The kids are grown and have their own families. Now you’re standing in a house that feels way too big and eerily quiet. It’s a weird mix of emotions: relief, maybe a little sadness, but also a whole lot of “What do I do now?” Retirement is your time to figure that out. Not by just keeping busy for the sake of it, but by actually building a life that excites you enough to get you out of bed in the morning.
Get Out and Make Some Friends
Let’s be real. When your kids moved out, you realized your social life revolved around their schedules. What have you done since then? It’s time to put yourself out there. Find a local club, a fitness class, or even a hobby group. Ever wanted to try pickleball? Now’s the time. Websites like Meetup make it easy to find people who share your interests. There’s no excuse to sit at home scrolling through Facebook wondering what everyone else is up to.
As a resident at any Wesley community, there are countless clubs, like woodshop and book clubs, led by your fellow residents as well as other fun activities.
Start Writing. Yes, You Have Something to Say
Maybe you’re not the kind of person who spills their guts in a diary, but blogging or even just keeping a digital journal can be a game-changer. You don’t need to be Hemingway to put your thoughts down. It’s not about writing the next bestseller. It’s about processing this new chapter of life. Who knows? You might even build a little online community of people going through the same thing, swapping stories and tips on how to make this phase something to look forward to.
Learn Something New Without Leaving the Couch
If you’ve ever thought about going back to school but didn’t want to sit in a classroom full of teenagers, now’s your chance. Online learning makes it easier than ever to pick up a new skill or even earn a degree. Whether it’s a Bachelor’s in Business Administration to finally launch that side hustle you’ve been dreaming about or something totally different—like graphic design or psychology—there’s an online program for it. Or maybe you just enjoy learning about new things. Wesley offers engaging classes for adults 55+ through our Wesley U program. The best part? You can learn for fun or earn your degree in your pajamas, coffee in hand, without battling rush-hour traffic.
Travel with a Purpose (or Just for Fun)
Your vacations can now revolve around what you want. Wine tours, hiking excursions, cooking retreats — there’s no shortage of experiences that cater to your interests instead of someone else’s. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even look into long-term travel or home-swapping opportunities to really shake things up. And yes, you can still take trips with your kids and grandkids.
Do Some Good While Seeing the World
If you’re the type who gets restless just sitting on a beach, volunteering abroad could be the perfect mix of travel and purpose. Organizations all over the world need help in education, conservation, and community development. You don’t need a special degree to lend a hand. Teaching English, helping with wildlife rescue, or working on sustainability projects could be the kind of fulfilling experience that adds real meaning to your travels. Plus, it gives you a chance to immerse yourself in new cultures instead of just passing through as a tourist.
Reassess Your Insurance — Because Adulting Never Ends
As a retiree, your financial responsibilities have changed. It might be time to take another look at your insurance policies. Do you still need as much life insurance? Are you covered well enough for health emergencies? It’s worth sitting down and figuring out where you can trim unnecessary expenses while making sure you’re still protected. And if you’ve been putting off getting long-term care insurance, now’s a good time to consider it. Because let’s face it, we’re not getting any younger.
Find Your People Online
Social media isn’t just for checking in on what your kids are doing (though let’s be honest, that’s part of it). There’s a whole world of seniors out there sharing advice, humor, and support for this phase of life. Instagram, Facebook groups, and even YouTube channels offer everything from travel tips to home downsizing strategies. Following a few relatable influencers or joining a group of like-minded people can help you feel less alone in this transition.
Retiring isn’t the end of anything. It’s just a new chapter. All those things you swore you’d do if you ever had the time? Well, now you’ve got it. Whether that means picking up a new hobby, meeting new people, traveling, or just finding ways to stay busy, the goal is to build a life that actually feels good. The kids are off doing their thing. Make sure you’re doing yours, too.