEAVENLY!” While another shared the simple joy: “We sit on the porch and talk about our day with the dogs. They are very good listeners.”
The beauty of retirement is that there’s no single “right way” to do it. Whether you dream of constant activity or peaceful relaxation, retirement offers the chance to finally live life on your own terms.
What are your retirement plans? I’d love to hear how you plan to spend YOUR days when work becomes optional!
1 Learn How to Play an Instrument
Learning how to play a musical instrument in retirement is incredibly beneficial for cognitive health by improving concentration and strengthening memory. It’s also a great way to work out because it uses your fingers and hands, makes your posture better, and burns calories. Even further – learning an instrument in retirement can help those with hearing loss learn to detect sounds better.
What Do the Happiest Retirees Do?
The secrets to a happy retirement involve staying active physically, mentally, and spiritually. Happy retirees often engage in intellectual activities such as reading, learning new skills, or delving into creative ventures like painting or writing. They also prioritize physical wellness through consistent exercise, whether its walking, yoga, or even team sports like Pickleball. Additionally, connecting with others through volunteer work, social clubs, or spiritual groups keeps spirits high. This holistic approach to living not only helps retirees live longer, but also enhances the quality of their life, contributing to continued happiness in their later years. Read on to delve into some specific examples.
This is What I Actually Do All Day Now I’m Retired (It’s Not What You Think!)
FAQ
What do rich retired people do all day?
Happy retirees often engage in intellectual activities such as reading, learning new skills, or delving into creative ventures like painting or writing. They also prioritize physical wellness through consistent exercise, whether it’s walking, yoga, or even team sports like Pickleball.
What is the #1 regret of retirees?
1. Waiting too long to retire. This regret comes up over and over. We all know stories of people who worked hard, made responsible choices, saved diligently, and finally reached retirement — only to fall ill or pass away soon after.
What should a 70 year old be doing all day?
A 70-year-old should aim for a balanced daily routine that includes daily physical activity, like a brisk walk or gentle exercise, mental stimulation through learning or hobbies, regular social interaction with friends and family, and nutritious eating habits. Also, they need to make sure they get enough sleep, deal with stress in healthy ways, and listen to their bodies by taking their medications as directed and going to the doctor regularly.
What is the most popular hobby for retirees?
The most popular hobbies for retirees include outdoor activities like gardening, walking, and birdwatching, creative pursuits such as cooking, baking, art, and crafts, intellectual activities including reading, learning new skills, and puzzles, and social pastimes like book clubs, volunteering, and playing games.
What do retirees do all day?
Hobbies are clearly a purposeful part of what retirees do all day. An additional 3. 8 % of those surveyed expressed interest in starting a new hobby or learning new skills. Learning a new hobby or a new skill is a great way of keeping mentally active.
What to do in retirement?
Discover fun and inspiring ideas for what to do in retirement, from traveling the world and exploring your family history to joining social clubs and donating your time to worthy causes. Explore almost two dozen ways to stay active, have fun, be social, give back to your community, and more!.
How much time do retirees spend a day?
Not everyone retires fully, and many retirees continue to work part time or engage in side projects. The American Time Use Survey shows that retirees have almost seven hours of free time every day. Sleep and personal care activities occupy about 10. 18 hours daily for retirees age 75 and older, the highest among all age groups.
What do retirees do?
However, knowing what other retirees do can be reassuring. The American Time Use Survey by the BLS offers valuable insights. Most retirees spend their days engaged in normal activities like sports, socializing, traveling, and personal care (including sleep).
Are holidays Good for retirement?
Holidays are also good for the soul. They lift the spirits and are a great way to keep active in retirement. Depending on the type of holiday you choose, you can be as physically active as you want to suit your personal level of fitness and mobility. Perhaps, you will see the sights of a city on foot or hire bicycles for the day.
How many hours a day do retirees work?
Sleep and personal care activities occupy about 10. 18 hours daily for retirees age 75 and older, the highest among all age groups. Many retirees continue working part time, spending an average of 1. 42 hours per day on paid work or income-generating activities.