In our October blog, we covered five helpful and healthy habits you can cultivate to lead to better mental and physical health in your 60s and beyond. This month, we’re addressing one of the greatest things about retirement: the free time you now have to fill with new life experiences and hobbies.

Here are seven activities to consider trying in your retirement:

1. Join a Workout Group

In our October blog, we wrote on the importance of staying healthy and active in your 60s and beyond. For our first activity, we’re adding on to that tip. As you age, it’s important to exercise at least 20–30 minutes each day to keep your mind and body healthy.

To stay motivated, try:

• Working out with a group of friends at a gym

• Joining a group workout class

• Starting a walking group

Other great options include dancing lessons, tai chi, yoga, and swimming. Choose a physical activity that brings you joy—the most important goal is to stay active!

2. Travel the World

One of our favorite suggestions to spend free time in retirement is to travel. What’s better than fully immersing yourself in a new culture, with new food, people, traditions, and scenery?

Whether you stay in your own country or go abroad, traveling is a great way to re-energize your body and stimulate your mind. You may also enjoy:

• Keeping a travel journal

• Pinning locations on a world map

• Coloring in each state or country you've visited

3. Volunteer

Offering your time to help others is another great way to spend your free time. An article by Inc.com says that when you spend time volunteering, “you get more than you give.”

Benefits of volunteering include:

• Widening your network and connections

• Staying active and healthy

• Learning new skills

• Feeling good by doing good

Volunteer opportunities in the Madison area:

• Dog park clean-up

• 1,000 Rain Gardens Program

• Ride the Drive

• Madison Public Library

4. Start a New Hobby

This one is fairly broad—but that’s the beauty of it!

There are many hobbies to try, like:

• Fishing

• Photography

• Painting

• Drawing

• Sewing or knitting

• Gardening

Starting a new hobby can stimulate your mind, reduce stress, and help you make new friends. Not sure where to begin? Try browsing this list of 50 low-cost hobby ideas from Lifehack.

5. Improve Your Cooking Skills

Whether you consider yourself a master chef or an amateur cook, culinary arts are a rewarding activity you can do:

• On your own

• With a group of friends

• In a cooking class

Try a new recipe or challenge yourself with a new cuisine. Already a great cook? Try baking and gift your creations to family and friends!

6. Research Your Family History

Discovering more about yourself and your family history can be an exciting adventure! Ways to begin:

• Chat with your family

• Visit your public library

• Use a reputable online genealogy tool

Tip: Most genealogy platforms charge a monthly or yearly fee, so make sure to explore your options before committing.

7. Pre-Plan Your Funeral

Although pre-planning your funeral arrangements isn’t the happiest of activities, it is certainly worth your time. Doing so can:

• Eliminate emotional stress for loved ones

• Help manage expenses

• Reflect your personal wishes and values

• Avoid disagreements among family members

Pre-planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t need to plan every detail today—start small and take your time.

👉 Contact Ryan Funeral Homes to begin pre-planning your funeral arrangements, and please reach out to our team if you have questions along the way.