There’s no time like the present, or so they say, and retirement is the perfect time to dive into a new and stimulating adventure. Many of us find ourselves at a loose end once we have given up the workaday world, but there are plenty of ways to light that creative spark and find a brand-new passion. Whether it’s a new sport or physical activity, a different way of getting your hands dirty, or a new gang of like-minded friends to spend time with, there are many things to do in retirement in a retirement community setting.
Creativity in older adults has been shown to increase positive emotions and improve cognitive functioning, which are important in warding off diseases like dementia. Similarly, hobbies in retirement with others decreases loneliness and can contribute to higher self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.
Not sure how to start exploring your creativity in retirement?
Just follow our handy guide below and you’ll soon be indulging in an invigorating new challenge!
Make time for play
One of the best ways to find your passion – or rediscover it after time away – is to make time for fun and play in your daily routine. This doesn’t have to be excessive: even five minutes a day trying new things to do in retirement or enjoying a fun activity can loosen up the creative muscles and decrease stress.
Some great creative pursuits you can enjoy in short bursts include gardening, cooking or baking, dancing, singing along to a favourite song, or taking a few happy snaps of nature or friends.
In a Retirement Community setting, opportunities for indulging in play are many and varied. Organised activities and social gatherings are a regular feature on the calendar. Still, there are also many ways to enjoy spontaneous creativity – go for a walk around the scenic, landscaped gardens or chat with a neighbour over the fence and see where it takes you.
Accept invitations to try something new
It’s hard to fan your creativity into a flame if you always do what you’ve always done. To ignite your creativity in retirement, it’s time to step out of your comfort zone and try new hobbies. You’ll never know what handy skills you might pick up or wonderful people you might meet if you don’t branch out and accept an invitation when it comes along.
Creative retirement villages are those that provide a variety of ways for residents to connect and explore new things. Perhaps it’s the weekly tai-chi class or a group outing to somewhere you haven’t been. Maybe there’s a chance to pick up a new hobby in the village workshop or craft room. Even a simple change, such as trying a new author at the library or a new hairstyle in the salon, can inspire some fresh energy.
And if you’re wondering what to do in retirement and no invitations are coming your way? Well, it might be time for you to extend an invitation! After all, asking a friend to join you in a creative pursuit could open up new horizons for both of you.
Ask for suggestions
Getting started might seem like a tricky prospect if you don’t feel like a naturally creative person. Why not ask for suggestions from more creative friends or neighbours? You never know what skills people are hiding, and sometimes a simple question can reveal a list of ideas for what to do in retirement. Try saying something like, “I’ve been at a bit of a loose end lately. What do you do when you feel like that?”
In a Retirement Community, another option is to regularly check in on upcoming events in the community’s calendar or chat to the Village Manager to find out what’s available. You never know – you might just find that the perfect creative activity for you is just around the corner!
Finding your ideal hobbies in retirement can happen in various ways and creative Retirement Communities are the perfect place to start or rekindle the enjoyment of creative expression. At TriCare, our senior living locations are filled with ways to explore your creative spark. Our villages can help you get out and active, connect with like-minded people, and try something you never thought you’d do. Contact us today or book a tour and discover how we can help you to light the fire in your creative retirement.
