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Having more free time creates room for all those things that may have been put off: discovering a new interest, spending more time with others or simply creating a different routine. For anyone wondering what to do in retirement, there are plenty of activities that can bring more movement and enjoyment to everyday life.
A walk, a book, a class or a coffee with friends can be a good place to start. In this article, we share 15 ideas to help you find activities that suit you and your own pace.
You do not need to run a marathon to keep your body moving. Activities for active seniors can be as simple as walking, dancing or doing a few exercises at home.
Any activity should take into account each person’s physical condition and mobility, as recommended by the World Health Organization. Start slowly, choose something you enjoy and, if you experience pain, have physical limitations or are unsure about what is suitable for you, consult a doctor or another healthcare professional.
Putting on a pair of trainers and heading outside may be all you need to get your body moving and clear your head. You could take a walk around your neighbourhood, walk to a nearby shop or arrange to go for a stroll with someone.
Start with short, enjoyable routes. And with good company along the way, the minutes tend to pass even more quickly.
Strength exercises do not necessarily mean lifting heavy weights at the gym. Standing up from a chair, using resistance bands or lifting light weights can already help work your muscles and are also recommended by Portugal's Direção Geral da Saúde (DGS).
The key is to start gradually, learn how to perform the movements correctly and increase the intensity at your own pace.
How about dancing? It combines movement, music and social interaction in a single activity. You can dance in a class, at a social dance, at home or even while preparing a meal.
There is no need to get every step right. Ballroom dancing, Latin rhythms, folk dancing or simply dancing freely are all good options, as long as you enjoy yourself and respect your own mobility.
Being in the water can make exercise feel lighter and more enjoyable. As there is less impact on the joints, some movements can be easier to perform.
Aqua aerobics is a good choice for those who enjoy group activities. If you prefer a few quiet moments, you can simply swim at your own pace.
Taking a deep breath, stretching your body and slowing down for a few minutes is also a way of staying active. Yoga, Pilates and tai chi can help work on mobility, posture, strength and balance.
There are classes available for different ability levels, including exercises that can be performed with the support of a chair. The most important thing is to find a class suited to your needs.
The mind enjoys new experiences too. Reading a story, learning a new skill, playing a card game or starting a creative project are enjoyable ways of stimulating attention, memory and reasoning.
There is no need to turn everything into a mental exercise. When an activity sparks curiosity, offers a little challenge and brings enjoyment, your mind is already being put to work.
A book can transport you to another country, introduce you to new characters, or make you look at a topic in a different way. You can choose novels, biographies, poetry, newspapers, or whatever genre piques your curiosity the most.
And why not join a book club? Often, the conversation about the book ends up being just as interesting as the story itself.
Is there something you have always wanted to learn but kept putting off? Hobbies for retirees might include learning a new language, photography, digital skills, cooking, gardening or even playing a musical instrument.
You do not need to become an expert. Learning little by little, discovering something new and celebrating each step forward can make the experience rewarding in itself.
An afternoon spent playing cards, dominoes, chess or doing puzzles can be anything but boring. As well as stimulating attention and reasoning, it is also a good excuse to bring friends or family together.
Winning always feels good, of course. But the conversations and laughter around the table count too.
Painting, drawing, writing, embroidery, pottery or woodworking are all ways of giving your imagination room to grow and creating something of your own.
You can start with a simple project without worrying too much about the final result. Here, the enjoyment comes mainly from experimenting and appreciating the process.
That box full of old photographs finally deserves to come out of the drawer. You can create albums, identify people and places, or write short stories about the moments captured in each photograph.
It is also a great activity to share with children, grandchildren or friends. A photograph often comes with plenty of memories and even more conversation.
A coffee with friends, a weekly class or a conversation after a show can make a real difference to the week. Social activities create opportunities to break away from routine, share interests and meet new people.
There is no need to fill your diary either. Sometimes, a regular get-together or group activity is enough to give you something enjoyable to look forward to.
At Club65, this social dimension is part of the concept itself: living independently while having shared spaces and a community nearby. Each resident retains the freedom to organise their own day and, whenever they feel like it, can more easily find company for an activity, a conversation or simply a coffee.
Whether it is a walking group, dance class, creative workshop, choir or book club, these are all good opportunities to step outside your usual routine and meet people with similar interests.
You do not need to arrive with the goal of making new friends. Many relationships develop naturally between one class, one conversation and the next get-together.
Your knowledge and experience can make a difference to other people’s lives. Volunteering allows you to support a cause, make a useful contribution and remain connected to your community.
You might work with a charity, take part in an environmental initiative or teach others a skill you already have. The important thing is to find an activity that suits your available time and energy.
The cinema, theatre, concerts, exhibitions or guided tours can bring something new to a quieter week. As well as providing entertainment, they are a way of discovering new subjects and places.
Libraries, local authorities, universities for older people and local associations often offer free or affordable programmes.
Why not turn a simple coffee into a weekly arrangement? A monthly lunch, an afternoon of games or a regular walk can become moments that everyone looks forward to.
There is no need to organise anything complicated. Choose a day, invite a few people and let the routine take on a life of its own.
Spending time with people from other generations is an opportunity to exchange stories, knowledge and different perspectives.
You can cook with your grandchildren, teach someone a skill, take part in a community project or ask for help exploring a new technology. After all, there is always something to teach and plenty to learn.
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