Picking a new hobby is the key to a happy retirement
Part of what’s so great about retirement is all the extra time you have. Rather than spending your time behind a desk, at a counter or bumper to bumper on a nightmare commute, you’ve got time to smell the roses and enjoy activities you’re interested in. We did a callout to Over60 community members who’ve picked up a hobby in retirement, and we were overwhelmed by the response. Here are some of the best.
John Fowler is hitting the greens
“For me, it’s lawn bowls. I had intended to get back to my single-figure golf handicap but the back had other ideas – so for me it is travel, including the research and organisation, volunteer work, reading, bowling club secretary and IT functions and as little gardening and home reno stuff as I can get away with. Oh, and I am in a community choir and spend a bit of time the 'putter.”
Rob Windred’s getting into model building – and his grandkids love it
“I got into craft and model building like model kits, cars, boats, aeroplanes and woodcraft. Even model trains and model villages.”
Rene Rees is finally taking time her herself, and understanding how valuable it is
“Took me three years to settle down and learn how to be there for me. No more guilt when I have done absolutely nothing. Ignored my hobbies too. Now, I’m slowly exercising and writing my memoirs. Life is good and I have signed up to teach English to refugees. I no longer watch the news and remain aware that here is still so much good out there and good caring people.”
Helen Eldridge is using her retirement to travel, and explore parts of the world she’s never seen
“I had travelled a bit in Australia but never overseas. Retired in 2005. Purchased a passport and travelled overseas for five years. Loved every minute of it and have wonderful memories. Petra, Holy Lands, France. Spain, Portugal, Yugoslavia. I’ve also visited different parts of Italy including Pompeii and Assisi. Amazing times and met amazing people.”
Toni Sands is taking up bird watching and loving every second of it
“At dawn I sit on the verandah with my partner, sipping chai and quibbling over which bird species we're looking at in the bird bath and the native trees along the nearby creek. I thought we'd sleep in once we retired six weeks ago but we're getting up at 5am and lounging there until it heats up a couple of hours later. We're definitely going to have to get a second set of binoculars, though, or we won't make it to the 40-year mark next year.”
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