Advertisement
Published: September 21st 2022
Edit Blog Post
“Having hobbies in retirement is so important for keeping both your mind and body busy,” says Craig Kirsner, president of retirement planning services at Stuart Estate Planning Wealth Advisors in Coconut Creek, Florida. “You've probably worked for decades and now you have to keep busy in retirement as well.”
These hobbies can keep you productive and fulfilled throughout your retirement years:
Pickleball.Writing.Stock market trading.Gardening.Walking.Golf.Volunteering.Mentoring.
So, naturally, I have my own take on retirement, having been retired now for 14 years. Mental and physical exercise are at the top of my personal list. But first, let's talk about those listed above.
Pickleball seems easier on the leg joints than tennis, racquetball, and squash. I would say the jury is out for joints in the arm and shoulders. I love
writing, as you know. It
keeps me busy, and it requires that I read a decent amount for both pleasure and research. I did my share of
stock market trading in the 0s and 90s, but now, I leave it up to the pros. Plus, I do not have time to do it responsibly. I hate
gardening, as it reminds me too much of farming. I hate pulling weeds. But I do enjoy picking persimmons, and dehydrating them for friends and family. When I travel, I do copious amounts of
walking and exploring. Not so much around home. I am no longer a real hiker, though I love places like Arches National Park, the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Bryce Canyon National Park. Though
golf is excellent exercise, particularly if you walk, I no longer play. Why? It takes too much time, and I can't hit the ball more than 260 yards anymore. It has taken the fun out of golf for me. I have done
volunteering since my college days. After graduation, I added places like the Berkeley Free Clinic, Medshare, medical reserve corps, and the American Red Cross. But I pick and choose my spots carefully, avoiding things like radiation (Fukushima), and earthquakes (Haiti).
I enjoy
mentoring young future health professionals. I am mentoring two future nurses right now. And even in adulthood, some people need mentoring, not just professionally, but personally, and financially. They left off two of my favorite activities,
travel, and
cycling. Both require an active and well-prepared approach. Travel requires planning and execution. It also involves knowing your limits, as I have found out in older age. Cycling has been a godsend for exercise and meeting people, both here at home, and abroad. But I do not cycle crazy miles, and I tend to cycle every OTHER day now. Finally, I love to read books. And I mean good books, such as the classics, nonfiction, mysteries, and biographies. Not only do they keep the mind active, for me, it provides information for future trips and emails. As Satchel Paige said, "Don't look back, something might be gaining on you!!"
Advertisement
Tot: 0.085s; Tpl: 0.009s; cc: 16; qc: 29; dbt: 0.0457s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb