You're Retired: Get Out and Enjoy Life

Many of the newly retiring baby boomers are asking themselves, "What do I do know that I am retired?" They are not about to sit at home and play bingo. This group of young, active seniors is looking for ways to fill their retirement years. After many years in hectic careers, many are pursuing new interests.

If you enjoy cooking or baking, many community colleges offer non-credit classes in theses areas. Now only are the classes fun, but it is a good way to meet new friends that enjoy similar interests. Community colleges also offer other non-credit classes in the areas of quilting, clothing construction, horticulture, floral design, woodworking, and more. Now, as a retiree, you can enjoy painting the landscapes and enjoy throwing the pottery wheel if you never got a chance to do so before. In addition, if you are interested in taking a credit class, but don't need the academic credit (if you just wanted to learn a language or new skill), many colleges will allow you to audit a class and only pay a nominal fee, which is around $25. In addition, many colleges will allow you to take tuition-free classes on a space available basis.

On the other hand, if volunteering is better suited to your needs, your local hospital always needs help. There are many individuals that would like a smiling face and a few comforting words of kindness as they recuperate. If you are a retired educator, volunteer in the children's ward. You could read stories, play games, or work with puppets to bring some happiness to children who are usually afraid of their surroundings. Retired educators can also volunteer at schools to read to classes, be a buddy to a student in need, or tutor students who may need extra reinforcement. Volunteers, also known as docents, are needed in museums. If you enjoy working with the public and like diving into history, this position may be the right one for you. For those that like animals, many animal shelters need volunteers to foster an animal that has been injured or abused. The foster owners help socialize an animal, and care for it until it become well enough to be adopted out to a family. In addition, volunteering at an animal shelter in the adoptions, pet care, and other areas are needed.

As a young, active, new retiree, pursue interests, hobbies or volunteer in whatever aspects that attracts you. Yes, you've earned the right to retirement, but the rocking chair is just not calling you, at least not on a fulltime basis. Of course, we could make an exception for a great vacation destination! Go out, enjoy life, and live it to its fullest.