Plan Retired Life

How will you spend your 40 hours?

Your First Steps to a Fulfilling Retirement

Retirement is not the end of your story — it’s the beginning of a new chapter. The most successful retirees don’t just “fill time” they create a lifestyle that brings purpose, joy, and connection. The Plan Retired Life guide will help you start exploring activities that fit who you are and what you value.

How do you choose your right activities? Choose activities that give you a reason to get up in the morning. Stay connected! Relationships are the single biggest factor in long-term happiness. Pick activities you genuinely enjoy. Your retirement should be fun.

Activity ideas to explore:

  • Volunteer Your Skills – Mentor students, help nonprofits, or join community boards.

  • Lifelong Learning – Take classes (local colleges, online platforms like Coursera, edX, or community centers).

  • Travel Close to Home – Explore local museums, parks, and day trips you’ve never had time for.

  • Creative Expression – Painting, music, woodworking, photography — hobbies keep the brain sharp.

  • Health & Fitness – Walking groups, yoga, swimming, or senior fitness classes.

  • Social Clubs – Book clubs, gardening groups, or coffee meetups.

  • Outdoor Adventure – Hiking, fishing, biking, or even gentle camping trips.

  • Family Time – Create traditions: weekly dinners, game nights, or story-sharing with grandchildren.

  • Mindfulness & Reflection – Journaling, meditation, or spiritual practices for inner peace

Tip: Try at least one new activity per month in your first year of retirement. Keep a journal of how each experience makes you feel. This builds a roadmap to your ideal lifestyle.

5-Step Quick Plan for your retirement.

  • List Your Interests – Write down 5 things you’ve always wanted to try.

  • Identify Your Strengths – What skills or experiences could you share with others?

  • Set a Small Goal – Example: Join a walking group by next month.

  • Build a Weekly Routine – Balance social, physical, and creative activities.

  • Review & Adjust – Every month, ask yourself: Am I satisfied with retirement? What should I add or change?

Do not:

  • Wait until boredom sets in before making a plan.

  • Overload your schedule and burn out.

  • Ignore social connection. Isolation is one of the biggest retirement challenges.

Planning your retirement lifestyle doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right structure and support you can design a retirement that’s meaningful, balanced, and exciting.

The self paced retirement planning worksheets available from planretiredlife.com will coach you through the planning process so that you can begin a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement starting from day one.

If you go to the website you can subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive stories about activities you can try to help you expand your horizons and discover new activities.

Reclaim your 40 hours.