Date : 30-08-21

How often have you heard yourself or a loved one reminiscing over the “good old days”? As you move closer to retirement, it’s common to feel nostalgic about the years gone by, especially your years at school and university. That time when you laughed every day, forged friendships for life, and learnt something new each day. As you step into your golden years and plan a new lifestyle in retirement, you may be able to bring back and relive those days in a variety of different ways. Whether it is through pursuing active learning opportunities, travelling to new places, indulging in retirement hobbies, socializing, or volunteering, there are a host of interesting things to do in retirement.

Do What Makes YOU Happy

While it may sound contradictory, staying busy is the key to a successful and satisfying retirement. It is the time to do things that make YOU happy, because now you have the time! It is about doing things that give you a sense of purpose, accomplishment and a feeling of belonging in your community.

• Retirement Hobbies: When it comes to choosing and engaging in retirement hobbies, the sky is the limit. Writing, reading, solving crosswords and puzzles, gardening, kayaking, exercising, meditating, learning a new dance form or a musical instrument, pursuing arts and crafts, remodeling your home, participating in adventure activities, the list can go on and on.
• Volunteering: Volunteering opportunities will allow you to share your experience, knowledge, skills and time for worthy causes. You can offer to help with organizing community events, spend time teaching or coaching and doing administrative tasks, to stay busy, while also helping you connect with people from all walks of life. Building positive relationships, growing your support network, and being part of a community can go a long way in helping you lead a happy and healthy retired lifestyle.
• Exploring New Places: Keen to explore the world or just your little corner of it, visiting new places can be immensely satisfying. Immersing yourself in the culture of that place, chatting with the locals and exploring offbeat locations, every aspect of travel offers a unique personal learning and creates great memories. The good news is, you don’t have to cross oceans to appreciate new places, deepen your knowledge and gain enriching life experiences. Even a city like Toronto has its own lesser-known historic and cultural treasures that you can explore through activities, such as older adult walking groups , special events, and activity clubs .
• Continuous Education: Several research studies indicate a strong linkage between lifelong learning and enhanced physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. A healthy mind and body, improved cognitive abilities, reduced stress or depression, a sense of empowerment and independence and better social life are just some of the many benefits of continuous learning.

Look for learning opportunities that challenge your mind, increase your knowledge and skills and boost your self-esteem. Enroll in programs for older adults in Toronto. Many local universities offer online classes and degree/ certificate courses specifically designed for seniors. You could also attend free lectures for older adults in Toronto, participate in research studies, or register for community programs to interact with experts on various subjects.

For an Enriching Retirement Lifestyle, Join The LIFE Institute in Toronto

If you are looking for an easy and exciting path to learning, socializing and contributing during your retirement years, The LIFE Institute at Ryerson University might be an excellent fit for you. Offering a variety of things to do in retirement, we welcome individuals 50 and over to experience a high-quality learning environment, where you can meet and mingle with other older adults . Our year-round calendar of programs and events will help you achieve a healthy body and mind, while enjoying a wholesome and satisfying retirement.

Explore the many benefits of being a member at The LIFE Institute and write to us at info@athelifeinstitute.ca to find programs that keep you busy and engaged in retirement.