Retirement is the best time in a person’s life.
Finally free from the shackles of a nine-to-five, a person has the time to pursue the awesome things they always wanted to do. Of course, not everyone has a hard plan on what it is exactly they want to do. For these people, the uncertainty and the unknown can make all that free time ahead seem a bit intimidating.
If you are looking for ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Below are some great ideas regarding fun new skills for seniors to learn. Some of them you can do from the comfort of your own home with the aid of the internet. Others are group activities that you can do with other retirees to make friends. It’s your retirement-- do whatever makes you happiest!
Re-Learn How to Cook
We all have a few dishes we love and know how to make, but the culinary arts have limitless potential for continued learning. Whether you want to explore foreign cuisines or hone your basic skills, taking cooking classes has many benefits.
It encourages you to cook more, which promotes a healthier lifestyle.
- The skills you learn in the kitchen keeps your mind and coordination sharp as you age.
- Planning and executing a meal boosts your confidence.
- Making food for other people is the ultimate way to show you care.
- As we age, our diets become more restricted. Learning to cook allows you to create meals that are appropriate for your health needs while still being tasty and delicious.
- Cooking helps promote mindfulness and can even ease anxiety.
One of the best things about pursuing the culinary arts is you can either do it socially or solo. Local businesses and supermarkets offer classes that connect you with people who are also interested in learning to cook. Or, if you prefer to learn from the comfort of your own home, online cooking classes provide videos and step-by-step instructions you can follow with the help of your tablet or laptop.
Enroll in a Dance Class
If you want to be more active in your golden years, dancing is the perfect exercise. It improves coordination while providing you with a light cardio workout. Dancing is also generally easy on the joints and is a safe form of strength training for seniors. Plus: it’s fun!
There are tons of fun and awesome dance styles you can choose from. Ballroom dancing is especially popular with seniors, but you can also explore options like line dancing, tap, jazz, aerobics, and Latin dances like salsa or the tango.
Become a Part-Time Real Estate Agent
If you miss the thrill of making a hard-earned dollar to contribute to your nest egg, you don’t have to give it all up just because you’re in retirement. Find a job that is flexible while also tapping into your experiences, skill set, and social connections. For instance, becoming a real estate agent is a great option for seniors. You set your own hours and can schedule your appointments around your needs. Plus, most seniors have years of home buying experience under their belt they can use when working with less experienced people. You can also work with people in your community you know-- many seniors decide to downsize and sell their homes when retirement rolls around.
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As you enter retirement, the amount of free time you now have can feel daunting. To make the most of your golden years, fill your days with activities and experiences that will enrich your life. Learning to cook or expanding your culinary repertoire is a great way to improve your overall health while having fun. Dance classes keep you active and social. Finally, those who love the thrill of making a dollar can look into part-time, flexible work like becoming a real estate agent.
Reference: This post is by guest blogger Karen Weeks of http://elderwellness.net (Karen Weeks is retiree who decided to learn how to design websites and created elderwellness.net. She encourages other retirees to learn a new skill and believes nothing is off limits to seniors.)
Holden & Campbell, LLC – Annapolis Estate Planning Attorneys